Budget Committee - Minutes

Approved Marylou Keane 2-5-2016

TOWN OF EPSOM

BUDGET COMMITTEE

JANUARY 14 and 19 2016

Present: Marylou LaFleur-Keane, Chairman; Dave Fiorentino, Vice Chairman; Mary Frambach; Gary Kitson, Water District Representative; Penny Graham; Joyce Heck; Tracey Stephens; Bill Yeaton, School Board Representative; Hugh Curley, Selectmen’s Representative; Virginia Drew; Joni Kitson; Ralph Weeks

Not in Attendance:

Other Attendees: Dr. Gail Paludi, SAU 53 Superintendent; Karen Guercia, SAU 53 Assistant Superintendent for Special Education; Patrick Connors, Epsom Central School Principal; Don Harty; Jan Santosuosso, Epsom Teachers Association; Luci Weeks; Terry Riel; Tim Riel, Bob Paine, Ken Brown; Debbie Sargent; Nick Reid, Concord Monitor Reporter; Al Bush; Nancy Heath; Stephanie Calvin, ESSA; Amy Martel; John Carignan; Harvey Harkness; Richard Frambach; Wayne Preve, Police Chief; Stewart Yeaton, Fire Chief; Chris Pepin; Nancy Claris

January 14, 2016

Marylou reviewed the dates of the deliberative sessions and voting. She noted how audience participation would occur tonight.

Epsom School District

Marylou opened the public hearing on the School District Warrant Articles.

Warrant Article 2 Shall the Epsom School District vote to approve the cost items set forth in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Epsom School Board and the Epsom Teachers Association for the 2016/17 fiscal year which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing level:

Year 2016/17 $24,079

And further to raise and appropriate the sum of $24,079 for the 2016/17 fiscal year, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits required by the new agreement over those that would be paid at current staffing levels?

School Board Recommends Approval

Budget Committee Recommends__________

[Estimated tax impact per thousand $0.06]

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 2. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 2 for the Epsom School District, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 11yes and one abstention.

Warrant Article 3 Shall the Epsom School District vote to approve the cost items set forth in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Epsom School Board and the Epsom Support Staff Association for the 2016/17 fiscal year which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing level:

Year 2016/17 $687

And further to raise and appropriate the sum of $687 for the 2016/17 fiscal year, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits required by the new agreement over those that would be paid at current staffing levels?

School Board Recommends Approval

Budget Committee Recommends__________

[Estimated tax impact per thousand $0.00]

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 3. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 3 for the Epsom School District, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Tracey noted that she would like it in the minutes that the impact would be something, but not considerable.

Virginia noted she again appreciated the School Board’s efforts in negotiations of these contracts.

Warrant Article 4 To see if the District will vote to discontinue the Epsom School District Technology Trust Fund created in 1995. Such funds, (Trust Amount $684.60) with accumulated interest to date of withdrawal, are to be transferred to the School District’s general fund. (Majority Vote Required)

School Board Recommends Approval

Budget Committee Recommends__________

[Estimated tax impact per thousand $0.00]

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 4. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Tracey asked how the fund began. Virginia noted when the computer Lab was first introduced at the school the fund was started.

There being no further Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 4for the Epsom School District, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12yes.

Warrant Article 5 Shall the school district accept the provisions of RSA 198:20-b providing that any school district at an annual meeting may adopt an article authorizing indefinitely, until specific rescission of such authority, the school board apply for, accept and expend, without further action by the school district, unanticipated money from a state, federal or other governmental unit or a private source which becomes available during the fiscal year?

School Board Recommends Approval

Budget Committee Recommends__________

[Estimated tax impact per thousand $0.00]

Marylou asked if therewas public discussion regarding Article 5. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Ralph asked if the Federal government came in with money, either for funded or unfunded mandates would it lower the tax rate. Bill noted it would lower the tax rate.

There being no further Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 5for the Epsom School District, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12yes.

Warrant Article 6 Shall the School District authorize the School Board to accept on behalf of the District, without further action by the voters, gifts, legacies and devises of real or personal property which may become available to the District during the fiscal year?

School Board Recommends Approval

No action on this article is necessary by the Budget Committee as it does not contain any momentary funds.

Warrant Article 1 Shall the Epsom School District vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $10,436,759? Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $10,408,370 which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Epsom School District, or by law, or the governing body may hold one special meeting in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only.

School Board Recommends Approval

Budget Committee Recommends__________

[Estimated tax impact per thousand $1.36]

[Note: Warrant Article #1 (operating budget article) does not include separate Warrant Articles #2, and #3.]

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 1.

Luci Weeks noticed that the Library books was cut to $605.00. She asked if they could make a provision to increase it to $1,000.00 (Line 176). Luci noted that reading is important with the school struggling to get the books the children would like to read.

There being no further public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Tracey asked if there was a decrease in funding for all types of literature for the children. Mr. Connors noted that both the classroom and library books have been reduced. He expressed it is a bare bones budget.

Virginia asked if it was appropriate to revise at this time or at the deliberative session. Bill said the article should be revised at the deliberative session.

Penny asked if the health insurance in the budget was based on the old policy. Dr. Pauldi noted that it included the amounts for the old policy. She noted that Warrant Article 2 was based on using some of these funds to reduce the amount required for the salary increase.

Tracey noted that it has been difficult to sit on the Budget Committee and listen to Mr. Connors discuss cuts necessary due to mandated items. It seems it is a continual downward spiral on the loss of regular supplies due to the mandated costs.

Ralph noted that there is a bill in the State Legislature that would require the Legislature to fund any new mandates.

Virginia noted there was about a $28,000.00 difference between the regular budget and the default budget.

Bill noted that the School Board is hopeful nothing comes up this year as did last year.

There being no further Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 1for the Epsom School District, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Marylou closed the public hearing on the school budget. She thanked the School Board and the SAU for their work on the budget and Warrant Articles.

Epsom Village District

Marylou opened the public hearing on the Epsom Village District budget.

The budget is $204,101.00.

Articles:

7. To see what action the District will take upon the Budget as submitted by the Budget Committee.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 7. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 7 for the Epsom VillageDistrict, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passedby a vote of 12yes.

9. To raise and appropriate four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) to be added to the

Water System Maintenance Fund.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 9.

Tim Riel asked if they anticipate any issues. Gary noted that there were two funds in the past that they have combined as the Water System Maintenance Fund.

There being no further public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Tracey asked why the Budget Committee had to vote on this article. Gary noted that DRA told the Village District it had to be a separate article.

There being no further Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 9 for the Epsom Village District, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Marylou closed the public hearing on the Epsom Village District Warrant Articles.

Town of Epsom Warrant Articles

Marylou opened the public hearing on the Town Budget.

Marylou noted they would begin with Article 3.

Warrant Article 3 Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) to purchase a sign with message board for the Police Department building and authorize the withdrawal of that same amount of three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) from the interest in the Lillian Morrison Trust Fund – Police for that purpose? No amount to be raised by taxes. Majority vote required. This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 3. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 3 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Warrant Article 4 Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500.00) to purchase new swift and ice water rescue equipment and auto extrication equipment and authorize the withdrawal of the same amount of twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500.00) from the Fire Apparatus Reserve Fund for that purpose? No amount to be raised by taxes. Majority vote required. This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 4. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 4 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Warrant Article 5Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00) to be added to the Capital Reserve Fund previously established for the purpose of reconstruction and improvements to town roads? Majority vote required. This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 5. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 5 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Warrant Article 6 Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) to be added to the Capital Reserve Fund previously established for the purpose of purchasing motorized vehicles and equipment for the Highway Department? Majority vote required. This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 6. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 6 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Article 7: Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) to be added to the Capital Reserve Fund previously established for the purpose of bridge replacement and repair? Majority vote required. This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 7. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 7 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Warrant Article 8 Shall the Town vote to establish a contingency fund for the 2016 year for unanticipated expenses that may arise and further raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) from the unassigned fund balance to go into the fund? No amount to be raised from taxation. Any appropriation left in the fund at the end of the year will lapse to the general fund. Majority vote required. This Article and its appropriation are in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 8. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Ralph asked why it did not go back to the unassigned fund balance instead of the general fund. It was noted it would go into the unassigned fund balance.

Virginia asked why it was lapsing; Nancy noted if it was not needed it would not be used.

There being no further Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 8 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Warrant Article 9 Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) to be used by the Northwood Lake Watershed Association for the treatment to control Milfoil in Northwood Lake? Majority vote required. This appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 9. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Ralph asked if Northwood was trying to hold us up again. Hugh said no, they did not indicate if the Town did not give the money the swimming classes could not use the beach.

Virginia asked if there were Epsom people on the Northwood Lake Watershed Association Board. She was told there were Epsom residents on the Board. Virginia has an issue as the Town of Northwood will not allow Epsom residents purchase a pass for the beach.

There being no further Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Gary moved to recommend Article 9 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion failed by a vote of 5 yes and 7 nos.

Warrant Article 10 Shall the Town vote to establish a revolving fund pursuant to RSA 31:95-h, for the purpose of ambulance services and deposit into that fund each year twelve thousand dollars ($12,000.00) of the revenue received from providing ambulance service? These funds shall be allowed to accumulate from year to year and shall not be considered to be part of the Town’s general fund. These funds are to be expended to pay the cost of billing for ambulance services and for paramedic intercepts performed by other towns. The Town Treasurer shall have custody of all monies in the fund and shall pay out the same on the order of the Fire Chief. This article is contingent on the passage of Article 11, and will be void if Article 11 does not pass. Majority vote required.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 10.

Chief Yeaton went on record to support the article. This article would save funds from tax items. He noted that the ambulance brings in significant revenue. He noted that Concord Hospital had done the collections in the past; but has stopped with a private service now doing them.

There being no further public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Ralph noted that it would take education of the voters to have this article pass.

Hugh noted the Board of Selectmen was in support of this article as it would make it easier on the budget every year.

There being no further Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 10 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Warrant Article 11 There presently exists a Fire and Rescue Apparatus Special Revenue Fund, established under the provisions of RSA 31:95-c, into which all of the revenue earned from providing ambulance service is deposited each year, to be expended by Town vote on replacement and maintenance of fire and ambulance apparatus. Are you in favor of changing the amount of revenue deposited into the fund to the amount of revenue received each year in excess of $12,000.00? 2/3 ballot vote required. This article is contingent on the passage of Article 10, and will be void if Article 10 does not pass. 2/3 Ballot vote required.

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 1.

Don Harty asked why a 2/3 ballot vote was required vs. a 3/5 ballot vote. Nancy noted that per DRA a 2/3 ballot vote was required for this article to pass

There being no further public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 7 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Warrant Article 12 Shall the Town vote to increase the amount and eligibility requirements of the previously adopted Elderly Exemption, per RSA 72:39b, as follows: for 64-74 years of age, increase from thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) to forty-five thousand dollars ($45,000.00); for 75-79 years of age, increase from sixty thousand dollars ($60,000.00) to seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000.00); and change the eligibility requirements by increasing the income limit for singles from eighteen thousand four hundred dollars ($18,400.00) to twenty-one thousand seven hundred seventy-five dollars ($21,775.00); increase the combined income limit for married couples from twenty-six thousand four hundred dollars ($26,400.00) to twenty-nine thousand four hundred seventy-one dollars ($29,471.00) and increase the assets from not to exceed thirty –five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) to not exceed fifty-five thousand DOLLARS ($55,000.00)? The exemption amount for 80+ years of age would remain at one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000.00). Majority vote required.

Warrant Article 13 Shall the Town vote to increase the eligibility requirements of the Disabled Exemption, previously adopted per RSA 72:37B, as follows: increase the single income limit from eighteen thousand four hundred dollars ($18,400.00) to twenty-one thousand seven hundred seventy-five dollars ($21,775.00); increase the married income limit from twenty-five thousand four hundred dollars ($25,400.00) to twenty-nine thousand four hundred seventy-one dollars ($29,471.00) and increase the assets from not to exceed thirty –five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) to not exceed fifty-five thousand DOLLARS ($55,000.00)? Majority vote required.

Warrant Article 14 Shall the Town vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:65 through 72:68, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value for property tax purposes, for person owning real property which is equipped with any wind powered energy system intended for use at the immediate site? Such property tax exemption shall be in the amount equal to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying equipment under these statutes. Majority vote required.

Warrant Article 15 To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:61 through RSA 72:64 inclusively, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value, for property tax purposes, for persons owning real property, which is equipped with solar energy systems intended for use at the immediate site. Such property tax exemption shall be in the amount equal to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying equipment under these statutes. BY PETITION. Majority vote required.

Marylou noted that articles 12 through 15 do not require a recommendation by the Budget Committee as they are not raising funds.

Virginia asked if these articles passed could it change the overall tax rate. Hugh noted that it could have an impact. Articles 12 and 13 are showing the increase in values for properties.

Nancy commented that article 13 changes the eligibility limits. It does not change the exemption amounts. Article 12 does change the exemption amounts.

Hugh noted that regarding articles 14 and 15, article 15 was submitted by petition. It is for private use, not commercial use. If someone puts an array on their roof they would not be taxed.

Article 1

Warrant Article 1 Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of seven hundred ninety-eight thousand three hundred eighty-one dollars (798,381.00) to construct a Town Office building, including but not limited to site work, septic, water and parking, and authorize the issuance of not more than seven hundred ninety-eight thousand three hundred eighty-one dollars (798,381.00) of bonds or notes for that purpose in accordance with the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), and to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon, and further to raise and appropriate the sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars (13,500.00) for the Bond Counsel fee and first year’s interest payment? (3/5 ballot vote required) [Passage of this article shall override the 10 percent limitation imposed on this appropriation due to the non-recommendation of the budget committee.] This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.

Marylou noted that the Board of Selectmen bond hearing would be held on Tuesday. The Budget Committee could recommend or not tonight, but they should attend on Tuesday as if there is a change the Budget Committee would have to vote again.

Virginia clarified the public hearing would begin at 7:00 PM.

Marylou reviewed the article.

Ralph reviewed the history of the Town Office issues. He noted that in the past the Town voted to accept the Meetinghouse and a grant with the commitment to preserve the building was accepted. There were several committees to complete the building for its use as a Town building. It was rejected by the employees as it did not have natural light. The cost to renovate the Meetinghouse was approximately 1.2 or 1.3 million dollars. It was a larger building and was larger than the current space. It would have provided additional parking for the Library, Town Offices and the Town Hall. It would have added another access to Route 4, 9 & 202. When this was last brought before the voters there was no provision made for a bond hearing. It went down the tubes. Later the Selectmen put together a Town Office Committee for a building at some location. The Committee did a proposal at a cost of approximately 1.1 million dollars. It was to be built from scratch. The Selectmen knew that it would not pass for 1.1 million dollars. They requested the cost be reduced. It was, with no paving of the parking area, finish one floor, etc. The new location is going to require a well for water which may or not be gotten on the first drill. The facility at the Meetinghouse would have provided for water at the Library, Meetinghouse and Town Hall. It would have provided for potable water with a fire hydrant. He applauds the Selectmen want to take money out of the unassigned fund to pay for the building as it would not affect the tax rate. He feels it would be good to get the Town out of the current building. At some point we are going to have to come to grips with the Meetinghouse.

He noticed the design at the Meetinghouse was a complete building, including up and down stairs. Marylou noted that we are here to recommend or not recommend Article 1. The public hearing is Tuesday.

Debbie Sargent noted if the Budget Committee is making documentation re the existing building the tax payers have not said they are not against the building, there was never anything from the taxpayers to pay for that building.

Don noted there was a vote to use the Meetinghouse as town offices, the Selectmen had a vote and it was no. The second year it came back as a resounding no.

Don discussed a past vote for the School Board budget and people told him what part of no you don’t understand.

Don discussed the plan for the proposed new building. He noted that it has 3200 square feet vs. 4500 square feet with 3200 square feet in the lower level that could be used for an Emergency Management Center or a voting location if the school could not be used.

Don discussed the use of the unassigned fund to cut the cost to the tax payer in half. It would save the interest of the bond. The town has been batting around proposals for years. Don felt to go forth to the voters without a recommendation from the Budget Committee would be suicide.

Marylou reiterated the public hearing is Tuesday night.

Penny wanted to correct Ralph on some things. The grant was used for renovations and other items on the Meetinghouse. She noted that this was presented to us a week ago, with changes last Monday. She asked when changes could be made. Nancy noted the deadline for petition bond articles was last Friday. She noted that this was brought forward prior to last week. She discussed the law was the last day for the Selectmen to hold a public hearing was on January 19. Everything is per the RSA.

Penny noted that for 4 years the Selectmen voted not to turn money back to decrease taxes. She felt the money in the unassigned fund should be used to defer taxes.

Hugh noted this would be offsetting taxes.

Hugh discussed that with the use of the lower level it would get the Town out of the lease as it would be a 6400 square foot building.

Penny asked why it was recommended 2 -1 by the Selectmen.

Hugh noted the question came up Monday to shift the financing. He voted no as it was a better way to show apples to apples with the other project.

Virginia noted if the Meetinghouse was presented that way it might have been a different story.

Nancy noted that the Budget Committee has info regarding the unassigned fund balance. Some years the Selectmen have used the money to offset taxes. Some years they have drawn it down below what should have been. They have not used that money to build the fund up. DRA would like the Town to have 5 to 10 % of the fund in reserve.

When the Meetinghouse came up 2 years ago the funds had just come back up. It was not brought up by the Selectmen, she did not think it would have been a wise use of the money. The 10% that year was different than the 10% this year.

Ralph asked if the approximate $400,000.00 from the fund balance are she and the Selectmen comfortable with the reaming balance. Nancy noted speaking for herself she is assuming there will be money going back to the fund this year. She was not comfortable with the entire amount coming out.

Virginia asked if the Budget Committee is having a meeting on January 19 can they revote. She would like to hear public input. Penny clarified that public hearing might change their vote.

Tracey felt the Budget Committee should vote tonight.

Marylou asked if the members could attend Tuesday, they indicated they could. Marylou determined the meeting would be continued until January 19.

Warrant Article 2

Article 2 Shall the Town of Epsom raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $3,252,815? Should this article be defeated, the operating shall be $3,208,271, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Town or by law, or the governing body may hold one special meeting in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only.

Estimated impact of the operating budget on the current tax rate: ($ .65) less

Estimated impact of the default budget on the current tax rate: ($ .76) less

Marylou asked if there was public discussion regarding Article 2. There being no public discussion, Marylou closed the public comment period.

Marylou asked if there was Budget Committee discussion.

Penny asked what was included in the default budget, questioning if pay raises were included. Nancy indicated no new pay raises were included. Penny verified that everyone’s salaries are the same as 2015.

Gary verified that the rate is less than this year’s rate. Nancy clarified that it was. Nancy noted that the amount did not include the amount in the warrant articles.

Penny noted that it was confusing as people might understand it better, listing a decrease in the tax rate. Bill discussed the wording used by the school district that would make it easier to understand.

The wording was discussed on the impact on the tax rate.

Change “an as“.

There being no Budget Committee discussion, Marylou closed the Budget Committee discussion period.

Virginia moved to recommend Article 2 for the Town of Epsom, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 12 yes.

Hugh noted that if anyone would like to serve on the Budget Committee there would be positions open next year.

The Committee took a 2 minute break.

Revenues

Marylou noted that they had been given the Town revenues for 2015 and the estimated revenues for 2016.

Nancy noted she would be adding the revenues that would be coming out of the Warrant Articles.

Virginia motioned to recommend the estimated revenue amounts for 2016 of 1,463,845, Mary seconded. Motioned passed with 12 yes.

Minutes of January 7, 2016

The minutes of January 7, 2016 were reviewed and amended.

Bill moved to accept the minutes of January 7, 2016 as amended, Ralph seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Marylou recessed the meeting until January 19 at 7:00 PM.

The meeting recessed at 8:43 PM.