Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

 

Chairman Hartman opened the public session at 2:00 p.m.

In Attendance:   Selectman David Hartman – Chairman, Selectman David Karrick, Jr., Selectman Clyde Carson, Town Administrator Laura Buono  

1. Joint Selectmen’s Meeting

A Joint Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 beginning at 6:00 p.m. located at the Town Hall followed by a school budget presentation at 7:00 p.m.  

2. 2011 Budget

The Town Administrator has met with all the Department Heads and pointed out some key items:

o      Land-Use legal line was reduced from $7K to $5K; the Town Administrator recommends leaving the reduction.

o      Wage increases for those employees who are eligible for a step increase in 2011; there will be no cost of living increase to the wage scale.

o      The Town Administrator increased health care by 15% for budgeting purposes, pricing from other providers is being researched as well as waiting to hear from the current provider on 2011 rates.

·    If the insurance increase is large will there be further consideration for higher employee contribution.

·    Town’s contribution towards retirement is increasing.

o       The total increase to the operating budget at this point amounts to a .85% increase which includes the Fire Department pumper payment.

o       Transfer Station budget for hauling has been reduced by almost $45K because the hauler is hauling to a different incinerator.  The Board will meet with the hauler (Naughton & Sons) for more clarification on where he intends to haul in 2011.

o       The ambulance billing could also see a change.  The Board of Selectmen has invited the Hopkinton Selectmen to meet on October 26th to discuss the ambulance billing.  There is currently $60K in the budget for ambulance.  

o       Chairman Hartman requested an account of each employee and where they are on the wage scale.

o       The cost of bridging the Tax Collector’s software and the Assessing Clerk’s software will be added to the budget.  This will eliminate double entry of data.

o       The Selectmen will meet with the Department Heads with large capital expenses.  The Town Administrator will put together the Selectmen’s capital expenses.

o       Selectmen Carson recommended updating the assessment of the roads as well as putting together a long term plan.  

3. Catch Basins

The Town will contact the State about the catch basins in front of Wingdoodles and Sugar River Savings Bank; they are considerably lower than the road.  

4. Adjournment

A motion was made at 3:45 p.m. to adjourn.  

 

Board of Selectmen  

David E. Hartman - Chairman
David Karrick, Jr.
Clyde Carson  

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Whalen

Recording Secretary