Good afternoon. This is the Towns and Finance Committee meeting. I apologize for a little bit of late start. We were trying to get some technology in the room in the kitchen. So, we're calling the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. We'll call attendance, please.
>> Oh, Sam Grant, >> Dave Walker, present. >> Carol is present. Mary Jane Churchill present present. >> D present. And we had one excused absence. Um the this meeting is being recorded. It's
available for playback on the Towns and YouTube channel as well as the playback on the uh TAM local channel. Is anybody else recording this meeting? Not being heard. Considering that nobody
else is recording this meeting, we'll continue. um additions or deletions. Um at this point I have no additions or deletions to the agenda. Um okay, moving into work session. >> I had to review the minutes from March
10th and 17th. Has everybody had the chance to review? >> Yes, he did. Do we have >> I'll make a motion to accept the minutes for March 10th and 17th. Do you want to do them both?
>> We can change it. >> I'll second. >> Okay. So, we have a motion and a second. Um, any discussion, questions? No changes? >> Good to me. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Um always it's kind of nice. Um so um a vote in the um affirmative is to accept the minutes as presented. All in favor? >> All opposed? Unanimous. The meeting minutes are
accepted and there would >> Thank you. Um, next on the agenda tonight is the hiring freeze exception um that was submitted by the board of health. Um, I
did try to put a little bit of background in this. I don't know if anybody saw the email. >> Yeah, you said that this was somebody already had the certifications that they need and and >> replacing someone who's going on a leave.
>> Mhm. Right. Yep. And and again, it's similar to Yeah. The >> paid out of the board out of the recycling centers fund. >> Um Yeah. Yep. So that's >> Is that an enterprise fund? >> It's not an enterprise fund. It's a revolving fund. >> Yep. >> So it is a revolving fund. The hours
really aren't changing. Um they're still having the same staffing level. It's just that this person is being hired for um the extended u question. >> Yep. is you said somebody's going on
leave. Does that mean that assuming they were there are two the one going on leave, one who's already there and staying there and then the third one coming in. Does the second one returning? >> Um
in the end, >> um it may be, but the hours still don't change. You've now got three people splitting the same number of hours. Okay. Um that's fine. And this person already has the um mass dot card um and approval. So
>> and it's ready to start. >> Does he have the skids? >> Yes. >> Oh, good. >> Yeah. Excellent. >> Okay. I make a motion that we >> What are we doing? We we recommend the an exception to the >> Oh, we recommend an exception to the
hiring freeze for the board of health recycle center employee >> to replace well um to replace the hours for now for the leave. Yeah. >> to to
>> um >> to replace the hours. Um no to >> to toill the fill the hours of the person that is on leave >> and again >> to assume the hours of the person on leave.
>> Yeah. Now it and that also gives the other people the opportunity if they can't be there they've now got an additional trained person that's that's available to um to provide hours. So it gives them a little more flexibility. Yeah.
>> So, she only has two people up there. >> Um I think this three and this would be the fourth. >> Okay. >> Um but there was also another person that uh for the next six weeks I think it is that uh can't can't work the hours. So
there will be fillings up there along with this the person that that has the license and can be >> okay. Yeah, I'll second. >> Thank you. So, we had a motion in a second. Any further discussion or questions?
None being heard. >> So, how many people are they supposed to have working now? >> Minimum two. >> I know at a time, but how many should they have on a payroll? Because not every they can't always see. It's this hiring priest thing that really I know.
I >> It's >> and I understand this. I I get it, >> right? It's it's a six month and and that's why, you know, so it's kind of like for 6 months. Um it's not just feeling it's not a short-term feeling. So
>> what would happen if we really did have a freeze? Um, >> if we if we had a true freeze, >> I guess a true purpose of the freeze is to
>> not mess with the town's budget. These all have been accessories funded by themselves. >> Okay. And this is where the but we still have discussed here before of at least us advising even if it's constantly a
yes. >> Okay. If we were a grand jury, history would say we say yes every time a prosecutor comes in that has been broken there and it can be broken here. Understand? But we at the same time this
is not affecting the town budget which affects the town taxpayer. But it as it was indicated the indirect cost. >> Yeah. >> Well, I have to have that proven to me. >> You understand what I'm saying?
>> Yeah. I heard the what's his name? >> But how much is the town administrators? >> Do we know how much indirect costs really are? I mean, are they minimal or are they somewhat substant? I mean >> it it would I I think it really depends
on the person and and the extent of what they're what they're doing in in this case. Um it would be need to be a Cy check. Um >> but they don't pay for those. I don't believe >> I thought they were free. It depends on
>> on your level I think. I bet they that would that check. And I know if they don't have two people up there, they can't help them. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. Because of safety. >> The safety. You're you're you're running the equipment. You're you're lifting and
toing lots of the heavy things. And you need you need to be able to have somebody there. That's a second. >> So, >> okay. >> Yeah. No, no. It's kind of like it's always been our sport and we had
>> Oh, recycle center. >> Well, that's it. It's kind of like and this is this time of year >> um it's normally twice a month but um this is now part of it's open every week from now until >> midmay I think the 16th of May so it's
every weekend so having you know hiring this person would >> allows the opportunity for it to be open as as the post >> I understand your pain I do >> but
I just don't understand why why >> and I and I understand you know Sam saying >> I do understand what Sam's saying but it's like >> but I I do you know when I say hiring freeze it should have been maybe caveat
word differently >> well we we brought that up we actually did bring that up at the last joint meeting with the select board suggesting that we >> we did >> institute a thing say and and um they kind of said No, we shouldn't do that. I've
>> kind of what Sam had indicated >> as just a Yeah, just to just to maintain an oversight that So there's no So there's no uh oversight that happens that that we didn't get a chance to. >> Well, they they're not trying to bring somebody in on a revol
budget thing or some kind of but >> I think you're right, J. You probably should have been a little bit worded differently, but that's all right. I'm getting used to that. That's good. We're good.
>> The finance committee is advisory only. That's right. But the public knows if they feel like knowing that none of nothing happening in the financial world in the town is not being observed and and looked at.
Understand? Even >> No, I do understand. I I do. >> I do. I mean, I I do understand that and that's what troubles me because the the the selectman don't listen to us necessarily.
>> The people might. >> Yeah. >> I guess we only care about the people. >> Yeah. So, we have to be very certain the we can advise a blank wall if that's what but at least we have the responsibility of people hear us because I think we have very good judgment
personally. I don't know that showed >> at the um at the special town. >> I think it showed at the special time meeting. >> Yeah. What do you really consider? >> Because we were asked a couple of times. >> Yes. Yes.
>> Why we voted um the way we did? Yeah. So, >> and I have heard from some residents, other residents that appreciate the work that is being done. >> So, they are listening. It's good to know they're listening because it's on their behalf that we're >> Yeah. >> we're trying to do
>> our job. >> Okay. So, we'll >> Okay. >> Any further discussion on the hiring freeze? We haven't voted on it yet. >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> No, you that's okay.
>> So, um are we going to recommend um the exception it So, the motion was to recommend the exception to the highway. >> So, Vote in the affirmative is recommending that. >> Yes. Um all in favor.
>> All oppose. None being unanimous. We will send our recommendation forward. >> Who seconded that mot? >> I did. You did. Yes. >> Okay. So after last meeting
um we received a new omnibus budget and uh >> I forgot to print it. >> I tried printing it. It was so tiny. I put I printed one page and it was so tiny what I got. >> I I was going to say
>> there's not that many changes. >> I don't think there's a lot of changes. Um so we're gonna just the changes. >> I think so. It is kind of like I will I will bring up the it will be on the screen behind it. That's what I was trying to do with the other small screenings. At least have a second
screening we could look at. But uh >> what were >> listen? >> Well, that may mean he won't accept the job if we want him to do it. You think that's statement he was kind of >> No, I don't think he was necessarily
making that statement. >> He was agreeing with our sound judgment. >> Well, the one paper that I was able to take time to read was the one that came through from Don that came from somewhere else to him that said this is
what these towns are paying these this is what these towns per capita. >> Yep. um in other words, how what's the average of everybody's salary uh or income and uh this is the number of people per town. So it gave a pretty
good idea that we're um basically pennies on a dollar in a surrounding neighborhood, but it also did I not just our neighborhood unless I didn't have in there something about um similar towns a little farther distance. Yeah. Or
somebody that looks like us but is over there and And >> was it men? >> Yeah. The only one that's closed and there was West Boston and who knows I don't even know who
>> Boilston has issues because they also did somebody chief of police because of the flag or they they they have like really weird issues. >> Oh really? >> And and I think they've had two town administrators in a year and I don't think it's about money. I think it's
about stuff is going on there, >> you know, weirdness. >> They had two women resigned. They don't really have chief in place. So, this shake up. >> Yeah. Okay. So,
um do we want to start with the on the bus budget? >> Y >> we want to do it. We want to do it. >> Okay. So I just got to get that all. >> So child administrator went down to 140 170 >> well 170 it's budgeted out because you
have to budget for the full amount >> right. So >> but if they hire somebody at 150 then they were $20 >> for the good >> that's good >> $10,000 but that's good.
>> Yeah. So that that was he that update was as a result of >> he said dur he made during the meeting when we were having the discussion >> negotiation >> we we had strong discussions and uh he
took it um so >> yeah he did mention that at the end of the meeting after recording this >> um trying to get it in here >> on a PDF I can't hide columns and things, so I may have to >> go back and forth some.
>> Did he send an updated recap? Did the recap sheet >> the recap sheet >> has uh changed based on the budget >> based on just so just the budget item. >> That's Yeah, that's that's really all I could see that would change on the recap, but recap.
>> That's fine. So then we just the budget. We don't need to go through the recap again. Starbucks isn't generating tons of extra tax money. I >> want to tell you something. I was there all the high school kids that beautiful.
>> Well, the only question for that is okay. Does that mean they stopped going to Duncan? >> Yes. >> Or or these, >> you know. So, so it's not like twice as expensive as >> well. See, that's the thing. now sales. So there's going to be
>> they stamped the name on every one of those beans that they before they cut them chopped them up. >> Um Don on line 30 the the reserve fund. >> Yeah. >> Um for FINROM is that at 30,000? I have a
note with 325. >> Okay. >> Well, that's gone up and down. Um, do you want to is do we want to stick with board of selectment budget go all the way through? >> Okay. All right. >> Um, and then we'll we'll get to that one. >> Okay. All right. That's fine. >> But we're just going to do the changes, right?
>> Um, we can just do the changes, but and they may be highlighted here in yellow. It's kind of like because the 170 is up on the >> Is it yellow? >> Yeah. I can see colors. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. If you if you need to see it, I can try to pull it up. >> Okay. >> Just tell me what it is.
>> Peach and yellow. >> Peach and yellow. You know, we weren't far off last year calling our budget the peach budget because the cherry sheet is called the cherry sheet because the original color in the paper is cherry. >> So, we're right in line with the state of Massachusetts.
>> Okay. So, the law this second line, the executive assistant is sitting at 53,777%. >> Yeah. Uh the >> Does that represent a increase? >> 2% I believe. 2%. Yeah.
>> Now, I have a question on these automatic increases. >> I know I've probably talked about it 100 times. Bear with me. >> So, are they just because you've sat there for a year that you get it or are they based on merit and performance?
>> Um, service, right? >> Usually, he is a service just like step increases. But it was step increases for for your annual. So it would be based on on being being in the jar for the amount of time what step what step you started
at then you increase by the step. So >> it's not based on performance. >> It's not >> I guess that's where it's going. >> So is this 2% now isotions would be based on performance. So you you can they they >> so you can be just coming to work and
not doing anything getting >> getting the the step. Um this this year the the step is 2% and in pre prior years we had done col 2%. So there was >> that could change based on performance or are we just stuck with it? >> Um
pretty much it's the government it's the same with the federal. It's the same with it's the same with the but it's only for the first like 10 years >> and then what happens? >> You no longer get separated. >> Well, you get >> right. You max out. You get to the top.
>> When you max out, you can't get higher. You can't get higher than the pay scale. >> So, if it works the way the government works, you have grades. >> Yes. >> And then you have your steps. You can based on performance
get promoted to a higher grade. >> Not here. >> Not here. Okay. >> No. Your your job description would have to change. >> You would have to take on more. >> No. Say say I'm whatever whatever grade
you want and I'm just doing typing but I have some other skills and there's an opening at a higher grade. >> Oh yeah. But but I would have to compete for that job and be interviewed. >> And so that's what I'm saying. Based on
performance, you could potentially go to a higher >> you can apply to another job. >> You could apply for a higher >> job. Is this union or is this the non-unions? >> I would say union. So >> this was negotiated with the union. But
I don't know is this a step raise or is is it 2% for a step raise or a cola? >> So they didn't get a cola. >> They didn't get cola. >> Okay. >> So what was your question? >> Well the basic question was is this based on performance or not? And I think
the answer is not >> based and okay. So they negotiated with the unions to go the union agreed to just go 2%. And so because they did that I think >> so we're back to the union negotiate. >> Yes. And so then it goes they try to
keep everybody on the same >> thing the same increases >> and I think it's been the agreement with the non union workers in the town to um offer them the same >> although I think last was it last year the library did not take a
>> right I remember that. Yeah. >> Well um is this the place where we would recommend that we I'm going to do this again that we hire a true professional >> negotiator, a union negotiator for the
municipality rather than >> have the town council and the selectman >> do the job with town administrator. I mean, I think we're in a point desperation that we need somebody who's going to be a pitbull against the
opposing party, which would be the negotiators for the employees. And I know that sounds terrible, but And I think that that is our that's what we should be doing. Watchdog for the tax dollar. >> How much would that cost?
>> Right. >> Town council cost. >> Yeah. $50,000 a year putting aside. So, um, I just want to put that out there that I and I'm going to keep talking about it because I do believe we need her professionals at that table.
>> One of one of the things we can bring, one of the things that we're trying to do in the next couple of meetings when we get because the 16th we'll be meeting with um her um for trying to get answers
to the questions. So, it's kind of like So, I think um that's a big one. us where are we in the negotiations is you know I mean he he's pretty strong with his words that he's given to us so far that >> right but the thing is what's the push
back on the >> we don't know yet it's kind of like we're only hearing from the one side >> right now I believe yeah he does talk a very strong >> position right but but it's the um it's the push back and the
>> I mean those union negotiators are pretty slick Well, >> that's what they get paid for. >> That's what he gets paid for. But then didn't didn't he make the statement that >> they push back that basically who in this who don't you want
>> basically who don't you want to have a job? >> But that's not the right way to negotiate in the town. I mean, and you know me, I'm the cash on the board. that just is not a right or I understand that.
>> Yeah, it's it's one way. >> And how do you know what the outcome is going to be? >> Yeah. >> This isn't to say they're going to lose their job. Say maybe their uniform allowance isn't $850. It's $550, right? Yeah.
>> Yeah. There are ways to reduce some of that. Yes. I want to get that in every chance I can. Sure. >> Okay. And the other the other thing because we don't have the the background, I'll try to put it together. One of the things that I was thinking as
we go through the department is what's and I know it always used to be part of the background is how many employees um and >> that's a good idea >> last year and this year as as we're going forward because last year in our
budget you human resources was at zero but there was a person in the job. So what's what's really the structure of the organization look like going forward? >> The real structure, not the placeholder structure,
>> right? Yeah. Exactly. So th those those are the things as as we're going in. >> Don't we do that with the with the other HR job too? Didn't we keep money for that job? >> The uh community outreach coordinator and she had left, but we kept money in
>> there. There was money in the ARPA funds for that. So yes, at the time >> are the AR funds over yet? >> Halfway through FY27, December 31, December 31st of 2026 is all the ARPA money has to be spent and it had to be
it it had to be allocated. And if you're reallocating, it can only be in the same area. Similar to what we just did at the town meeting and we took offer money and funds to fund the police. Um >> Oh, right. The job. Yeah. the the job.
So there that was our money. Um we didn't have it in the budget. We didn't have it in free cash at the time. We were putting that say warrant was put together. So they took all the money that was wages in the opera funds and and put it to that and reassigned opera
funds um to to fund the retro retroactive for that. So that is offer will be total you know as we get to 2027. So that those are the questions going in is is there any other opera money in here? Um
because at one time we were told by the accountant you can't use proper money and put it in the budget. You you can't show in the recap offer you know say $100,000 and put $100,000 in here and it's offset. It's just zero in here and
zero on a recap for oper because it it's different funds coming that will pay for it. So um this is our last lasting FY27 is our last six months with anything to do with >> our
be done. >> It will be done. Okay. >> So, um the only other yellow piece they have here is the web master. This, um going to,250.
Um >> the web master. >> The web master. >> What was it? >> Um >> 5,000. >> Um this year it was 6,500. They started to go 7,500 and then they dropped it to 5,000.
>> Now, when we say web master, who is that? What is that? Is that Sorry, Anthony. Is that Anthony? Who? >> No. Um, that was um it it was outsourced. It had been >> Oh, is that Harrison's >> Harrison? Yeah. >> Okay. So, so that's still happening.
>> Um, somebody has to be maintaining it. I don't think it's them anymore. >> Okay. >> So, now it's been reduced to 1250. >> Um, >> is that what you said? The blue line. >> That's what I'm seeing the line say. 1250 >> from 6,500.
>> Yeah. >> Don't tell me nobody's going to be minding the store. >> Was it 250 or 12,500? >> Um, let me make sure. >> No. Yeah.
>> No. What line is that? >> See if I can I got to go back. Hang on. Sorry. It's kind of late. It doesn't have a line and it doesn't have the numbers. Just on the lane transfer to 5,000. >> It should be line 15. >> Okay. Line line 15. Okay. So 5,000
>> 5,000. >> Back to um >> it was five. It was five. He said it's now 1250. >> 1250. Oh 1,250. >> 1,250. >> It was five. >> That's a drop. Yeah.
>> So, what are you going to get for 1250 for web master? I don't >> for that kind of website. >> Well, it it's kind of it was it was always the stipend and a few, you know, >> just supporting the requests that would come in. >> Okay.
>> This this is not the a full web. >> Okay. But again, the question >> on the bigger picture is we have other webs that are being managed by other people. Is this a do we ask them to >> I think that that when you brought that up that was brilliant. I mean the idea
that we have little here, a little here, a little here, somebody's using this, somebody's using that, something's here, >> that's crazy in today's technology world. >> Shouldn't everything be consolidated into one server and everybody gets on it, >> right? And and it depends and and again,
it you know, whether it's the other ones we're using for police and fire coming in to do this. It's kind of like >> we get police and fire. Maybe we can keep that out because that's the different balls, but I work on the server in Colorado of all of the war country.
>> Yeah. >> Well, they um this this was always to maintain the the um what is it? Civic server or whatever. So, the the town the town website. So, we we have that, but it's kind of like maybe the question is how will we, you know, what's the 1200
going to do and is it sufficient or we just cutting in a place that's going to hurt, >> right? Um or is there another plan to outsource the whole >> plan? >> Yes, the IT. Yeah, the IT plan, >> right? >> Um
no changes to office supplies 1250, other supplies 300, travel 200. >> So what's other supposed to have that? I think Jerry tried to outline it.
>> Yeah. >> No notes. >> So, we don't recommend that. No. No. No. How much is it? >> 300. 300. So, it's so all the all the we're going to ask for um
detail, you know. Do do we do we use it in the BBA this year and what did we put in it? Um. >> Oh, you don't have the yellow. >> No. Right. No. No. That's a >> one highlighter. >> Oh, I have one.
>> I know. >> And then there was a memberships. Um the next to last item was reduced to 4,000. So it was 5,000 reduced to 4,000.
Um but that was a ago. It's not the most recent. The most recent changes are worked in. >> Is that 4,000? >> That's that's now 4,000. >> That hasn't changed. that that hasn't changed in some time, but during this
budget season, it was still at 5,000 somewhere. >> It's gone down a thousand. >> It's gone down a thousand. Um, and then the other charges, that's where I saw the note for MMA postings and things, but that was taken down to zero
a while ago. So, the border selectman total was showing 243. um in FY27 and looking back in FY26, the first
white column to the left here, um it was 266,833. >> Oh, so where was that? >> Um >> the total >> the the total >> so if we look at the FY 26 total versus this total. >> Oh,
>> so it's dropped $20,000 plus or minus. Yeah. No, 23. >> No, this this column says FY26 approved budget says 205. >> Oh, okay. I thought that was 26. Okay. >> No.
>> And I have a total with the changes of 245 277. >> That would >> Did you do the >> What's the percentage of that? >> That's about 25%. >> 25% increase.
Well, you remember you took the TA from 126 to 170. So that's that's where >> so if you if you look at the personnel subtotal um for the route, it went from 180 to 225. So that's your 45,000.
>> Yeah. >> Change. So it's all the way in salary. >> Okay. Because the other the other part about what I was talking about is the number of employees they used to do like full-time equivalents and it may be more
beneficial to doing you know full-time people part-time people benefited people so maybe three columns of individuals that are in there um full-time part-time time benefited that them over 20 19 hours and and those that are fractional
and no benefits. Um so you have an idea of what the department was there to what it is moving moving forward. >> We don't have a profile of this department do we? Um, we don't, but we we should. Yeah, we we should. And
and and that's why I'm thinking going forward explaining the budget for FY27, especially this, we're trying, you know, the town administrator position is trying to reflect what the wages are out there for um in for for a town
administrator position for talent our size. But you know if we had a profile of each department >> then we would know who within the department for example to take treasure collector she has three people in there but they do other jobs beside treasurer collection because Anthony does a little
bit of >> he does his thing on the site >> and Rebecca was helping do HR so you know they have their fingers in other parts so to speak >> but I think it would be good to have that profile of each department and what
they do Because then you would know >> more exacting um right >> what kind of work had to be done. >> Right. Right. Yep. >> Yeah. In the same field. If I still would have something
that's why I just come up and I had to go out in the woods this afternoon. >> Okay. So the reserve what so what did the reserve fund change to >> Okay. So um yeah that's if for the weekend we had a couple of questions we'll make sure we get them documented
right up and that's moving on to finance committee. Our membership and dues doesn't change which is good. The reserve fund is listed now at 385. >> 385 >> 385. >> So we got a little bump there.
>> We got a little bump there. >> So is this business of 1% a requirement or a recommendation by DLS? Um they they are recommendation and the recommend the recommendation is
actually something something a little little higher than that kind of um but you know again at at 38 38.50 50. Um, in my view of what we've done in the past,
>> um, that was enough to cover every year except for one. Um, but we do know things that come up as a surprise are usually more expensive the more you So, we can pop that back up next year if we want.
>> I think that's that's the thing. If if if we're good with only losing the 1,500 from last year, which we haven't which is the year we're in the FY26, we haven't used anything. >> I know, but you can't go by that. >> We can't. No, this is this is a year to
year. It's kind of like so you you have to be prepared. If you don't have enough here, you're not you might be having to have a special town meeting to move money out of stabilization. >> And that's going to cost X and
right? It costs to to be able to do it. So it's kind of like so having a little and and again having more money here if we don't use it becomes free cash into next in once into the following season. So we don't want to go too, you know, much much like snow and ice. We don't
want to go too high with it. Um but we also want to make sure that that we have a significant number in there. And >> that's why it was finally raised at 50. it it was raped raisation has continued growing on and so because money gets a little less expensive we
ought to lower our ability to pay these emergencies. So >> yes and and that is that is the the MMA >> and recommend it it be higher. So yes we we
would like it to be higher but um it is an emergency fund and and >> which means it's always back home to the next time around. >> We're two years away. Okay. Every year we're getting a refund for money that we haven't spent for an emergency. Yes, I agree. We've only been
up near 40 or near 50 once, but the money was there to cover that problem. >> So, you know what? You wouldn't worry about it if the maintenance on all of the issues was up to date. But that's not the case. Breaking something has nothing to do
with being maintained properly. I have to assume that somewhere along the line somebody's maintaining something the best they can like we the seven of us and the two or three of them you know allow them to be um you know
I do remember going over making sure that whatever budgets in whatever division and several of them especially the people who fix this thing um you know have money in their budget to cover normal
problems as well as normal maintenance. >> Yeah. >> And and and I think that's this to me that's the difference. The maintenance is one bucket. It's the cleaning and the normal >> normal wear that kind of stuff. Then there's the repair. It's kind of like
and that's what you don't you don't know what may may happen when something happened to the elevator a couple of years ago. That was a Yeah, >> that was you know that is >> you don't know if that's going to last you 5 years or 25 years >> right it's kind of like and we go with
the emergency that we had to do the two pumps to the septic tank broke here >> right >> in the same within a couple weeks of each other and you got to replace you have working so but again if there was maint if there
was repair money in a budget they could have used that but there was no money in in a repair budget. >> Well, that kind of money, >> right? I think there's money in their budget. I don't know used to me at one time. Money in their budget for >> normal repairs, right?
>> It's not a the whole world blowing up or what the whole blowing out >> in a row. >> Yeah. So the finance committee end budget is going to be 1,500 less and it it's it's at 39250 and we're FY26 or was
it 40,750 we're okay we're going >> okay but I will abstain on that >> against it I'm not going to go either way I'm not going I mean I understand the problem I
also understand that A lot of the things in that town are really old and a subject a higher percentage subject to catastrophic failure at any given time.
>> No. Okay. >> Yeah. The next the next on is is accounting and there's been no changes to the accounting highlighted. is no more yellow. But again, this is where a little >> This is what the department was in FY
has changed. It's completely changed, >> right? It's kind of like so we >> were third party. >> Last year we budgeted for an assistant town accountant with a outside contractor helping out because they had the certification.
>> Now we've moved to um taking the salary for that person. So we only have one part-time person in the office and the rest of the work is contracted with C bits. Um so when we when we look at this it's not just you know looking at the C
biz contract and looking at the salary and um the certification it's also taking into account that the benefits didn't have to be paid to that position. So when you add up those four four lines and then it was training. >> Okay. So when you add up those four
lines what happened? um you you actually cover the CBI. So that when we look at the contract, we're we're actually down a little bit from FY20. Um >> total budget is >> the budget is down by um >> 8,000.
>> Uh budgets reduced by 8,000. >> Um >> because Oh, I'm sorry. No, I'm wrong. Wrong. It's down by a,000. >> 13. Yeah, >> I was looking at the wrong column. >> Okay. 1300. Yeah, that column there just throws me off.
>> That was Yeah, that was an interim version of >> so down by 100 or so kind of like >> and again there there's a person that's full-time staff to the town that we
don't have to pay benefits for. They're paid by CS. It's kind of like so that that that again is sort of a hidden piece >> hidden benefit of not having them as an employee >> as an employee of the town. Now it's also they're not an employee of the
town. Um >> right >> that you know >> that's another whole >> that that's a yeah that it's it's a bit of a trade-off. But if you had somebody that was qualified and you paid them the salary and the benefits would we be end up end up being paid a little more.
where this goes. So, >> I just can't believe it. We don't have anybody in the town. >> Well, I don't think it's necessarily just an accountant, but they have to get accredited by the state to do the state >> accounting. >> You can't just go to you can't just go to the accounting office down the
street. >> No, I get that. But can't they get certified? I mean, how >> well they they was working towards their certification, >> right? But I mean is it like 60 credits or is it four years and is getting the law degree or is it the class and the
certification you you take tests and and get certified you and you take classes to get to that point. So I had to take one more time. >> She wasn't she didn't feel comfortable and I told her I said you probably could
go take the test and see you probably find out what you don't know and then you can study for that and take that's what I tried to do. But she said you didn't feel comfortable taking it to take me a minute. Oh, >> it does sometimes
share it. I got to go back to Zoom and share it. >> What' you find Kathy with snaps? >> Well, I have a question about tax collector equipment.
Sorry. >> Got to get back in. >> Yeah. Line 83, >> not postage. >> No, I It's rental. It could be the postage reader. I wish I had
>> department budgets. No, they left it. >> Listen, pressure. >> Yeah. >> She identified stuff when we spoke to her last year, right? >> We didn't talk to her this year.
No, that's to me that's a product. Well, >> apparently it is a product. >> Then we can ask questions. >> Equipment rental postage meter lease audient >> $2700.
So next to the back services is the $170 annual. That's why I like you. >> Okay. >> So, that's under equivalent for >> 1670,
>> which was the FY26 >> request. >> The proposed FY26 was for 1670 for equipment rental. >> Okay. So, what's >> So, I don't know what's on the 27. So,
fiscal year 27, the proposed is $500. And if that doesn't cover the least, then that's way off. >> She wouldn't make that mistake, would she? >> I don't think she did. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So,
>> that's a question. >> Yep. >> So, >> for Melissa, correct? >> Um, okay. So after after counting um and again >> this lease is right here.
>> Um okay. So the voice was no change or lease >> and board of assessors was nothing. So we have no questions with board of accessessors. >> Okay. So that's the same. Okay. So you're saying she's only for 27 she's
only allocating $500 for the equipment rental. Yep. In in her notes for 26, it says it's 2700. So, I guess that's odd. >> I wish you were here. I wish you could
talk to her. >> Okay. So, that we'll we'll highlight that as a >> I would highlight that legitimate concerning. >> There's not much you can do about a contract. So you want to ask what the BBA say, >> right? What the BBA for this year? Cuz
>> because last year the budget was reduced to 170. >> Well, she's sketch. >> Oh, let me >> in her notes here. It says the fact services is 170 annual lease was 2700.
>> So maybe they didn't do the postage meter lease last year. Could that have been combined with another department? >> Oh, wait. You could be right. There could have been something about that. >> What?
>> Ax collector and building department. >> No, not that printer. >> Okay. >> Um, okay. >> Who else would 26 equipment rental is 170.
>> That's all I spent this year. and they spend 167 of the 170, >> but you don't know when that is due, >> right? So, they may be short >> later, you know, could be during May 1st or something.
>> So, we really have to talk to her about this. >> Yep. It it may have been moved into professional and technical services. Oh, I >> Yeah, brother. Yeah, we we need to look at it. It's
kind of like what I on the BBA I'm looking at. I think >> but she outlined what her profession she outlined everything >> right. >> She was total disclosure >> and that was last year. We have to look and see what this year. >> Yeah, because she has all
>> she's very good. Very very very very good. at >> the board of select if they would make everyone do it this way and the whole thing got dropped like a hot potato >> cuz if everybody did it this way >> we wouldn't have questions and we really wouldn't have to see them maybe it's nice to see them
>> but but >> but yeah if they all did this it would make life a lot >> and we talked about that last year and we asked them to do it this year and nobody listened they listened but they didn't care
>> but we don't have their budgets either Well, that's another thing. >> Yes, but we we have the original ones, but we don't have the revised ones yet. So, >> but we're just doing this again. >> Well, we have the budget that we TA has
put out and and >> right, but we don't have the department budgets that might explain, >> right, >> what their things, >> right, >> what the totals are for. >> Yes. I wonder >> because in 24 it was 2870.
>> Mhm. >> And then it went down to 1670 which could have been when they bought a new postage fea. Maybe it was different. I don't know. >> But now it's 170. It just doesn't make sense to me. Unless they bought it,
>> they leased to buy and if it's that that's fine. >> Yeah. Meet. >> No. >> Yeah. >> Right. I never heard of at least a buy on the meter itself. >> I heard of going in and paying the just dues for the postage to get put back in
it. >> Right. >> Yeah. And that's been lowered to 25,000, but their postage has increased, >> right? Yeah. Printing, advertising, and postage reduced to 25. That was
>> she would be able to answer these questions in 20 seconds. >> We had her in front of us. >> I'll I'll go back and and ask if we can get get the detail. >> Give this detail to some.
>> Can we have her come to one of the meetings? Are we allowed to do that or? >> Yeah. Yep. If we're all women, >> then we can have like a dialogue with her, >> right? >> Because the scroll between things is not
cool, >> right? >> Yep. It's a filter. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, remember telephone game? >> Mhm. Yep. >> Okay. No, no other changes between last time
and this time. Um on >> treasure selector somewhere online last proposed 2676. So there's a difference 98 699 change
58 220 difference 340 800. So there it is under tax dues and memberships. Do we have 800? It reduced to 680. Somewhere along the line it was looking
at the wrong column again, but it's now 680. >> Oh, it went 680 instead of 800. >> Yeah. >> It was a membership. >> Yeah.
>> What was it? >> So, if you have 800, it's 680. >> Okay. >> The tax collector. >> Yep. Office supplies is 1,600 not 1500. Oh, I'm sorry. Going the wrong way. It's
1500, not 1600. I This is an older version. I can be marking this to what's on the screen. >> Well, as long I mean, if it if it's not yellow on the screen, we don't really need to >> Right. >> Yeah. Agree. Yeah. Yeah. Let's not go
over. Okay. >> Yeah. Let's just do the just do the highlighted yellow. >> Yeah. >> We've already talked about the peach. >> Okay. >> Okay. Which one is that? Yellow. >> That is >> This is This is legal counsel.
>> Oh, what? >> So, just scratch that. >> I mean, $50,000 in a kitty. >> They voted voted. They being the town, right? >> Right. And goes on a warrant, >> right? >> Yes.
>> So, it comes off the budget because the >> No, no, >> no. We came off the warrant for using free cash to do it and creating So, now it's just in the budget >> creating a stabilization line. >> So, we didn't create >> We not recommend. Yes. >> We did not recommend creating a
stabilization fund >> for the for the legal. >> So, I think we have to do that in bold bold big bold letters. We do not recommend this. >> Well, no, this is different. This is the line item budget for the year. This is
>> the line item budget for the legal services. So, they're putting it right into the budget instead of having it separate. >> I see exactly what they're doing. >> Yeah. >> Is that what they spend for legal counsel? $50,000 a year. 80 something was
>> no that was so that they could put it aside so that when they had contract negotiations they'd be able to pull from that for the extra legal >> expenses. >> Right. And >> so we shot that down
>> and they increased it by what? $8,7500. Um well in >> FY26 it was 825 and they've increased it to 132,000. >> Wait a minute. Where do you That's
>> yellow. >> Okay. >> Okay. So I see what you're saying. I missed that part of it. Yes. That's all we're >> 132. They went up to their there's their 50 grand. See
it's not good. Not good. So like >> the town shut it down. Take it out. >> Yeah, exactly. >> No, no. This is not This is not that. >> Yeah, it is. It is, Don. >> Okay. >> The town shut down creating a stabilization, >> right? >> Right. They they're
>> Oh, so it's we're going to semantics here. >> Oh, >> I see what you're saying. So they shut So instead Yeah. So sneaky move. Sneaky move. >> Oh, okay. So when we voted, I was
thinking we were voting not not the money. >> It was just creating the fund, not anything to do with the dollars. >> Well, correct. >> The dollars were going to be moved from free cash because the motion when we when we reviewed it, we only had the
motion. We had no idea where the money was coming from. On the floor, the motion was to move it from free cash. >> So was it from free cash or create the stabilization? If the increase is for union negotiation, >> then why
>> get a negotiator? >> Get a negotiator,00 a union negotiator and a lawyer are two completely different lawyer is good for town business. How would be good for the bingo? >> They they have two they they have a
labor council in that good >> not negotiator for the union. I understand it. I'm clear as a doubt because this is >> now now there's a line in the budget. >> Okay. So that 50,000 went into that line
to increase it. Okay. Secretly >> put I know it's there. Yeah. But >> but I I move I vote that we don't recommend that. >> Absolutely. >> Um >> I'll make I'll second that. >> We don't we don't make motions on line
items in the budget though. Well, how do we how we'll make recommendations? >> We make recommendations. >> We motion to make the recommendations. >> Let me just ask because the town contracts with the firm that Adam Costa works, whatever that firm name is.
>> So, do they do we know if they have a a a labor negotiator in that firm that >> Yeah. Yeah, they do. They do. So, >> well, they have a labor council. >> It wouldn't be a counselor, not a negotiator because a negotiator
>> would be separate, a separate business. >> Oh, it' be a separate business. >> Be a separate business. >> Now, it might be a lawyer. They might be a lawyer. Negotiator maybe might have a law degree. I don't know. But, but a law a lawyer does not necessarily be a negotiator. >> Okay. Okay.
>> But a negotiator could be a lawyer. Okay. Got it. Yeah. So, Did you get it? So this is >> what it is. How can we how can we vote on >> we do
>> we vote >> we >> do we recommend the entire budget or do we recommend the segments or do we recommend >> we we have always always done department by department and recommendations on each one. >> Okay. So then I
>> then when we get to that I'm not going to I'm going to vote to not recommend that. >> Well, aren't we there now? >> Is this what we're doing? >> We need to do it here, Mark, and see if it's still there in a couple weeks.
>> This bit of a review is >> this isn't to do the recommendations. >> Well, this is >> it may not be yet. this. So 99. >> So would we don't want the extra 50k
added to that? >> Well, I don't know. I know, right? But I don't know how the other >> right. It's kind of like >> it I mean the the quick notes has increased to cover union and labor negotiations. So put on a separate line. >> Um but but again, you know,
>> it is a good one. Put on a separate line. I didn't get a separate I'm telling you a lawyer is not a negotiator. >> Yeah. And I will agree with you over after living through a number of debacles on
union uh overgives how we say to I mean the one of the chiefs of police retired with the most beautiful silk parachute you've ever seen in your life. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I'm
saying. negotiator works for the town >> or the municipality >> in the same capacity that the union negotiator works for the employee. >> So you've got two people working on the same level. Otherwise, you've got selectman who know >> and then you've got a lawyer who's
looking at the legal aspects of say the contracts which is entirely different than headtohead >> with somebody needed to be there >> negotiate. I mean, I remember a handful of years ago when we were talking about the town charter, there should be a line
in the town charter to say whatever is negotiated with the selectman has to be reviewed by the um bin finance committee in order for the finance committee to do what they
were supposed to do and that's keep an eye on the budget. >> Yeah. advise and consent is the way I put it, but that come from something important, so I won't use it again. >> Um um >> no, I very important.
>> This this puts us I believe behind the eightball as a municipality. >> So the questions and again we're we're somewhat preparing for the meeting with um here we can we can give them our questions and concerns up front. This is
obviously one of them. um that um it's it only just says legal. We we think it's you know our opinion and our recommend legal for negotiations. >> It it does >> on the side but the total
>> Oh, >> so if they broke it out to be $50,000 for negotiations >> and then that way it would give them the ability to hire a negotiator. >> Correct. Yep. >> You know, you have to phrase, >> but that's different cuz it's a
contract. >> I see. I see. >> It's kind of So, yeah. >> Contract going in, you know, contract down for a negotiator who does that for a living. >> Mhm. >> So, we want to break out the 50K and put
it on a separate line and just Yeah. negotiating contract negotiations or something, >> right? Mhm. >> I think that would change an awful lot of those >> and then next and then next year that line can go away and you can take your
80,000 and keep running it through your legal. >> Yeah, that's true. >> Or if they're only doing one union negotiation that year, it could be 10,000, right? >> They know they have a big year coming up this year,
>> right? we had last year. So >> yeah, this is the year we need it. So >> I need it every year because we might not be in such a deep bond right now if we had had it many years ago to get all the
contracts are expiring a couple of months. So to me it's a no-brainer. I I not understand why they don't do it. >> Yeah. So that makes the legal total 1325. >> I'm sorry. I should know better.
>> Okay. MIT >> kind of how I feel. >> I I know. Okay. It it's kind of like overall from the deal we're getting I think for support for what it would take
to support the town if we did with individuals you're probably talking a an IT director 120,000 and a T at 65,000 with benefits. >> So it's 185 >> plus benefits. >> Oh plus
two benefit. What are we paying? >> Why do we need why do we need two of them? We used to have one and it did just fine. And it did >> until >> well >> until it didn't >> but >> but in half
>> it was a ransom. >> Yeah. So >> and a lot of towns at that time had the same issue >> and it's kind of >> well people just had it >> the the call center. >> Yeah. Patriot. >> Um it kind of so in effect Town Thompson had it too. That's
>> right. because we >> it was a lot easier if you had an issue with your computer to just call the number and say, "Hey, I'm having an issue with anything." >> And I think that's that's the difference. It's kind of like >> the customer service was what you're saying, >> right? >> Which I think is huge,
>> right? >> In a town our size, >> right? It's kind of like and I think that's the difference is it needs to be maybe man the contract needs to be actively managed instead of passively. Just >> I agree 100%. Because you know what D, they really don't care about,
>> right? >> And we all know this because you all deal with the IT people that put the BON board, right? So you get a different person each time who knows nothing about you, doesn't care about you. And I think we're still small enough town that we
need people that care. I think it um I was going to say it's it's very diff difficult to to then change the amount of work they do and then some of the things they do will change the way
the way >> and the other thinking on my part is AI is coming in >> those guys are going to be losing their job hand over fist because AI is going to take over >> in certain in certain fields certain fields I agree But in other fields,
they're going to be losing their jobs and they're going to need a job. And it would be nice if somebody in towns work for the town because they lost their job. >> Because we're talents and girls I
>> Well, we are except when it comes to ABCD Eg part of the Guardian contract is paying for software too. So that you may see I get that. I get that. It's kind of like it it's a a piece, >> but it would be nice to have it all
priced out >> so we would know what how much are we paying for that software versus how much we're paying for the tech support, >> right? >> Well, the contract should be written that way. >> The contract should be written that way and it is kind of like you can see that
online. That one should be I believe I think I will just sign any good contract should be broken out by >> it will be and it's kind of like so you can tell what you're paying for >> you know what you're paying for licenses but I help desk what you
>> yeah questions I've heard from the >> and whether your help desk is a 24-hour help desk 12 hour that we only had like 40 hours a would be looking for help. >> 40 hours special work.
>> Oh, special work. What is that? What is >> um Well, the um Well, the 40 hours work. Um so, >> and that should all be spelled out under contract. >> Exactly. You have to look at the contract, >> but but the the piece is we don't know
what a project may be. So, so there's 40 hours of support work a month from from them on top of all the monitoring and everything else they're doing. But the 40 hours of support, if we don't use the 40 hours, it's like you'll manage plans carry forward. So if you only use 20,
you get 20 that you can use for a special project. So So >> so 60 next month. >> 60 next month. And if you only use 20 again and you carry forward 40 and so >> special what's considered a special >> um when you rewire everything in the
building, it's kind of like which we have just done recently. >> Okay. >> Kind of you know. So, you've got to rerun all your cables, mark them on both ends, and >> we should know what we have to make a good decision. >> It I think we Yes, I think we we do, but
I I think we're getting a better deal with Guardian because they're they are 247 and so we don't have to try to build a 24/7. >> But is it 247? >> It is. >> Contract monitoring. Yeah.
>> I have an issue because they'll call me when they have a chance. >> Right. Yeah. Yeah. Because they go on the B when somebody pulls it down. >> I've seen Well, I've seen contracts where you have a help desk and if you call, they're supposed to respond and it's in the contract that they respond
within a certain amount of time. >> Right. And that's the piece, you know, what's what's the contract and and we build in um Anthony when he's here to retriage, you know, is it something that's >> Anthony is here because it moves along
much faster. Mhm. Right. You've got you've got that local support >> because he's here. He comes in. If it's something he can't do, >> he might call to figure out what to do >> or he can put in a ticket for it so he gets put in faster than if you go
through the select office. >> I believe that in my heart soul. >> So yeah. So >> Anthony to me is worth >> he's helped me before when I was >> so when was in here the um
>> Well, is he equipped to do the job? >> He he is a good person. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I see what you're saying. To do to actually be person >> I don't know. >> Yeah, I don't think you necessarily want
that way. Um, I mean, it's a good idea, but um, it's kind of I'm just the the stipen he gets is is in here. It's 3,331. >> Okay. That's still the same.
>> Yep. That's still the same. No changes. >> Okay. So, there's been no changes in the >> There's no changes, no yellow in in the it. So, the total is still sitting at 185 31. >> Okay. Um but but again lots of lots of
good questions and thoughts about changing the strategy. Again we've been doing this how long? This is my second year. We've been doing it longer and we still have the same problem. One would think that after a certain amount of time that things would change.
>> You know if you keep having the same problem you don't make change >> something's wrong with the decision making at the top. >> Yeah. But and and again the conversation needs to come in with with a
in the non-budget part of K's time to say to ask the people that are using the computers what's what's your problem are you getting what you need. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. The monitoring on the inside >> right on the inside to find out you know is is there something that is broken
with us that we need to bring >> you issues. Oh yes, man. >> Yes, it's kind of um so there >> that would be a very good thing to do is to have the people who use the do a
survey of what kind of issues they're having, >> right? and and any comment because >> and common yeah common common issues kind of like because and again you know DW Mars for the library uh police and fire their own system they kind of
>> so I have a question >> y >> does this guardian I know the police have their own because that's specialized >> right >> what about the library do they have their own office >> so this is just basically town hall
water no Town um town hall water department. No. Yeah, water department parks >> um highway. >> Okay. >> Um >> All right. >> And because they're in the building, >> why does a library use it?
>> Um DW Mars is is a system built more for library use. It's kind of like and it connects them to the whole >> connects them to the whole state library system. >> Oh, okay. and maybe national, but I kind of doubt if Massachusetts is the only state in
the union. >> Yep. >> All right. So, then we go down to the town clerk. >> Town clerk. Okay. Now, any yellow there? >> Um, I don't see any yellow in >> All right. I got to I got to go down.
>> I'm stuck on it. Yeah, >> if he doesn't have any yellow, he could skip. >> Well, I I want to touch on >> Okay. On the counter. >> Yeah. So, there's no yellow, but >> no yellow, >> but very similar to
the situation we have with town administrator. If we have a resignation on the town town clerk's office, you're not going to be able to support your budget with a salary like this. >> Why would the town clerk resign?
the drug. It's mega bucks. How long? >> I think he's happy here. >> No, it has nothing to do. >> No, it's it's the position and the salary. >> If we're saying that a town administrator salary is 170 and if we
need to bring somebody in the 170 is the target, we should be doing that in every department. >> Well, they they dropped the salary last year for the town clerk. Yeah, they did. >> Weren't you making more than that? >> Yeah. Yeah, it >> just your assistant
had a lot can be it that I mean the just piece can be the the um grade grade in the set where you are where you >> but they're not on they're not on the matrix. >> They're not on the no because they're
elected. It's a total different top but not the assistant. >> Yeah, the assistant something different, >> right? It kind of >> but it but it's kind of like the assistant for the town administrator. >> That should really be a higher pay. >> Mhm. >> It really should.
>> Yeah. >> Right. >> Person out of the ah >> position. We're looking at position. >> We Yeah, that's that's my P and maybe this is a longer vision and and not necessarily today's
>> today's budget. Yeah. Because the selectman, the current selectman, their goal, as I see demonstrated, is that they want the town clerk to be appointed by them. >> They do not like to be elected. Now, how would that change if they got their way? Because they've been pretty adamant
about that. >> How would that change the salary? >> They have to change. I I think if you're doing the appointing and trying to hire somebody with with experience and coming in, you're talking 8085 um on. So, so again, it's the are we
able to manage within the budget those pieces do we want to put put in here? Because I'm going to have the same question when we get to fire chief. It's kind of like as kind of like we so for for FY27, >> yeah,
>> the budget is put together, but I and I just wanted to mention it as we're passing it. I think we have we need to present the longer term vision of what's the vision for the town. How when when when when we have this salary, how when
does it get up to a real salary that a town court should be making? >> I think these are the kind of issues I think that we should be working on outside the budget time. And believe me, I'm not saying Tuesday and Thursday for the rest of our life on this, but I think these are the kind of things that we should be highlighting now that we
revisit and the off budget time and get the recommendations >> or however they're going to listen to us. I don't know. >> But get a plan in place cuz nobody else is >> right. And it's kind of like >> No, I think you're right. >> Yeah. It needs to be I think a working >> a work in progress,
>> a a working Yeah. a working team to to to really do it because we have to take a look at the budget and again by 27 the budget >> I know that we were told that's it not moving at that end of the story. Got it. >> Right. But you got to I just I just want
to put the thought in on people's heads as >> but I think we really have to do it this year. We have to do it this year because no one else is doing it. >> Right. >> Maybe it's because we haven't had good TAs. And that could be it's kind of like so we'll we'll see.
>> Well, it's it's historic that the selection's office does not like the town clerk's office. That's what the likes and they got to stop with the agendas and the friends and family >> first. Town clerk has jobs
that has to be >> driven by master, >> right? It's driven by master in the law. We have to >> but when you have that >> the the regime for the past 10 years hasn't necessarily watched the mass general law. >> So what's happening with the election budget because I'm a little concerned of
what I see here. >> Okay. Well that's we we can talk you can speak to that. Yeah. >> That's kind of so the election budget for >> do we have any yellows in there? There is no no >> maybe that's why she wants to tell the
>> truth. I mean >> wages $3,000 for three elections. It's not going to apply. >> No, no, no. It should that's it should be 38,000. >> Oh, you you have an older version. I'm looking up here. It hasn't changed, but
it's 38. >> Okay. So can you line 139 which is wages operating staff what is that at >> um operating staff sorry um that is here
in this column 38,60 >> why so high >> but just wages >> that's just wages the expenses is 9,000 for a total of 47 7,000. So So it looks like they've taken
>> Okay. So this makes no sense. >> Okay. I um they may I they may have adjusted because I'm I'm looking here in the previous version in the they had 10,500 of professional services
>> and they reduce that to 4500. I wonder if that would move up to the wages to >> But can they but can they do that >> take that out of wages because professional services always covered the printing of the ballots. >> Mhm. >> Um the m not the maintenance of
equipment but if you had any equipment that went down that >> right >> needed to be fixed or whatever. >> Right. >> Um >> I I was thinking that was the folding folding stuffing and mailing like the census. No, that the census is a whole different >> Okay. Y okay.
>> So I don't understand that number >> shifting. Okay. So the expenses had been in an earlier version of this $29,350 >> and they went down to 9,000 >> and now it's down to 9,000.
>> It went down $20,000. >> They dropped the police detail. Well, the police bill I can understand if they wanted to include that under wages, I guess, >> maybe. >> But that's only $6,000 because if there
was three elections, I would be budgeting. >> I would not be budgeting. it would have been $9,000 I would have requested for it, but then with this um police it would have been up to
>> 15,000, right? So, I'm not sure where that comes from. >> Y because what's happening with that? Just just while we're on that subject, is that move done over? We can't deal with it. >> Appears to be I don't know. Yep. appears
to be right in front for the moment kind of like we we don't have um >> because in this it says the department request the total was 38350
what I have on this >> right that's what have 27 department request >> but the for elections total which includes the pay the wages and the expenses. >> Okay. >> Which makes more sense than
38,000 for operating for operating debt. Right. So they they took money out of most every line down below and looks like they moved it up above.
So the ex the expenses went if I can I can't because it's a PDF product. >> All right. So what is 142 line 142 which is repair
equipment maintenance and repair of equipment. maintenance and repair of equipment is is now in this file 2500. >> Okay, that's what I have on this sheet, too. >> Yeah, >> right.
>> I don't believe that's correct because I think that's just for the for the voting machines. It's not for the um >> battery. And then professional services 4500,000
for the printing and advertising and postage,000 for other supplies, $75 for the mileage for a total of 9,75. >> Well, I thought now I could be wrong. I
thought that if something was in wages, it needs to go to wages, not towards expenses, which would be postage. For instance, for >> Okay. >> For two for three elections in early vote. >> Mhm. >> Postage. That's That's going to be a
whole lot more than $1,000, right? And if it's still Yes. the number. Do >> you want me to take away the highlight? >> No, it doesn't matter.
>> Anyway, >> that's fine. >> I know. I don't like it. Um, >> you need a better sister. >> Yep. >> So, I have So, there's questions going out. question tonight, but
>> So, do you want the town clerk to come in and address them or or do you want to figure them out yourself? >> Well, I think first we wanted seems like we first wanted >> or >> No, I I
the amount is okay, but not the way it's allocated, >> right? >> Oh, allocation. She thinks the wage allocation is too high and the other and the other expense allocations are too low. >> Was always taught you couldn't pay an expense out of wages unless it was
transferred or at the end of the year you did a municipal transfer. >> So >> So that that would be it. But the other I thought they were going to do an article for 35,000 for >> I thought too and >> well didn't we create an election fund?
We we did and I thought >> but it was wasn't voted on at special time meeting this year because well they tabled it because >> we didn't have >> we was going to take no action on it and I'm not sure why. >> Right. So yeah we didn't get to that at the special time meeting. We didn't get
to the last three or four articles >> but I thought we didn't we but we created the fund last year I thought >> or the year before. Yeah, we have >> 22,000. I think >> it's there. And when we look at the list of items that they had for the for free
cash and I don't have it on this copy. Um we'll go back on the um if I switch if I switch over to the recap. Um would that be in the recap? in the recap. Um down
on the body >> it was right now I'm highlighting the line 35,000 for elections scheduled. So that's going to be a warrant out of that thing. >> All right. Do you think that Well, >> yeah, that was that was what was in the
special town meeting that we didn't get to. >> Yeah, >> I thought he was taking note action on that or something, >> right? >> But I think it was to put it off to the May >> to the May to to even the May special. >> Yeah. Okay. It's kind of like so they
were putting it on but that so far that's what >> but that's basically made it so that it will remain even throughout the years and if you have an extra election you don't have to be hunting for money right all the
>> well I guess what I guess what I'm kind of so so >> if that line item is there on the on the recap sheet >> that could be why the the amount Maybe the allocation's not right, but that might be why the amount went up so much.
>> It could be. >> Okay. >> Yes. Yep. >> So, we need to talk So, when we talk with Karen, we need to talk more about the elections, >> right? You know, if we want to want to have um court here to discuss it
to make sure everything's integrated. >> Yeah. I don't know what his thoughts are with this, >> right? Yep. So, so that's Yeah. So there's pieces of information here and there, but that therefore I had seen the
the 30 35,000. So maybe, you know, they put the 35,000 there as a free cash um and then they put 35,000 into that ex um um labor line. Um they were planning to do it because when you look at the rest
of the recap sheet, they're saying use 135,000 of free cash to support the budget. So again, questions questions for Aaron and how the budget's being put together and going to be presented.
>> You want to go back that was election. We have on it. We want to no registers no change no questions. I don't think a little bit of stipen
increase for them here listings. Um, no change. Now we're in the conservation and again I have no changes from it with the yellow 49,
231. Okay total. Did that matter? >> Yeah. Next. RPC dues and dues and memberships. No change
there. 33 3,562. Yeah. >> Um, planning board. I see no yellow changes. Planning board total 33,669. >> Yep. >> Zoning board of appeals. No changes.
6,464. >> Land use. We have two changes. Um, first is the land use coordinator reduced to 3,500. What is a land youth coordinator?
Um, >> okay. Work it out. They oversee the um conservation zoning and planning board, all the applications that come in and everything, I believe.
>> Okay. And also the housing and grant administrator is being dropped once they have 30,311. >> That's what I have for you. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> So the total on land use personnel is 11,811. The reduced expenses hasn't changed. There's no yellow. So 1,250 for expenses. >> Wait a minute. I had 1,750. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. So, let me see with this. >> Um, looks like they were the land use tech professional and tech services dropped to 500. >> Well, that would that would do it right there. >> Okay. >> So, that should be yellow.
>> So, it's 1250. >> Um, office office supplies went to 250. >> Yeah. Uh 100 for travel and state >> training 250 >> and land use and memberships 150. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> There was just that 500 and then that makes the total 13,61 facilities. I have no no changes indicated here. The personnel is 101,082. >> The facilities.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. I was looking at the wrong line. Okay. >> Yep. That's >> okay. That's so it's here. >> And expenses, the energy. Um, jumped on
to the next page here. Um, >> okay. I still have no yellow. So, the total for expenses is 220,298. >> Yeah. >> And 321 380 for the total. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, the general government total
with that >> Oh, y >> is now 1,00 1,762,257. Wait. So, we're at $7,000. >> Yeah. >> So, is the police
here? Is this like really fluid? Because it's still negotiating. >> I think I I think that's you know overall we finished that. But yeah, it's kind of like um in order to fund this budget we're talking
97,000 on the override have to pass. >> Yeah. >> And this is the amounts if the override passes. >> Yes. Yep. I I have in the notes it says police wages based on approved override. >> Okay.
>> Oh yeah, right here. Okay. >> Yeah. >> See, this is what's nice though is that salary and wages operating staff. >> Mhm. >> 15 officers. Yeah. >> Passing over it. So that's kind of nice to know. >> Yep.
Um hitting the down button and sliding this. Let me get down. Okay, so police um personnel needs 1,98,635. >> Okay. >> 1 million9 what? >> 08
>> 08 635. >> 635. >> Yeah, he does have a note on one of the lines that says check this. But um but um so do we
need to go down the line and identify changes. Yeah, if you just down quick new contract for the chief 171,3 >> 171 >> 350 >> that one should have been yellow. Oh
>> that that explain that. Yes. Okay, great. Um then expensive is 302,470. That's a little bit of a change. >> That's 500 more than what >> Okay.
>> What we had in the last Yep. Okay. There's only about 25,000 for energy. >> Yep. >> 1,800 for water. >> Yep. >> Building and maintenance. 20,000 >> y >> 40 p for repair and maintenance
>> 200 for equipment rental >> there's 11,000 for professional services >> 7700 for communication >> uh other services 1,000 >> uh other services prisoners 500
>> 2,000 for office supplies supplies 35,000 ah >> there you go was 345 Okay. >> Have another one. Do you have another one? All right. Where's the trash can? That's
where this thing's going. Close. Close. Not really. >> You didn't make the tea. He lost a picture. >> I got my >> Do you need a pen? >> Yeah. >> No, I'm good.
>> Carol's taking notes. I don't drive. >> I'm not taking notes. >> Yep. No, it's kind of >> next is fire EMS. No, just mention that he's
>> the mother chief if he leaves. >> Won't his salary like double. >> He's not going to leave. He He enjoys the attention too much. >> He's not going to he treated like again shortterm. >> All I did was say, "Hi, Chief." when I
went in to pay them to run just due for a license to have a fire on my own property. >> You didn't bend the knee. >> No, I didn't think I forgot to. I said I know >> you get the memo.
next time it um it's kind of like if the contract um >> if he decided to retire >> well it's going to happen within a few years I mean I don't know exactly but
>> do you have the numbers he's already bumped the number up to 91 >> right he's he's bumped it up but this is based on 32-hour week so if you go to a full-time person You're talking another um >> based on his contract.
>> That's that's again this is based on his contract. >> He's trying to >> get himself set up when he leaves. >> Are we >> Well, it >> Why are we not a volunteer fire department? >> Good question. Um >> we always were. >> We We were but we have evolved into
>> Yeah. Well, maybe we should we should evolve back >> back. not may not get the re the ambulance receipts that the town >> that's going to be the piece you >> you still have EMS won't you >> well then
>> but if you may not be going out as to all the surrounding towns >> you mean make it a business >> but like Kieran I was talking to Karen and Dunable has a private ambulance and it takes 30 minutes for them to even get
up to Dunstable from Schultzford Right. But we already have it set up. But we have it set up. But >> yeah, it it's kind of like you you'd have to really separate the two between fire. We have people that are doing jobs on both sides. >> But haven't we had a chief for a long
time versus the people under the chief that's >> always always had that. Yes. >> What do you mean? So, >> so the firefighters were um volunteer >> and they got paid like an on call type
thing. Minimal. I mean, it wasn't >> Yeah. >> So, if there was a fire, they got paid. >> Mhm. >> Um but the fire chief has been in place for a while. >> Oh. >> Somebody has to run the department. >> Right. >> Right. Right. Who's there? >> Who's running it?
>> Yeah. And if if we go back a few years, we were paying a full-time chief $130,000. >> Were we really full time? You mean working with him? >> Full time. >> And when they were on call 247, >> it was 130. And now what is it?
>> 91. We're going up this year. >> So if we were to >> I get it now. Did he have the same credentials as the current fire chief? He he had experience in other towns and and all, you know, he he had grown up.
>> Yes, he had >> I believe he was a retired chief from another like certified by a chief. >> So all that I'm saying is again this falls into that. >> It's not the person, it's the
>> it's the physician. It's kind of like the physician. It was 130 before. It potentially could be that in the future, >> right? And based on the number of people and what you're doing compared to the police chief interesting to find out how much
>> depending 130 >> we just 171 in the new contract for 27. >> Yeah. >> So that's >> for the fire chief. Pepper just hired a new fire chief.
>> Interesting. >> 27. >> They hired him and the only one volunteer I believe, right? >> I'm not sure about that, but it's kind of like they have some. >> They have a mix of volunteer and
fulltime. >> Full time. >> Is that Do we have a mix of volunteer and fulltime or >> we have on call? >> Yeah, we we have a full list. If if you're ever interested in seeing the full list, you can go online and see the appointed positions on the town clerks website. You can see all the appointed
>> probably 40 people. It's on there because they a lot of them hold full-time position and other department. >> No, my my jobs >> my in-laws are all fire department people so I know how all the >> Yeah.
>> the volunteer stuff all all >> complicated I think. So again, it it it hasn't changed, but I I bring it up for the future piece of >> I don't think it's >> what I'm trying to >> How many hours a week is that?
>> It says 32 years. >> Yeah. Still low. >> I I think it's still low, but um again, just something to consider going forward of we need to be prepared for this. How are we going to be prepared for this if we get to a point where where we're
going out to run to to sign a contract on the next person? >> Well, theoretically, we're a long way from that. >> No, not really. Not really. Police chief police chief is 65 or fire chief is the same.
>> And they have to go or can they be special dispensation? They know law enforcement has mandatory. >> They're mandatory. And so far, I haven't seen anybody get um >> extension or whatever they call
>> an exclusion to the mandatory. I think they do. >> The fire chief has a mandatory retirement >> as as does the police chief. Yeah. And I assume all >> and we know that's ironclad, right? >> So far, yeah. I haven't seen anything. I know I have cousins that are both police
and fire and they both reach the mandatory retirement age. So >> yeah. >> Yep. >> So So again, it it's not this is FY27. This is this is the salary coming in. You can see that
>> you want to put that on the list, right? Yeah. This is Yeah, in my mind it's >> Yeah. Do we have a fire assistant chief or assistant? not funded for next year. They kind of So, according to this, the it's zero dollars for next year.
>> So, what happened to that money that that um fire chief assistant made who left in the middle of the >> um >> part of it went into the chief's salary, right? If if they increase the chief's salary for this year, then then yes, if they if they increased his hours this
year to cover the hours that the um assistant chief was working, then um that could be one place. But other than that, if you're not paying the person, they should should eventually he would see a part of a year, but the rest of
the wages might come out. Um, if they didn't divide it out and move it around somewhere in the fire department, it would be available in free cash. >> Of course, we never have a meeting, so we don't know, >> right, >> with that department. Yeah. This would be interesting to find out
how many positions, >> how many each position, >> how many lieutenants, captains >> when when you see how many people again back to back to >> so you need to do real analysis and find out get the real answer. You think that's going to happen?
>> It should. I know. >> So we'll we'll ask the questions. It's kind of like that's that's the piece we want to see. >> Who we asking? Um but we'll ask each we we can send it if if it needs to go through Karen we'll send it to Karen we want to see department head it's similar
to what um chief tell supplies which is >> who came voluntarily and gave us a very good presentation >> right and his full staff was was identified and we saw each person and >> right he's very easy to deal with >> um so this is the position so what's the
totals. >> Yeah. Don, we'll start with fire personnel. Uh 1,330,425. >> Okay. >> That has that's >> and the expenses is 320,470.
>> Yep. >> For a total for EMS are 1,6585. Y >> okay. >> Okay. And then the team director I see no yellow there. Um that salary is just
one item 2386. >> Mhm. >> Um equipment or expenses uh 1,725 and total per team is 4,14. >> Yeah.
>> The communications personnel because it used to be in house that's all zero and then the rest of it is going to be 369,993. >> Okay, we have three I have 358. >> Okay. Um >> total done. >> Um
>> that was in its department request. So, is that possible that maybe you restored that? >> We um I've got 3693 across the board. So, um so it's >> we have 19,000 in the repair and
maintenance. >> Okay. >> The technical services is 34,000. >> Communication is 39,000 >> and uh the other services is 277,993. >> Okay. So, he just restored what he
originally had in the request back. I'll tell you what it was. >> What it was, >> that's Patriots. >> What's happening with that now that they've been hacked? Do we know anything? >> Um,
I haven't heard any further updates for it. I I had been looking and and seeing it on the news. I haven't seen anything directly in the town. Good question. Okay. Building inspector Dylan public safety.
What do we all know? Um >> any yellow there in the >> um I got no nothing on building back to the salary personnel is 78,626 >> 70,000 >> 78,000
>> 78,000 for the hours >> for the whole department >> for the whole department. >> No, you have the electrical inspector and >> Oh, all of the Oh, >> are they in there? No separate separate.
This is he had um he's he's dropped his alternate and um the support staff >> um >> so it's just one person in the office right now. >> So wait a minute there's $10,000$10,000. So >> support staff,
>> right? So >> is that is that the in other inspector office? >> But there is no office. There is. No. So, we have to Yep. They have that. That's a question. >> And there's a hiring phrase.
>> There's a hiring free. So, if we're going to pay anybody an February >> Yeah. So, >> so you're saying this is budgeted for um admin support? >> It's budgeted for support staff. Yeah.
>> $10,000. That's all. >> That's 10,000 per year. Yeah. So, if he's out of town and there's an inspection that needs to be had, who does it? >> I guess he schedules it when he comes back in. >> Oh, but he only works three days a week,
right? >> Yeah. But >> he's in the office. >> The thing is >> is that if you have a fire >> Mhm. >> a structure. >> Mhm. >> Say a restaurant, they have to come out >> and to to declare whether it people can
go back in. So what happens then I >> who knows I mean >> do you know what I mean? I remember >> maybe they'll have an agreement with Pepper or >> with another town >> with another town. I say but yeah
>> because um I remember the >> Yeah. Pine Ridge. >> Pineidge. >> And the building inspector was there for most of the night. All right. >> So, is that how it's always going to be that the building inspect? So because we
had a full-time quote >> Mhm. person who was there who helped the people right who got you know did the clar I mean that that's not >> no he's so now he's in the office on
Tuesdays and Thursdays >> and I think he just posted >> changing for new hours on the on the website today >> there was I saw it but I don't remember I don't pay attention.
>> Yep. So, he he's trying to get fine with um reduce reducing the payroll and and trying to still do all the all the functions of the building inspector rockets. I don't know if it's it probably has been helped with the online
permitting um to automate it a little bit so that people do the online permit. I I I think it's a hard task based that he's working for like four or five other municipalities >> and I don't see how they're going to be
service very well but >> and again so >> the gas inspector they didn't get any kind of an increase. >> No, and that's been about 40 years I think. I mean, why didn't they get the
2%. >> At least, >> do you know what I mean? >> The registars's got them and that is more or less a stipen. That's why I'm wondering, >> right? >> Um, we can we can ask for I mean that that I I will tell you it makes sense
and um I know they would appreciate it. >> It's not much, but it's something, >> right? But based based on um the building increase in his
fees or wages >> 2% >> he got 2% but the other people who work get there >> they're paid yeah they fall under um >> under him in the in the building they're
not employees they're paid purely by sipon based on the call outs for inspections Um >> like per per call >> per call per ball. >> Yeah. But but again their cost and things are going up to get out to the sites and do
the inspections and all that kind >> but they do get mile and such. They do well gas inspector. Oh well he's also plumbing inspector. So it might be end of Yeah. He gets >> he gets $1,200 budgeted for
>> for travel. >> For travel. Okay. haven't scrolled out professional and technical go. >> Did they do away with all the um it
Yeah. Um, >> what if something happens to him while we're talking about things happening, >> right? We we'd have to find a way to contract the services.
I I would assume it's somebody that does building inspectors for services, >> right? If they're like company. >> Yeah. Independent. Yeah. just a company that does that. Like I'm Yeah, I I I'm I'm only making a
guess because they have people that do accounting. They have I'm sure they >> Oh, yeah. making an extrapolation that some somebody probably has a business out there that would do. >> If not, they're listening to you, Don, and they're thinking, "Aha,
>> is this going to >> I was just thinking my friends and family. Oh. Oh my god. You're in. >> You're in. >> Yeah, that's kind of right. Um and then Yeah.
>> So, so the um gas inspector is still 7,000. >> Yes. >> And then the plumbing inspector is 116 total. >> Total uh round.
>> Yeah. >> Yes. Inspector gas inspector 7,000. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Plumbing inspector is 10,000. Oh, personnel and total for the plumbing inspector is 116. Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Dealing with weights and measures. We're using the state program again, I believe. >> Yeah. >> So, there's 215 in expenses. No changes there. Okay. Then the electrical inspector
17,000 for personnel. I'm not seeing any changes. Expenses 1750 for a total of 18,750. >> Yeah. >> Animal inspector. So 1,200 >> that's the one that we haven't
ra Yeah. And then I'm not seeing any changes in animal control. So the total for the department is 24,257 a little bit on the statement went to 13,367.
>> Okay, that's what we have. >> Okay, let's mark you all here. Okay. So the total for tree warden is 19,404. >> Yep. >> 21741. >> Okay. So I I have a note for third
reduction on rental equipment. 4537. >> Okay. That's the difference cuz it was 674. >> So what is it? 4537. >> Yep. >> Okay. All right. And the total is what? >> The total is 19404
wood. Then we get on the once we get back this little toolbar. It's got to go away. Um the burial agent $154,000
was Yep. 154. >> Um, pardon Clark 71. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Pardon? And >> so, >> do we have a grand total for public safety?
>> We have a grand total of 4,412,600. >> Okay. So, that's the end of public safety. The highway is not in public safety. >> That's not highway and streets. I think >> it should be considered public.
>> It it it has a role. >> Yeah. >> Um next section is education and the schools. >> Yeah. >> And we're not see I'm not seeing any yellow for the changes. So the total for
expenses is 17,227,323. >> Okay. I got 32 307. >> So that's what >> Yeah. >> 20. >> No. Why? >> Okay. So 14176308 Middle Sex and 1,429,714.
>> Ah, there you go. What's that one? Oh, the debt. >> The the debt. Yeah. >> So, the debt went up $16. >> Okay. But be should be I I would have expected that to have been down.
>> I know. >> Well, no, it went up. >> Yeah. No, no, >> but it went up from the past year. Yeah. I see what you're saying. >> Yeah. But that that's in in my mind, it's supposed to be going down till it's, you know, until it paid off. Unless things are free from the bond or
something. >> Most time is what you get. It's not a variable like >> another another question. We can >> for for the school for the included debt for North Middle.
>> Um and I'm going to question the debt exclusion on the valley. That works way way too well. Well, no. It went down quite a bit. Let's not let's not
take the money and run. >> But I think something was paid for. Isn't Do you remember when we went to the breakfast? >> Didn't they say that something had been paid off? >> Something dropped off. >> Some Yes. >> She did say some
>> I forget what it was, but it seemed like there was a debt that was paid off. Yes, absolutely. >> I know one other year we had a drop. Well, like this and then we saw the increase later in the year. >> So, I just want to be
>> She definitely had a drop. So, she did say, you want to ask about >> I I just want to double check on that. >> Yep. She'll answer that in seconds. She's wonderful. >> Nothing wrong with asking the question.
If if we have to expire like we had before. >> So, how come the school came in so low? Any idea they got >> 2% to 2.04? >> Yeah. >> Um I just heard that they sharpened and and tried to do bare bones.
>> Did they still get more money from the state? Is it Didn't they get money from the state last year? They had that big thing. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That this year. So maybe that >> it it could be the supplemental that came in that
>> they they had that would give them more in the END which then they could use. >> Yeah. >> And the um excess and >> compet
they knew the towns were going to be tight this year. So that's the end of education. So that would be the 17 >> 27 323 >> 323 lines.
>> Y >> just um >> any yellow on that? So um I don't see any yellow on highway. So, what's your personal total? >> Personnel total is 488,60. >> Um,
the expenses >> Y >> 12393. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> And the total for highway is 612,599. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Oh, and then we get to snow and ice. >> Then we get the snow and ice.
>> Didn't you like the snow this morning? >> No. >> Oh my word. Wasn't that >> Yeah. Well, I use it as an excuse not to drive into work. So, you're good. >> Yeah. So, I didn't mind that. >> Boy, you really I've been rolling out my leg on that one.
>> Even before it started, I would have >> any excuse I can not to drive in work. >> How far do you go >> to And over 495? >> Yeah. >> Then I got to go up. You can't get 0495 with that hour in the morning.
>> Then I got to get go up 90. Oh, one exit up 93. >> Not down up river. Yeah. >> Okay. Highway snow and ice. I have one yellow which is for the salt for next year.
>> Oh, okay. 128 763. >> It brought it down. >> Was he up higher than >> 14370? >> Yeah. >> Well, I mean, well, oh, maybe. Okay. So, maybe the or maybe he modified they
modified what they were going to order because the prior year was 95, >> right? >> And they had jacked it up to 143. And you're saying now what? 128. >> 128. 763. >> 763. >> Yeah. So maybe the increase wasn't as big as they were expecting or something for
pre-ordering. >> And again, I mean, this is this is the one you can deficit spend, right? So, right. >> So, what's the total then on that? >> Total I have is 247,623 on expenses.
>> Okay. >> So, that would be about 20 no 15,000. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And then the total snow total would be 297123. >> No.
>> Okay. Street lights. No change. 18078. >> We don't have any street lights. >> We don't have any street lights. >> Well, come down to my neighborhood. We got >> We got >> You do? >> There's one over there, one there, and another one somewhere close by. in a
Tyler Road right outside the bedroom window. Then the one that my neighbor's place right up the street I forget where the other one is. >> Get the lighting in. >> So the highway and streets total then >> the highway and streets total is
927,000. >> You can take the light down anytime you want. >> That's different. >> That should be about 15,000. >> Oh, that comes into that. Okay, then we're moving on to solid. >> Yeah. >> Uh I have no yellow and solid waste
total 19,700. >> I have 9700. >> 19,000. >> But there was a $10,000 for curbside pickup >> added in there, right? >> For solid waste line 575. >> Oh, okay.
different. >> Yeah. So that pick up all the town dumpster. >> Yeah. Pick up patients. Okay.
Okay. So public total 19700 >> and that's that's the end of that section. Another another section covered. Then we move into cemetery and parks and I have no changes on the personnel.
So that is listed at 157 790. Okay. >> The expenses for cemetery and parks next page. Um expenses is 11,203. >> Yep. >> And the total is 16893.
Okay. Okay. Next and housing authority. Um I have no changes. The total is 2707. >> Y now the housing cost.
>> We do. >> The whole thing. Huh. >> So the housing trust support staff is 2440. >> Okay. >> And that's the end of the wages at 2440. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Professional services was dropped to
1,350. Training was dropped to 50. Office supplies 50 and mileage is $75. >> Okay. >> That makes the expenses 1525.
>> Okay. >> And the housing trust total now is 3,965. $75 will barely pay for gas anymore. >> Maybe they'll go to help. Um, no changes on the top. So,
the personnel is 53,860. >> Expenses is $125. >> Okay. Um the total border health is 53,985. >> Yep. >> Then we have the initial board of
health. >> Um the nursing contract is 20. No changes. So I'll just go total expenses is 70,715. >> And that's the total. Yep. And we have landfield engineering.
Uh no change but 25,700 red on aging. I have nothing that is yellow. So personnel wages is 127514. >> Mhm. >> And the expenses is 5,404.
>> Y >> total council on agent 132918. Okay. >> Veterans agent have no changes. So we'll go to the bottom. Veterans agents total 47,87.
>> No, I think 4848 something changed. >> So wage wages is 6,747. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Uh $50 on office supplies. >> Okay. I have 51. But there's one
>> um 350 for software. There we go. That was 500. >> It was 500 last year. Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's probably it. >> So that and then 750 and then 40,000 on the services. >> Okay. 750 is also a change.
>> Okay. >> That total becomes 41,150. >> And then what's the total? >> Total total is 47,897. which and that's the end of the human services payroll section. So that update
now is now 506 879 the threes and the eight sir. >> Yeah they think white fought here. Moving on then the cultural section library
uh personnel 30 again no changes so just the bottom bottom line 361344 >> expenses 961 197 >> y >> for library total for 457,549 >> recreations I got no changes personnel
was 65 5,000 381. >> Yes. >> Expenses like they took away no changes though. It's zero. >> Yeah. >> And so 65 381. >> Yeah. >> What is the recreation? I have no
changes in Memorial Day or band concerts. >> What's Memorial Day? >> Memorial Day has three lines. Professional services, band services, and other supplies. Um, >> how much?
>> Um, wait, let's see. Did my math >> for Memorial Day? That's Memorial Day only. >> That's what I'm looking for. Kind of like >> summit as a separate thing. It's Memorial Day and band concert. >> They shouldn't be
>> for um 4,300. Yeah. 4,000s. >> I have 405 >> for Memorial Day only. >> Yeah. >> Four. >> Five. Six.
>> Yeah. >> Um 6075. >> 6075. Okay. So, $6,45 for Memorial Day only. >> For Memorial Day only. Yep. >> And what's the total?
>> Um then we'll we'll add bands 9 9,50 9 $9 9,50 and 400 in other supplies. So that's 90 9450. So the total in bank concerts and
memorial days is 15855. Talk about that. Yeah. Hey, my committee is reduced to 1300 from last year. No change. Um should be no change between my virgin and your virgin. >> Yes. Nothing.
>> Um and the total for culture and recreation is $540,77. >> Y. >> What does that mean? Cultural and recreation. Is that the recreation department? Well, that's all those, >> right? Library library.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. Now, we're into the debt. >> I mean, do we need to go through I mean, the debt is what the debt is, right? >> And it shouldn't shouldn't have changed, I don't think, from the last. >> Um, >> so it's the total for debt. um that
total uh I got to scroll this way. Um >> although I guess there was a change. >> It it it's highlighting a change. Um says MBO paid off. Um so they they've got a yellow here for 443 282 for the debt total.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So no change no changes from that. So it's kind of okay things I highlighted but um and then all the expenses for retirement insuranceances unemployment
>> Medicare so the insurancees total is 3 million 103 million1064 >> okay that's different than what I >> different okay so let's >> you do
Retirement total. >> Retirement total I have 1,49,987. >> Y >> um unemployment insurance uh maybe what 25,000. >> Yep, that's right. >> Okay. Um
health insurance 1,391, >> 390 >> 1 391 877 >> 877. So that's that's the increase there. >> Yeah. >> And then life insurance is 500.
>> Yep. Um 100,000. >> Yeah. >> And just general liability 443,500. >> Yep. So what's the total on that? uh total in the insurance section at least 3,10,864
which gets your budget to a total of 2850,782 and adult for minus schools and so the town portion of the budget is 11,623,000 459. And that will be the amount.
623 49. Okay. Um so we did we have select that we need to get um we do have schedules. I don't want to burn anybody at all. >> I didn't get a chance to look at the
email what the agenda was. Is it basically >> it was basically to continue this? >> Yeah. So we we've totally gone through this now. So now if you want to go back through and maybe >> pick at it more >> pick pick at it more. It's kind of like
we have all the different things captured which is >> um but we did identify some areas we have short you know I my more longterm but we still have some of the shortterm things and then we can look at the recap
and see how it all >> Okay. So the next item is course. Did you have correspondence? >> Um >> I had I have anything came in. Um I did have one that was an update last meeting when
we met and we worked at the um enterprise fund. >> Um we we saw our note in the expenses. It was a line that referred to the special town meeting article from last year. I bought a town and a town meeting article. Um, and it had an amount of
$10,000 $10,531 on it. Um, and then there was a line under it that said 16531. So, I thought the numbers were at least something to question. Um, I went back to the minutes from the annual
town meeting and the amount to be transferred to 16,531 was the amount for the enterprise fund to transfer to the town for the services it would provide contracting and accounting and all the things they do.
And so it was a mistake of in the line. So they have a $10,000 line in there that really doesn't have had a didn't need to be there. It was an error. So that's probably 10,000 that they had allocated in expenses that is now not
needed. It was an error. So it probably means that they have 10,000 more in in their funding available um to move forward and move into next year. So that was that was the only extra
thing I had in for that thank bringing us back. Um, and so the agenda for next week is was just to continue this, make sure we have a the opportunity to look at it, make more questions, and because we're going to
meet with Karen next week, um, on Thursday the 16th, I think he said, um, and just go over and have if there's any anything we want to have out, um, you weren't here. Um he did say that he
wants to have something with the town before before we get to town meeting. He wants to have an open budget session up in Great Hall. Uh when >> open I think he said we wanted he was looking at the 23rd.
>> Um but again it be clear you know like >> um I don't I know somebody asked me the question does finance committee have to be there? anything just if anybody has a question. >> Yeah, we should be there. >> Yeah.
>> Um so on the agenda here it says um reviews and recommendations for revolving accounts. >> Yep. >> So we're going to be reviewing revolving account. >> I think we probably always so yeah I'll I'll request the revolving account
details. >> Okay. >> Of all the departments that use it. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Excellent. Um I it it's something because one of the first articles we pass at annual Midtown meeting is the balances and how much they're they're going to use, >> how much they're authorized,
>> how much they're authorized to use. >> Right. Right. Right. >> So if if we're making it what you know it every year it's prepared and the numbers are up there and we just say yeah that looks good. I think we should be looking at >> Yeah, I agree the piece of it. So um we
will get them. I mean, >> maybe any chance we're going to be able to get those for the Thursday? >> I think so. >> Um, at least the partials for what they are to this this this
>> you have to post that already. You >> Yeah. >> And so, are those in there for that? >> Um, it may not be. I I can post the change on updates to make sure they're in them. Um but I yeah I just put I did I wasn't
sure how far we were going to get on this maybe half halfway tonight and so that's why I thought it was a continuation and continue with it >> and we don't have the ATM warrant articles of course >> not yet we're kind of like so we're going to have to do the ATM and the STM
warrant articles so I just wanted to make sure we c we captured what work we have >> we're going to have another STM >> within the annual there's always a special >> Oh okay That's right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> We we signed the annual and then we >> have the is the annual scheduled already?
>> It is first first Tuesday in May. >> Tuesday. >> First Tuesday in May. >> So I believe that has to be posted by the 24th. >> Y
I don't have something I have to go. Why? >> So, we should have those articles. >> We we should have the motion. We should have the Warren articles. We probably won't have the motions. Um
but one of the one of the big pieces will be >> the thing that hurts is if we have that budget meeting on the 23rd. >> Yeah. >> That means we won't have the um articles probably to review till the 28th which is when we're going to be
basically reviewing the motions, right? >> Yep. >> Is there a strategy to not give us the stuff in advance or do they really Be nice if we could get them for April 21st. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, we'll we'll send out the request. It's two weeks before. So, when
you send when you create the warrant articles, we won't have the motions. The motions then get created after the warrant articles. Then the motions and then they go to the warrior to look at the motions to review. >> Can we put new motions in now or is it
like it's closed except I don't know about the special. Do you know when that opened and closed? >> I think it closed less >> or maybe closed tonight. >> Okay. >> Because the annual is March 1st. >> Yeah. because
>> Oh, >> say in that your name wanted to put in >> Oh, well, he's not coming back until the 27th and he needed to get 100 signatures for for um
Xpayer predictions for a warn. >> Oh, what did he want to do? >> Think he wanted a an override for the budget or something. I yeah I think yeah think he wants to >> basically he wants to come up with a
realistic >> and I understand that and I can't say I disagree but we need people that will >> fally responsible spenders >> that's right >> yes >> and that that's the problem that >> that's our issue right there
>> well yes >> well no the issue is states stop funding the school >> that's part of the issue that's part that is the issue When I I remember last year when we went to that that school board meeting >> and he showed you the graph of >> Yeah. >> what we used to get. >> Oh yeah.
>> And what the and and what the requirements are. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. If they fix the school if they fix that, >> we we would be in much better shape. But we also have other issues like grants, >> which is another thing where we
>> they go out and get grants, but they don't plan for the full >> for the full cost of that grant. So just because >> Oh my god. Yeah. >> Just so now >> So you don't So if they don't plan for
the full cost I realize some grants are just pay for the whole thing. Right. >> But other grants you sometimes or something >> and if you don't if you go apply for the great now you don't have all the m
matching funds you're like well not not in recreation. >> No problem. Right. >> Well I mean if you want to use the recreation as an example. >> Yes we do. >> Okay. So they got the grant for the the equipment
which would have one or two years or whatever however long it's been in storage but they had no money to install it and they had no plan to raise the money to install it. >> So then they came to the cap they I
guess it was another they went out for another grant. They went to representative Scottdale and they came to capital planning. The the grant was denied. Capital planning basically denied it. But Scottdale came through with some dollar.
>> I don't think Scottdale was given the full. >> But whatever it does, >> we have the money and now we have to put in the pad. >> So now, >> no, we don't. >> No, we don't. We Well, we have to spend money by June 1st. me, I would turn it
back. I know it's not a good look. I do know it's not a good look. I agree with that. But I would turn it back anyways because >> Yes. Because now it's going to be dumb. >> That that money that money is going to pay for the pads.
>> So, they're going to have put pads out in the back parking lot here, but there's no money >> to actually install the equipment. That's right. >> So, we're going to have a bunch of concrete pads. And they've already I think they've already written the RFP for it with
>> Yes, I believe I believe you're right. I believe you're right that they in >> my thought is why can't we make it into a parking area then use that parking lot? >> Yes. >> Well, I just want to raise one little ticket.
>> So, so my whole thing is this is a mess. There's no thought into >> when the when the grant was written what the whole >> whole picture was >> was and we're basically screwed. >> Yeah.
>> Well, there's got to be a solution to get us out of it. >> Yes. >> I mean, me personally, I would have taken the hit and just said, "I'm sorry, but take the money back. >> We We can't use the money because we're still missing this much money." But thank you very much. Can I just Can I
just say one thing about that equipment? That equipment is for 14 year old 14 years of age and older. >> It's going to be smack dab in the middle of the after school program where everybody's under 14. Talk about a good look.
So anyways, this is but just in general, >> you got to look at the whole thing. That's right. >> And when we write our contracts and not to pick up the fire department to but But but but you need to know the total
cost whether it's two contracts or one contract that's got uh line items in it. >> But you need to every contract you need to know the full cost and what it's going to cost. That's right. No, not a piece.
>> And I think that's a strategy that they both use both people. I really do it. I believe. >> Well, I don't know that it the fire department uses it, but I think the companies use it. >> What do you mean the companies? >> The companies that build the equipment, >> right? >> That's what they use. They hook you in
and then they >> and then they tell you after the fact they and that could be but >> but we were misrepresented on that. But these are things that hurt our budget >> because because nobody's looking or
thinking >> about the bottom picture just to go out and write a grant. That's fine, but you got to know what the town's on foot. >> Yeah. >> Um the maintenance. >> Yeah. Yeah. I
>> That's my piece. >> Thank you, Carol. I think that was very well. >> Can I make a motion to adjurnn? I'll second that. >> We have a second. >> All in favor?