Meeting opened at 6:10 p.m.

In attendance: Selectman David E. Hartman – Chairman, Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt and Selectman Richard A. Cook, Town Administrator Laura Buono

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present: Martha Mical

The work session focused on the creation of the 2007 budget. Laura previously sent out requests to all the Departments Heads for 2007 budget input. The direction to the Department Heads was to keep within a 2.5% increase.

Laura has made some minor changes in the Town Officers Expenses; it is broken down by Appraisal, Tax Collector and Selectmen’s Office. Bottom line increase to those lines is 2.1%, part of that increase is pick-ups in Appraisal, the Selectmen agreed that pick-ups should remain with the outside contractor (Commerford, Neider, Perkins), Laura will make the adjustments to the Appraisal line deducting pick-ups and the mileage related to pick-ups. To date wages have not been addressed. The 2.1% increase is generated by breaking down the Town Officers Expense line, supplies and a slight increase to the Appraisal hours.

Selectman Cook added that Richard Cutting spoke with him about a M4 mapping program. Mr. Cutting offered a demonstration of the program. The Selectmen are interested and will have Laura arrange a time for the demonstration.

Town Clerk’s budget has added the cost of a new computer.

The telephone breakdown was discussed and it was agreed that beginning in 2007 the cost of the telephone will be budgeted within the Selectmen’s office (Town Hall Expense). With the new system all calls are made on the next available line which makes it impossible to breakdown for each individual department within the Town Hall.

The Old Grade School budget was reviewed. The Selectmen would still like to meet with the preschool and daycare representatives regarding their services and the Town’s portion that support those services.

In reviewing the Police Department budget it was agreed to combine animal control into contract services. A second part-time position has been added to the budget. The Selectmen need clarification on the money allocated for uniforms.

Laura recommended increasing the stipend for the Emergency Management Director. The Selectmen will consider the recommendation when reviewing all wages.

No changes within the Conservation Commission and Health Officer budget.

Laura informed the Board that after consulting with the Treasurer it was agreed that the TAN (Tax Anticipation Note) could be removed. Based on the advisement from the Treasurer and TA the Board agreed to remove TAN from the budget.

Next work session will be held on October 31, 2006.

Motion to adjourn 8:30 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

David E. Hartman – Chairman
Wayne Eigabroadt
Richard A. Cook