Town of Atkinson
Budget Committee Meeting Minutes
November 7, 2006
Attending: Mark Acciard-Chairman, Jim Blackadar Vice Chairman, Dave Paquette, Mari Anne Princiotta, Brian Boyle, Paul Tracy and Paul Sullivan ex officio.
Mark called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. Mark informed the Board that we needed to complete the Oath of Appointed Office for both Brian and Mari Anne. The paperwork was prepared and signed by all members and will be provided to the Town Clerk. Next, the board reviewed the minutes from the October 24, 2006 meeting. The following amendments were made to the minutes:
On page three the word dept was changed to debt,
Account # 47110.981 was added to the Debt Principal motion, and
Account # 47210.981 was added to the Debt Interest motion.
Paul S. motioned to accept the minutes as amended/Seconded by Dave/Unanimous 7-0.
The Fire Chief, Mike Murphy presented the following budgets to the board:
Prior to Mike beginning his presentation, both Paul S and Brian stated they would participate in all discussions, but would abstain from voting.
Department Description Liaison
4220 Fire Mari Anne Princiotta
The proposed budget is $338,945, which represents a $16,894 (5.25%) increase over the 2006 budget Mike highlighted the following changes:
Salary/FICA/Medi increases due to the 3% COLA,
State Retirement increase ($50) due to additional members,
Increase in Electricity ($500) due to increased costs,
Increase in Education/Conferences ($1,500) due to additional members,
$200 decrease in postage,
$800 increase in chemicals due to a fire foam additive used in the water,
$5,000 increase in New Equipment for a copier and lap top computer,
$2,500 increase in Minot Equipment/Other repairs since the equipment is getting older,
$500 increase in Medical Supplies based on more calls.
4215 Ambulance Mari Anne Princiotta
Mike informed the board that several local communities are working together to negotiate an ambulance contract together. In addition, he stated that the ambulance company is looking for a location to house an EMT unit. The Atkinson Fire Dept has the capabilities to house an EMT unit. Under this situation, the ambulance stipend to the Town would be zero. Mike stated that this should be worked out by early January. The board has tasked Paul S. to follow this situation and keep the Board informed.
4290 Homeland Security Mari Anne Princiotta
This budget is level funded in the amount of $150.
Jim motioned to preliminarily accept the Fire Dept budget in the amount of $338,945/Seconded by Dave/ Motion passed 5-0 with 2 abstentions.
Jim Motioned to Final accept the Homeland Security budget in the amount of $150/Seconded by Dave/Motion passed 5-0 with 2 abstentions.
The Board then entered into discussion on how to handle the Computer Line within the towns budget. The 2 options are to either keep all computer and computer related expenditures together in one line or segregate these expenditures into the benefiting department. The issue was not resolved.
Paul S. informed the Board that the Towns tax rate has been set at $13.80 which is a decrease from last years rate of $15.49.
Paul S. motioned to adjourn the meeting/Seconded by Mari Anne/Motion passed 7-0. Mark adjourned the meeting at 9:55 PM.
Respectively submitted,
Kjb
Enclosure:
Schedule of Meetings
Schedule of Meetings
Oct 10 No meeting
Oct 17 Recreation, Memorial Day, Community Center, Cable
Oct 24 Russ McAllister, Town Administrator will present his budgets
Oct 31 No meeting
Nov 07 Hospitals/Ambulance, Fire, Homeland Security
Nov 14 Library
Nov 21 Highway
Nov 28 Police, Elderly Affairs All $$ Warrant Articles Due
Dec 05 Elections/Planning Board/ZBA
Dec 12 Finalize $$ Warrant Articles
Dec 19 Conservation
Dec 26 Open
Jan 02 Open
Jan 09 Open
Jan 16 Public Hearing