Wallingford Selectboard Minutes
Selectboard Minutes Index Present:
Bill Brooks, Joan Crowley, Charlie Angel, Joshua Gilman, and Visitors: Joyce
Barbieri, Charlie Woods, and Sandi Switzer Chair B. Brooks called the
Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Minutes. The minutes of December 20th were approved on a motion made by C. Angel and seconded by J. Crowley. Motion carried (3-0). J. Gilman abstained. Selectboard Orders.
B. Brooks made a motion to approve the pay orders
totaling $6,546.01, which was seconded by J. Crowley. Motion
carried (4-0). FY12 Budget.
The Selectboard reviewed at length
the proposed budget figures for FY12. Projected
revenues remain much the same as the previous year.
It was unknown at this time the projected amount of tax Administration:
Listers salaries and duties were
discussed at length. A 2% salary
increase for all employees was inserted as a starting point.
There have been no salary increases for two years. Insurance:
Insurance was budgeted at $69,000, up from $67,000.
However, Julie noted that this expense was under budgeted last year
because most all the insurance premiums are paid on a calendar year.
Town Government Operations:
It was agreed that office expense
should increase $1,000 to $11,000 to purchase two new computers.
Legal expenses are difficult to budget for and were lowered from $5,000
to $3,000. Expenditures (Contributions):
Although the Selectboard approved this budget at the last meeting, Joyce
asked that those agencies that were approved for $250 across the board, but
asked for less, should only be given what they received last year.
Therefore, the contribution amount for eight agencies was level funded.
The Ralph Stafford Scholarship amount will be provided by Dave Ballou
once he receives the year-end statements. Highway Department: Charlie
Woods participated in the budget discussion for his department.
The 2000 Grader desperately needs its original six tires replaced at a
projected cost of $1,100 apiece. Charlie
discussed the grading schedule and lobbied that a third highway person would
help out tremendously with this task. The Selectboard assessed the
pros and cons on whether a used
or new backhoe is the better option to replace the 1990 Backhoe. No decision was
made; however, in the meantime, $14,000 was entered to reflect a five-year loan
in the amount of $62,000. 5302 Equipment-Misc. was increased $4,000 so that a
wood chipper could be purchased next summer.
Joyce questioned the proposed budget on several line items because their
YTD expenses are well under those amounts. Most
of the figures stayed the same except that 5306 1999 International Truck was
lowered to $500 and 5330 Sterling Truck was lowered to $1,500. The Selectboard discussed F.
Bruce’s proposed paving projects for next year, which included partially
paving Hawkins, An
energy audit performed on the 50+ year old Town Garage found several
deficiencies including minimal insulation, both in the building and five
overhead doors, and inadequate and outdated electric that all have a significant
expense associated with replacing them. The
Town’s insurer also found some potential hazards during their inspection that
require attention. Since the Town
Hall has had significant improvements made to it over the years, Joyce
recommended allocating the cell tower income ($17,300 in FY12) for the Town
Garage instead of the Town Hall to avoid additional borrowings. She
also recommended that the Building Committee merge with the Energy Committee and
come up with a proposal on
whether to replace or rehabilitate the garage.
She will approach the Energy Committee at their meeting this week.
The Selectboard agreed to move the $17,300 from the Building Fund to a new line item to
create a Town Garage Sinking Fund. Public Safety.
J. Gilman and C. Angel made their arguments for not raising the
Constable’s budget to $6,000, stating that they do not want Capital Expenses:
Capital expenses are proposed at $53,180, which includes a new line item
for repairs to the The
Selectboard discussed whether to budget for the reclamation of the pit and
agreed that a lot more discussion has to be held with the public on what the end
result should be at the property. In
the meantime, the Conservation Commission will have to keep their trail
improvements, etc. to the south side of the property.
B. Brooks reported that Tom Phillips recently told him about the
improvements he may be planning for his property.
B. Brooks would not be against Mr. Phillips throwing gravel over the hill
onto the town’s property if he grades his property.
The Selectboard agreed that this offer to Mr. Phillips should be in
writing, which will also be subject to the Selectboard receiving and approving
of Mr. Phillips’ planned improvements to the land.
This offer is subject to Mr. Phillips obtaining all necessary state and
local permits. B. Brooks will
prepare a draft letter for approval at the next meeting.
Recreation:
Since there has been no more word
from the Recreation Committee Chair, the recreation budget was level funded
except that the capital expenditures budget was increased $2,600 for a new roof
at the lake building. The Recreation
Expense budget is proposed at $24,000. Julie
will begin preparing a grant application to help fund a pavilion at the rec
field. Dept. of Taxes Equalization Study.
The Department of Taxes equalization study report showed the Town’s
equalized education property values at $225,606,000, a coefficient of dispersion
of 11.50%, and a common level of appraisal of 104.54% effective 1/1/11.
Last year’s figures were $229,951,000, 12.80%
and 102.45% respectively. B. Brooks moved to enter
executive session at 8:52 p.m. with J. Barbieri and J. Sharon present, to
discuss the salary budget. J.
Crowley seconded the motion. Motion
carried (4-0). The Selectboard
returned from executive session at 9:25 p.m.
B. Brooks made a motion to increase the FY12 salary budget 3% over the
current year’s budget for the Town Clerk and Treasurer, Assistant Town Clerks,
Town Administrator, and Transfer Station Attendants, and 5% for the Road Crew.
The motion was seconded by C. Angel.
Motion carried (4-0). There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. |
|
Home
Hours
& Meetings Town Officers
Selectboard Town Clerk
Phone & E-Mail
© Copyright 2010 Town of Wallingford, Vermont |