Budget Committee - Minutes (Final)

Approved Marylou Keane 1-14-16
TOWN OF EPSOM
BUDGET COMMITTEE
JANUARY 7, 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 Superintendant; Karen Guercia, SAU 53 Assistant Superintendant for Special Education; Patrick Connors, Epsom Central School Principal; Don Harty; Jan Santosuosso, Epsom Teachers Association; Luci Weeks
Marylou opened the meeting at 6:35 PM.
Epsom School District
Mr. Connors noted that since the previous meeting the School Board has reviewed the School Budget making reductions in the budget.
Tracey asked the difference between the Default Budget and the proposed budget; Mr. Connors noted $28,389.00.
Line 80 – Mr. Connoprs noted that the ERATE cost has to be in the budget, but it is a reimbursed cost.
Line 380 – Mr. Connors noted that the tuition for Pace Academy is really approximately $10,000.00 per student. He noted that the Town pays $4,283.45 with an Adequaacy Aid Funds being $5,561.27 per student. Virginia asked about the increase in tuition at Pembroke Academy.
Penny noted last year when the committee asked the same question they were told that when the number of students goes down the tuition goes up. Ms. Guercia agreed with this statement. Ms. Guercia noted the tuition is based on the average daily number of students as of October 1. Virginia asked if money would be returned if less students attended Pembroke Academy, she was told it would be.
Mr. Connors discussed the cost of Pace Academy.
Tracy noted an item that struck her the last meeting the School Budget was discussed, was the need to carpet a classroom. Virginia noted that she is aware of this occurring in the past due to a child having hearing issues. Mr. Connors discussed that they attempt to move classrooms around if this is necessary. They have removed the carpeting as it was for replacement of carpeting, not a need to carpet for a student.
Ralph discussed a neighboring town that has funds to off set increases for special needs students or additional high school students. He asked if Epsom has these funds, it has some funds. Ralph asked if Epsom has been budgeting bare bones; Mr. Connors indicated that they have been doing bare bones. It was discussed that a reserve fund was created last year which will be used this year to supplement the budget.
Marylou asked if there has been any discussion regarding more input into tuition, etc. at Pembroke Academy. Bill indicated the School Board is setting up a committee to look into this.
Virginia asked the payoff date of the last bond that the area schools committeed to sending students to Pembroke Academy until that bond is paid off. Dr. Paudi was not sure of the payoff date.
The Town building a high school was discussed with it being noted that it would not be cost effective with the number of students Epsom has.
Warrant Articles
Warrant Article 2 Shall the Epsom School District vote to approve the cost items set forth in the collective baraining agreement reached between the Wpsom 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 attri utable 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]
Mr. Connors discussed the changes agreed to in the health insurance with Dr. Paudi noting it would be saving just shy of $60,000.00. The single plan is now 95/5 with the two person and family plans being 80/20. Ralph asked if the deductibles increased. Deductibles are $250.00 for singles with a $500.00 deductible for the two person and family plans. The increase for salaries and benefits is $24,079. Penny asked if Epsom was the only Town where the Town is paying 95% for a single person with most districts paying 80% for a single plan. Dr. Paudi discussed the different insurance plans. She also discussed the other items within the proposed contract.
It was noted that currently ther are no deductibles and the upcoming Red plan has a deductible of $250.00 per person with co-insurance additional costs totaling an additional out-of-pocket cost of $1,000.00 for a single plan and $2,000.00 for a two-person or family plan in addition to the monthly premiums and out of pocket medical prescription costs of up to $4,000.00. These are the major differences in the plans.
Ralph asked where the health plans are putting the Town with regard to the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Paudi discussed that CIGNA is introducing a new plan as of July 1 that would be the only Cadillac plan available. Dr. Paudi noted that the contract is only for one year.
Mr. Connors noted if the contract passes the new insurance plans will be in place. He said if the contract does not pass the current insurance palns would remain in place.
Penny asked what the teachers and School Board agreed upon for increases in salaries. Dr. Paudi noted it is approximately a 3.5% increase. Penny clarified this would be for all teachers.
Ralph asked how they justify a 3.5% increase when senior citizens are not receiving any increase. It was noted this is a School Board question. Virginia noted that she would have appreciated more School Board members being present and commended Bill for his efforts.
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 Baord 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]
Mr. Connors noted that the $687 increase includes all salaries and benefits for the support staff. There is an approximate $40,000.00 savings in health insurance using the new plans. Mary asked the percentage increase; Dr. Paudi did not have a percentage for this group that includes 30 people.
Warrant Article 4 To see if the District will vote to discontinue the Epsom School District Technology Trust Fund creasted in 1995. Such funds, (Trust Amount $687) 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]
Article 4 was discussed with Marylou requesting no amount be listed so the Trustees of the Trust Funds are able to close out the account. Marylou asked to have the Warrant Article checked by DRA for correctness. Marylou noted that the Trustees do not automatically give the school the money but it has to be specified where the money is going. A deposit voucher form has to be filled out requesting the funds and what it is to be used for.
Hugh asked if there would be a warrant article for the $40,000.00; Bill said he did not feel comfortable with that warrant article this year.
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 specificrescission 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 duringt he fiscal year?
School Board Recommends Approval
Budget Committee Recommends__________
[Estimated tax impact per thousand $0.00]
Ralph was concerned if the Feds would come along and give the school money the voters would have no control over how it would be spent. It was explained this article just gave the Scchool Baord the right to accept funds, etc. if they are available.
Tracey asked if Warrant Articles 5 and 6 could be could be combined. Mr. Connors noted Warrant Article 5 is more for receiving federal grants, etc. with Warrant Article 6 being money from private funds (PTO, EYAA).
Dr. Paudi noted that Warrant Article 5 would not be on the ballot every year where the attorneys have told them Warrant Article 6 should be on the ballot every year.
Warant Article 6 Shall the School District authorize the School Baord 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
Joyce asked what devises included; Hugh explained that it was items turned over to the school by private groups or people.
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.]
Virginia made the recommendation to approve Warrant Article 1, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention.
Virginia noted that someone had told her that no one should abstain unless they have a conflict of interest. It was noted others have heard this also.
It was discussed no motion should be made at this meeting to recommend an Article, but the vote should be conducted at the public hearing.
Ralph motioned to rescind the previsou motion, Joyce seconded the motion. The motion passed.
It was discussed the School Deliberative Session will be February 2, 2016 at the school.
Bill noted the amount of the revenue from other sources is ($4,003,924.59) which will bring the amount necessary from taxes reduced. However, this money has to be appropriated. Mr. Connors discussed the various revenues received by the school.
Epsom Village District
Articles:
7. To see ehat action theDistrict will take upon the Busdget as submitted by the
Budget Committee.
9. To raise and appropriate four thoudand dolalars ($4,000.00) to be added to the
Water System Maintenance Fund.
Gary noted these were the items they put in every year. Tracey verified that the $4,000.00 (Article 9) was from Water District funds. Ralph asked where the operating budget figure was. Gary said it was in Article 7 and has not changed since presented to the Budget Committee.
Library
Marylou discussed the New Library Collection Fund noting the money could only be used for books and no-book items. It can not be used for repairing the roof, etc.
Minutes of January 5, 2016
The minutes of January 5, 2016 were reviewed and amended. Nancy noted on page 6 discussion regarding the evaluation, that Chief Preve reminded her that there was a standard evaluation form adopted in 2011 for use by all town employees.
Dave moved to accept the minutes of January 5, 2016 as amended, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed.
The Committee took a 5 minute break.
Town of Epsom Warrant Articles
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 tha 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 durther 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.
Hugh gave the Budget Committee a copy of information for the proposed Town Office Building. Marylou requested that the discussion on Article 1 be kept to 5 to 10 minutes. Ralph would like a comparison between Article 1 and previous articles as we have a building that has to be maintained.
Nancy noted that the Selectmen will have a public hearing for Article 1 on January 19 at 6:30 PM. Hugh discussed the amount of the proposed bond with the additions added by the Selectmen ($37,000.00 for contingency, $20,000.00 for a Clerk of the Works and $3,700.00 for windows). Hugh noted that the building is 3200 square feet. The original estimate was over 1 million dollars. The Town Office Committee went back to the contractor to see how the amount could be reduced. They determined to add a meeting room on the first floor and not complete the basement at this time. Impact will be .23 cents per thousand for the first two years, with the costs dropping in future years.
The costs for the bond payments were reviewed with the savings of not paying the lease for the present location.
Don felt that it was important for the Bduget Committee to look long term for the next two or three generations. He discussed the amount of rent that could be paid for 30 to 40 years. Ralph felt if more effort had been put into educating the voters about the previous bonds as the figures are not that different. The other thing not included is that the Town has to continue to maintain the other building.
Penny asked the items removed to reduce costs and if money would be needed in the future to complete the project. Don said this is a turnkey project. Don said they reconfigured the building so the meeting room could be on the first floor. He noted if this is approved there would be 3,200 square feet. It was felt that there was a lot of wasted space in the current office. The building as it stands is 6,400 square feet (top & bottom floors). The Emergancy Management Director is looking for grants that could be used to turn the bottom level for use for Emergency Management.
The rear parking area will not be paved at this time. The big cost is not finishing the lower level. The basement will be rough plumbed and insulated. The site work was cut. The contractor went back to the subcontactors who were able to reduce the site work.
Penny asked if the finishing of the down stairs is a hope and would they be returning to the town asking for additional money. Don thought they might return to ask for additional money.
Marylou noted that the Emergency Managmenet Director has been successful in obtaining grants. Hugh noted that if it is a functioning Emergency Operation Center and solar energy is installed grants may be obtained for that also.
Don discussed the current lease is for 10 years. Penny asked if a sprinkler system would be required in the new building, Don noted no. Virginia questioned this for a government building. Virginia asked if there would be a door from the meeting room directly to the outside; there is not one planned. Don said one may be added. Virginia questioned some safety items not noted.
Joyce asked how the meeting room size compared with the size of the one at the Library, it was not known. Penny questioned if the meeting room was the same size of the current one, Don noted it would be smalled than the current meeting room.
Ralph questioned if the vital records room would be fireproofed, etc. due to its location, he was told it would be.
Don noted it was a long process for the committee. He noted that the voters put weight on the recommendation of the Budget Committee and hoped the committee would ask questions to be able to recommend.
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 LIiian Morrison Trust Fund – Police for that pourpose? No amount to be reaised by taxes. Majority vote required. This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.
Hugh noted it would be a manual board with external lighting. The money would come from the Morrison Account.
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.
It was noted the funds would come from the Fire Apparatus Reserve Fund.
Warrant Warrant Warrant Warrant Warrant Warrant Article 5 Article 5 Article 5 Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred Shall the Town raise and appropriate sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. fifty thousand dollars ($150,000. 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund 00) to be added the Capital Reserve Fund previously established for the purpose of reconstruction and improvements to town previously established for the purpose of reconstruction and improvements to town previously established for the purpose of reconstruction and improvements to town roads? Majority vote required. This is a Special Warrant Article and its roads?

This is a Special Warrant Article and its appropriation is in addition to the operating budget.
Virginia asked the amount currently in the fund, Marylou said approximately $250,000.00. Gary asked what the tax impact would be with Nancy indicating approximately 36 cents per thousand.
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.
It was noted the tax impact would be 2.5 to 3 cents per thousand with approximately $31,000.00 in the fund.
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.
Article 7 would have a tax impact of approximately 4 cents per thousand. Ralph asked if any bridges have been identified and is there a schedule to replace them. Hugh noted the Echo Valley Road Bridge is being done this year with the need for the funds for either the Cass Road or Old Turnpike Road bridges to be completed in the future.
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 undesignated 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.
Hugh noted the Board Selectmen have the ability to have a contingency fund if needed.
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.
It was noted this article would have a tax impact of one cent per thousand. Penny asked if the money was used last year; Hugh said the Selectmen are asking for a report on what was completed last year. Virginia asked if anyone who lives on the lake could belong to the Northwood Lake Watershed Association, as no one else knew Betsy said yes. Joyce asked if the money would be requested every year and was told yes.
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.
The Town is looking to establish a revolving fund to pay for the billing and paramedic intercept by other towns. It is contingent on Article 11 passing.
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? Majority 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.
Funds would be taken from the ambulance collections to allow the ambulance fund to pay for the ambulance billing and intercept costs from other towns. Ralph noted originally the Board of Selectmen wanted some of the money, but that did not pass. Hugh noted that the tax impact would be minus 3 cents in future years.
Joyce asked the amount that goes into the fund, Nancy indicated $150,000.00 to $190,000.00 each year.
There will be a separate Public Hearing on Feb. 8 for this article.
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.
Hugh noted Articles 12 and 13 would flow together to increase the elderly and disabled exemptions. Ralph said it would be covering increases in incomes in the past few years.
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.
The Budget Committee does not have to vote on Articles 14 and 15 as they do not contain monetary amounts. Article 15 is a petition article with the Selectmen having added Article 14 to include wind power also. Hugh noted that the two methods also could put electricity back into the grid.
Ralph questioned use for immediate site and the selling of excess electricity. Hugh noted this could be included in the exemption as it would be a small amount of excess electricity.
Warrant Article 2 This article is the Town of Epsom’s budget with the following comments.
Joyce asked if the evaluations used for employees are different for each department as the requirements for each department are different. Nancy said no it is the same form used for all employees.
Nancy reviewed the reductions and increases as voted by the Budget Committee at the Jan. 5 meeting. Ralph asked if the salary increase figure was available. Nancy said the increase is $23,300.00, including all taxes, etc.
Hugh asked if the Emergency Management Director does go to the class in Maryland are travel and meals a cost to the town. Hugh noted that the Emergency Management Director is looking to attend a class in Portland, Maine also. Given this he would like to return $500.00 to the Emergency Management Training Line.
Hugh motioned to increase the Emergency Management Training Line by $500.00, Ralph seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 9 yes and 3 nos.
Dave motioned to increase line $25.00 for increased maintenance costs, Joyce seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 11 yes, 1 no.
Penny asked if the decrease in the value of the Trust Funds is due to the loss in value because they are investment funds. Marylou said that was correct.
Dave motioned to adjourn, Tracey seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Marylou adjourned the meeting at 9:14 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bosiak
Recording Secretary