and Finance Committee call the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Uh, a roll call of attendance, please. >> Daryl Hus present. Gerald Z present. Kathine Spinford present. Mary Jane Churchill present. >> Sh present.
>> Hayes present. Dave Walker has sent his regrets in the email earlier. So we are six. We have a quorum so we can continue. Um at this point the uh meeting is being recorded by TCAM. It
will be available for playback on the uh Townsen channel on YouTube as well as it will be playing on the local cable channels. >> Who's J K at this point? Is anybody else recording
the meeting? Assembly. >> No one vacation. >> I'm being heard. No one else is recording the meeting. Thank you. >> How could the park be good? >> And what I hit first on was the review
with the town administrator with the omnibus and the ascap. Um I guess we can start there. I don't know if Karen you want to >> you want me to walk you through it or how would you like me to roll
>> you want to um now this one didn't come in until last week uh Tuesday so I I haven't identified I haven't gone back the original one >> the changes but
you want to start with the um the budget Thank you. >> Yes. >> Where's the recap? >> The recap could be the second two pages. If you haven't got Is there >> Yep.
>> You also have the recap. Oh, I don't have >> No, you don't. Thank you. >> Well, you'll have to tell me about it. We will tell you that. >> Um, yeah, I did happen to see when I was printing out these, it's a few more
files to come in this afternoon. >> So, they go to the FingCom email that I created. So, you all get it. You know, there was a request for that. So, >> that's great. >> John's traveling. They're busy. >> Visibility for all. >> I got it. You logged in. >> No, I didn't get it from you.
>> It didn't come. It goes to everybody. I did get it. >> I didn't get it, but I got it like maybe fourish something. I wouldn't have got it on the day. >> Most of my reads are always late.
I get a chance to look at mail at breakfast time, >> right? >> If there's anything important, run down the different email addresses I have and check where the new stuff comes in. But by lunchtime, yeah, it's hard to get here by 6:00 as
it is. >> So, as much. >> So, what are we doing? Recap. >> Well, um, >> we we can go on the recap, but let's just visit the bottom line on
>> Yeah. No, I didn't get it >> on full budget. I haven't seen officers on there. So, >> maybe you misspelled it. It's got strange Fs and S's, right? Yeah, it does. >> And recheck it. But >> double check the list to uh starting and animated. So >> you've got them before cuz you've
replied back to me on them. So >> I don't know. >> Oh, where's that pling board? >> Right. Or was the pling board here? But no, I don't have any materials. >> Yep. H O F S
A R O L. like you need to be in that cont. Um I just wanted to look at the bottom line. Um those second page from the end of the budget
just looking at the number that is there the 11 11,592,562. Okay. So, if you wouldn't just just so that we're >> on the on the big budget, the 28 pages. >> Oh, the big one. >> Yeah. The bottom bottom line, one page
from the end is your budget, your total budget number >> for the page, 592, right? >> So, that that is the top line on the recap. So when you look at the budget, Yes.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. >> That's all I wanted to point out on that because getting there to that 11 million um it's then all the individual department
get to that 11 million. Um so that's the number that comes into the week. Can I get them? the yellow glasses. >> Number on the what? 11,000.
>> It's 11 million. >> So, you're saying how you got it, right? >> Right. So, that that >> that comes to all the department budgets plus the school then minus the schools at the very end to get to the 112 52.
Um, so if we're looking at the recap first, that's where I wanted to say that number is coming from and that's the starting point. No, I don't. >> No. Well, there's an update in your email for >> I saw that,
173 street. What is that? Uh, it's an old article that was on there. It's not something. >> Oh, is that a zero? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Oh, okay. So, those two straight.
>> Okay. And at this point, we're not seeing anything on the annual town meeting articles. Um, I send you guys the draft warrants as well. >> Yeah, we have those. Aren't we going to go over those today? Oh, >> um they again they just came in. So
may have to >> I don't know if we'll be able be able to get to them. Part of it was getting to see but what I was meaning by that is on on this there's no no dollars associated with any of the >> well the access is associated with it
because that's your TPM dollars. >> Okay. Yep. Um, the ones I was looking at that have been written was for the 10,000 for the Patriot uh revaluation for the assessor, 5,000 for the >> the assessor asked for $8,000 that
you'll see as a warrant article. >> Okay. So, that needs to that that amount needs to be >> it's covered with it's incorporated into the omnibus budget. So, >> the cost for the for the property valuation software.
>> Yeah. Yeah, not the software itself, but the three the three-year usually is it's um is spread out over three years to do the the big three-year uh property revaluations. >> So, I have asked Vicki for every single dollar that she can account for it, the
numbers I have or the numbers I have. >> Okay, I will go back last year. They did it as coming from the overlay template. So, this would be the the second of the three years. So the overlay is at $120,000 and there's routinely excess funds in that
account. So it might be built in for the overlay number at $120,000. >> Okay. Well, okay. We need to check into that because overlay is just really what you're not planning to receive.
>> So don't send all it. So >> So you're saying the assessor's request is in the overlay. >> Um that yeah, that's that's what I'm hearing. We'll cut on um that um >> so in a place that it had been typically
up and up through last year, it it's not not there. >> The last time it was in there was you actually never had in there. Look at your prior years. It's not in there. >> It it's buried into the annual committing articles,
>> which you haven't had in there for years. So again, this is I'm trying to give people opportunities to speak up and share the budgets. >> Yep. Okay. Just used to seeing it. And and again, the 5,000 for the for the um 300th
anniversary is usually covered by a warrant article, but you have $300,000 already in that account. >> 300,000. >> You do. >> How did that get when we,000? >> Yeah. Mhm. >> What was the 300k? Oh, the is the to the
300th anniversary for the $5,000. >> Okay, that's what I was thinking. >> Yeah, we haven't had it that long. >> No one requested that for this article. You got to request articles. >> They didn't request it. So, it doesn't go
>> the responsibility of the group, >> right? Okay. So >> just like Vickiy's, if she didn't ask for it, it's on her. >> Okay. So nobody asked for the $5,000. >> So there are no Warren articles that are looking for any money that's not in the
budget. Correct. >> How about the election special article? No, >> that's in the book. Oh, >> and we put 35,000 that wasn't approved or didn't get touched at special town meeting into the elections professional
services. Um, >> yeah. So, that was an adjustment. Last time we had seen it in in um the labor and it's been moved into the professional services and that will be
or the I was just assuming that that was going to be coming from the free cash. that we're using to hit the budget. >> Okay. Nothing on special meeting votes to add anything. So that so the total appropriations to be raised
is the 28,972,729. >> I believe there's >> this under the second second subtotal on the first page. Second, second sub total. So the if you have the total operating budget
and the total appropriations to be the 28 adds in the >> amount we raise >> the 28 million. >> Okay. 282 >> and the additional amounts to be raised
>> giving the same as last year for the 120,000 or overlay um the snow and ice deficit um is and I didn't get a chance to read it is is it still at the 305 it
>> is not it's 3128 eight. >> And the most recent version of the budget has that. >> Okay. Which was closer to the 314 in one of the earlier. >> Mhm. >> Envision the cherry sheet offsets and
the state assessments. We saw where they come. We we did go take a look at the cherry sheets weeks ago on the DLS site. And then the Hero Act increase for the 75,000
which that subtotal is $613,043. So added that amount added to the prior subtotals is 29,585 772. Then we hidden the estimates for the revenues, the the cherry sheet
receipts. Um, and again, we know that's preliminary until they find sign the final budgets through both houses and the governor signs it. >> There was some positive news with the school number. So, the Ways and Means increase the contributions per student,
$160 per student. I think we're at 150 right now, but don't quote me on the math. the school budget community, you know, >> so hopefully we see a little help there or, you know, may offset some other numbers. >> Assessments for the school, make them
down. >> Yeah. And or it's something you can also do mid you could do it in the fall >> if we don't have it between now and next week. You can do it in the fall. You can readjust the assessment. >> And is that both schools? The amounts for all students every
school. or not not for the tech but for >> just for be nice >> that would be ideal but >> I know our school committee members are working hard to bring that number down so again we may see it in the fall but you won't see it in this iteration
>> no and again we we have to go with the assessment we have make sure we have a budget for it so if it fits well the assessment >> makes next year a little easier with some free cash Um the uh indirect
uh enterprise indirect costs um the 480 to225 um is >> that's all water department. >> Yes sir. Yeah that's the water department's indirects. Next year the TA
should move up the solid waste indirects just they were a placeholder down below just farther down but they should go up into the estimated revenues um enterprise indirect costs it should be like you know enterprise indirect cost water enterprise indirect cost solid waste solid
>> so where are you seeing the indirect cost >> oops 28 what >> line 30 31 one and then the solid waste is line 48.
>> Yeah, they get numbers. >> But no, you said we're looking there for indirect enterprise indirect costs are in the the third line under what's
>> Oh, okay. Enterprise deficit indirect cost. That's the transfer of solar water. >> Yeah, but that's for the water department, >> right? >> For the trash. >> Uh, farther down, it's the 17169. I was
saying that the next next year's version of this budget should bring solid waste above right above right above. >> Yeah. >> Right above our Okay, I see that. >> They have a solid waste indirect cost. I still can't find the other indirect cost.
>> Okay. Okay. Okay, everybody >> set with those two >> again this spreadsheet will be updated next year. Um so then that brings those
receipts to the 1,82891. Next is next section the other available funds. Um, no. The 700,000 from ambulance receipts >> is that are we definitely getting that? >> That is confirmed.
>> It is confirmed. We Is it in the budget? Is it in the account now or we >> So, are you still a month behind? So, by end of end of April, May, we'll be >> Well, we got 700 be able that's that's always the 700,000.
>> Yes. That's what we always get, right? >> Yeah. and years past um >> like fiscal year 25 there was a an increase to 800 that was kind of like a one time ask um you know last year was 700k
you know based on what Nelson had left me here and this year the fire chief said I'm going to be consistent at the 700k so I think if they were to add more ambulance service into the rotation or different variations of services you
might see an increase obviously you get a pay to play. So you'd have to find a way to offset the cost of the ambulances, but you might gain more within the ambulance receipts, >> right? >> You know, it's something to stick around as an idea down the road and what the revenue is and what the
costs are. That >> means more people. >> I mean, that's well, you know, other communities uh don't have the ambulance services that Townsen has. >> No, they don't. >> And a lot of those other communities are trying to figure out what to do. my own community, it takes 25 minutes for the average ambulance to get to your house.
Um, unfortunately, we're not a neighboring town the town's in. I'd be advocating for them to >> be part of that service. Um, Pepil is having some growth dilemmas as they try to figure out the new fire EMS, you know, situation what to do. Um, maybe
that will be something that gets bridged along the way or, you know, other communities in the area. It is an opportunity for has their own services their own money too.
>> Yes. >> Every and then they share schools like region like five school region five five time region schools. >> That's how they do it out in central N. So >> yeah it's kind of like yeah just things
in the that I was doing too much. work where I start thinking of things. It's kind of like >> um well it's kind of like scrubbing scrubbing dirty >> dirty decks with uh mind list. So um the
transfer from pay access is going to raise and it offsets the article for the T campa payment correct up above the numbers match the transfer from title 5 inspections to 20,879 >> just a consistent number same as last year for that one that was confirmed
too. Okay. >> Um, you won't see any revenue from West Towns in Reading Room um, for next year as that will be decided at town meeting whether there's a sale of that building. >> I also don't think we can have people go in and use that building with the septic
in its disrepair. >> Um, in an exploratory work for septic system there was going to be around $5,000. >> Facilities has said that it's probably a substantial fix to that septic system there. We don't readily have a $30,000 septic
repair in our horizon right now. >> Um so I just don't want to set the expectation that we're going to have tenants using that building >> collecting funds that way. So >> how much is reading room fund? >> Not sure.
>> I know $27,000. Okay. >> Beyond the 10yond. >> Yeah. Beyond that is 17,000. >> But I think what's happened to the
reading loan is that um the current administration for the past probably 5 years has dropped the ball on what's going on there. And so no one's done anything. So the interest is acrewing and >> right
>> passive I guess is the word um >> the interest is there to be used is the interest or any interest on the interest. >> I don't know what you have passive probably I assume >> um >> it depends on the way the trust was
written the way she explained it the other day when she was in yeah is that interest is earned and then moved back into the general fund. Um they yeah the general fund available >> but it shouldn't be available to the general fund. It should be available to
the meeting. >> She did say it would there was an should be an account set up for it to transfer to because it's it's transacting versus using it. So it's acrewing interest in >> in the treasurer's realm and then that interest is transferred to an account in
the accounting realm so it can be spent. Sorry >> for the reading. >> So, right, but it should be making money all the way up until you write. >> I think one of the issues is that it in 1938 it was $10,000 donation >> and I know that was 100 years ago or 90
years ago. It would be interesting to see how that money has been spent, what who's done what with it, where's it gone >> because of all the fingers in the pot. But I think 17,000 is a healthy amount of money to have saying that nobody thought we had any.
>> Right. Yeah. But if if it's only available for half >> half of the septic repair, then we have to wait. >> But Don, we don't know because nobody's gone to have some official. We've been listening to all the town gossip. We haven't had an official person go and do
a look. was good. >> Aeroseptic did work on it for the facility. So again, a little bit of a secondhand story, but Aeroseptic came in and kind of got it going a few years back. >> And it cost about $3,500. And he said,
you know, to do the next iteration of exploring the leech fields with the camera and all the diagnostics is about another five. So you the facilities gentleman shared that with me. >> I said, "Well, what else is going on in the building?" He's like, "Well, it leaks. It's got pests in, you know, it's
the facade is falling off the building. Basically, he's like, you're probably looking at about $75,000 worth of repairs, >> right, >> to get it up to >> Well, you know, my feeling about it, I really think that we should with real numbers.
>> Okay. >> It can be it can be an income producing >> because I don't know what the legalities are of just selling it off. I mean, you've got an account, you've got I don't know. >> Exactly. What What were the
>> um And was the building originally a donation that that has something written in the deeds? So, it goes back to the >> No, I don't see any deed, but >> that's that's something >> and again on that one, I asked Karen to go
Adam and his answer was like, "Whoa, did you get the question right?" It was like a non-answer. But what happens to the funds? Because if you sell the property, those funds for that, >> they go to the sale for for that
building because it's not a tax taking. It would go to a sale of properties fund sort of like that water department building that was sold last year. And you can use it for infrastructure, public safety items, um acquisition of more land. I think you can use it for like recreation. Even though it said in
perpetuity that those funds were to support that house, you can use it for something else with a lawyer. >> I I we'll take that and make a recommendation. >> Land type lawyer >> that is a warrant article. You'll see that one that like the Warren article
for the sale of land is several other there's a lot of small little partials and it's like heart library uh 182 Warren Road and West Towns and Reading like the three big ones. So that will be something to discuss when you get to the draft or 18
bidding on our library. This would be giving the town the opportunity to have an auction next spring basically >> to sell these parcels off >> as we have with the with the ones we had taken. Um and and the um
>> the one on Dudley Road you're going to have a tax generating property now. There's like I think a three-bedroom house going in there next to the police station. >> It's probably going to sell for 650 and then we're going to make tax revenue off. >> The one up on Pay Road. >> Yeah, there's a couple plus housing on Depot.
That was gas taking. >> That was a town own parcel that was sold and now you've got because you can put a 55 plus house on >> No, that wasn't a town own property. That was Goodwin's property. Yeah, >> that was bought. >> Evan Smith had the adjoining parcel cuz
I Mr. I know the person who says bank was behind him sitting at that auction >> funding and got >> none of that stuff is telling >> I it's been a while since I worked with I don't think we had anything on on that area
>> with the house there that was haven't bought that house >> I think there were two houses I remember one house that he tore down to put those >> Yeah they're not weren't here long enough to remember all >> no I never >> that was my girl out later.
>> Yeah, that wasn't >> long. But we need to >> beautiful inside. >> I know. He told us that >> the pictures are very nice. >> 55 $500,000. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Sorry. Back to the available funds. We we do need to get back, but some of those may be recommendations um >> that we need to need to make and follow up outside. Um
nothing from direct revolving account um transfer from other funds, nothing there. Um and then the free cash is listed at $220,000. >> Free cash is made up of $135,000 to balance your budget. uh $35,000 of of
that 220 is for elections and $50,000 of that is for the town council. You know, you'll see in the Omnibus you'll see that went up 50k and that's part of this process. >> I know you guys discussed that at your last
heavy usage for negotiations keeping us out of trouble is very valid. Um you know town >> the town meeting vote, right? >> It is. Yeah. on the budget end. >> So that's 185. That's getting >> 1825.
>> 1825. >> Yeah. Total for town council. >> Oh. Oh, >> but no, I was looking at Didn't you just say that the uh the 220 cash? >> So I described what made up the $220,000. >> 1825 is just lawyers. So
>> Oh, okay. I missed that. So >> 1825 is just the lawyer. Okay. >> So, do we know what the lawyer was for last year? Oh, because they changed they changed their contract, right? >> Right.
>> They went for per >> they went out like versus >> instead of like So, we have nothing to compare that to, >> right? Now, I could tell you we're $600 in the hole right now with them >> and $627
>> and that hasn't touched on the first two rounds of union negotiations. >> And we still have two. >> I'm going to do one question at a time. That's very confusing. So if you want to ask a question just >> so we are using a special
uh union type lawyer. >> The representative from me teller mana is a labor council attorney. She specializes in labor contracts labor union negotiations >> and municipal type labor here
>> and specifically municipal type negotiations. >> Would be doing a good job representing the town. Yeah, >> she has done an excellent job so far as I'm I'm sitting with her at the table and >> it's yielding good results. So,
>> um because we have had contracts made in the past decade or so ago, maybe less. I don't remember the timeline anymore till yesterday. Um we did, you know, basically sold parachutes with gold
weights to make sure it comes down. >> Yeah, that's what we're trying to avoid. That's what I'm hoping you are and like to the assurance of somebody saying so for the town's benefit. >> It it is helpful for the town to have a
true lawyer go through contracts even for the contract they wrote for me for an interimm. She said nope take that out take that out. So she is working for the benefit of the town. >> Thank you. Appreciate somebody. I have a question about legal fees um
for 2027. So what about the lawsuit that we have? Where does that money come out? The um the lawsuit that the um the lower the bidder that didn't win the bid on the >> specific year of the RFS lawsuit.
>> Yeah. Right. RFS. >> Yeah. Um I So you'll use town council to work through some of the litigation aspects of that. You wouldn't be using this town council budget line for settlement funds and things like that. That's not how it would be purposed. So,
>> okay, I get that settlement part. So, but would this 50,000 be used for the legal fees for him to represent it be putting us into a settlement situation? >> Yeah, it could be used to help the litigation parts of it.
>> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, it's not all negotiation. It's whatever we need. >> It's negotiations. It's land use. Um it's >> planning board. >> It's Yeah. Planning board. We have variety of topics that are going on
within that realm that are going to require some legal expertise. >> Now, this is the 182. >> Right. >> I'm specifically talking about the 50. >> The 50 was just what was not voted on at town meeting. And I know as I built your
budget for you guys residents that we're going to need more money in that account, >> right? >> So the 182 includes the 50, >> correct? It's all in. So last year was 82 whatever the number was last year. I just added 50k to it.
>> Okay. So um I just hearing different numbers on the 182. So what I'm seeing in the budget is 1325 which is 50,000 more which is he was sorry. 825 plus 50 is 1325, >> right? Okay. That's
>> and that's why I see one question at a time. >> Yeah. That's why it's it's very it's kind of like and and that jumped from the recap to the budget just I think because we mentioned the 50,000. So we need
>> um and is there a breakdown somewhere? Oh um oh I I was just writing down because they were I didn't see them listed anywhere um for the 220 and what so we had 35,000 for elections and
50,000 for the Hoya but that is still more for the 220. And so the the remaining 135 >> is just blended across your own US budget to make to balance the budget for you. Okay. >> You mean like a fake number?
>> Not not a fake number. It's kind of like spread across. Right. >> There's a little bit here and there that total of 135. >> So we need to we need to >> Yeah. If you want to call it that
>> snowflake here, >> but again that's that's where we >> is that not a lot or is that just >> Well, it it's not usual. It we go back to best practices thing.
>> Well, we don't do best practices. So, >> well, we need to get we need to get there. This is following on what we're >> So, this is a practice that we have followed. It's kind of like, but we know it's not a best practice. The idea to get is to stop doing this because you're
not always going to have free cash potentially to be able to do this. It's kind of like your budget should be built on all sustainable and and renewable uh revenue sources. It shouldn't be counting counting on these pieces bringing it in. What you'll hear me say
at town meeting is it's you're truly using $135,000 of free cash because 35k goes to the special elections because we know the town clerk has those and they're obligated. >> $50,000 at the end of the day will be
basically to offset the cost of your union negotiations and several contractual obligations for the town. >> Right. and town meeting decided not to approve that vote >> because it would have gone into a trust like a stabilization and it wouldn't have >> it wouldn't have rolled over every year.
It would have been actually a really smart way to protect the money >> and then your your number here would be $50,000 less. >> That makes sense. >> Right. So >> what do you mean it wouldn't roll over? It wasn't >> if it was in a trust it could only be
used for legal bills. it wouldn't go back to free cash and it would just remain there until it was zeroed out for the year just like the special elections town clerk had asked for like hey put it into like a stabilization type account so that it just remains there for some silly reason
>> um >> it rolls over into the next year and then next year we add another 50 so that we maybe for you that's the cap and you just if you use 10 You raise it with
Why aren't we doing that for snow? For highway. Weren't we supposed to do that for highway? >> You mean for pavement? >> Pavement. >> Pavement. That was so long ago we forgot. >> Yeah. Sorry. >> To your question about like free cash usage. >> Yeah.
>> In 2023, you used $786,000. >> Well, we had it, right? >> You used it to balance your budget. In 24 you used $435,000. In 25 you used $181,000. >> And these numbers are followed up on on
the recap sheet. >> Last year you used 200k. So really this year at $135,000 you're doing a better job. >> You're becoming the last down. >> It is. It should be going down. >> We're doing a better job. We're doing a better job. >> We're doing better. But you know
>> Oh, look. I completely would like it to Yeah. to be zero going going forward on the on the budget. You got to you got to work. Continue to work. >> We are. >> Oh. >> Okay. Additional the snow and ice at
305,000. >> 312. >> This is This is the budget that I sent you. >> Yeah. >> On Tuesday. So, I'm making sure. But it changed as of this afternoon. >> We're getting from the state. >> What's the 305? >> The 305 was what we had on Tuesday.
additional bills have come in or so that's the over that's what we spent over the the budgeted snow and ice money >> over over >> we spent over what was >> coming on in in >> it's an expense and then you're going to use free cash to offset your debt
because you allow the deficit spend >> no I get that >> so you're going to you're going to take $312,000 $35,000 from your your pre-cash balance >> you're going to have a special town meeting that towns and loves to do annually within right >> the annual town meeting to say we're
going to use the $312,000 for fiscal to pay off fiscal 2 fiscal 2026 deficit of snow and ice. >> Do we know we have that certified free cash at 558, >> right? >> But I don't understand why it's here
>> cuz you it's an expense up top. You have to balance it out down below. >> Similar to the >> similar to the TAM money >> perfect example TKM >> I I get Okay. So, oh here. >> Yeah. >> Okay, I get it now. Okay.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. Sorry. No, no, that's good. I want you to understand. >> Okay. >> Right. >> It's not. That's going to be voted. It's
fine. It's on the >> 197 now. It is. Is that separate from the police one? This is the police one. Went down to 197. All right. really because the schools remember the schools put down.
>> So that makes everyone happy. >> But to add more confusion, I did send you guys the no police override budget. >> Just to add more flavor to the like numbers. I'm like, >> yeah, >> right. >> Um and then the
>> Yeah, we'll pass because everyone always passes. It'll pass on the floor. You don't know where the floor on the floor has to go to the >> So that's why question right. Yep. This question two on the ballot >> question.
>> So I figure that's the police one, right? What's question one? >> Going to three to five per se. >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, yeah. That's got to pass. >> Okay. Sorry. kind of like the school resource officer. This is money that
comes from North Middle Sex for the school resource on Versa. It has already always been 80,000 um recently. Um but it just started um coming on to the recap sheet. It was it was always handled off off books and and
>> it was it was accounting and it was Yeah. So his salary is more than 80,000 >> but it's in the police >> it's in the police budget >> that summer right >> that he works on >> we get we get the benefit of the officer in the summer >> in the summer which is perfect because you've got vacations and things and you
need the extra >> what vacation >> extra hours the solid waste indirect cost this this we talked about it's kind of like it's 17,169 for this year >> um and that will be transferred from the
enterprise for the uh curbside pickup, solid waste, however you want to refer to it. So the total other refillable funds is the 1,692,892, which makes total revenues and available
funds 6,521883. And when you subtract that number from the total appropriations to be raised, the 28 million, you're left with the U amount to be raised with the tax levy of 23,63,898.
Then you get into the calculation that you want across pages for the tax rates and we see that the valuation and the tax rate proposed based on all these numbers is $14.7
per thousand. Does anybody want to go over the levy limit calculations or do that at a separate time for understanding the path because there may be some lots of there's lots of questions. We we
haven't really covered or done training on proposition don. So if anybody has any questions we can >> this is math I just carried over from last year which was carried over from the year before. Right? So you it it
really comes to what the what the total was for last year on the bottom line. The 20 million 941 becomes the top level for this year. Then you calculate your two and a half levy in there. Um and from the assessor we get the um
estimated new growth in tax revenue for the total of the 20 21,680. >> Can I ask a question about new growth? So, is the new growth ever confirmed or do we just throw it out? And
>> it is it is confirmed. Um, if we go we can go back over it. Um, um, the DLS reports will show you where the new growth is. >> From per town. I can go pull it up. We can pull it up from
>> because I'm just curious as to what >> how accurate we are in >> how accurate we are in that but also what is the new growth comprised of? I mean is it did the ADUs >> two things it it's if you do additions to your house and you raise the value of your house you get that's new growth and
you get to do a full val at that point and the other is just new builds and new >> that house on Dudley Road is new growth. >> Okay. Right. the 55 plus houses >> and Phil bed is eight up there. >> Mhm. Right. So
>> addition often >> yes all encompass >> for the better. >> Right. So it's an estimate you know how many people are going to do additions building permit. >> Yeah. So where do we get that on DLS does that for us?
>> The no they don't they don't do it. They they have the actual at the end of the year you will see the difference and and the new growth will be posted on the annual reports. >> Somebody has to input the data, right? >> Somebody has to input the data. The data comes from the data >> Vicky and Jody.
>> Yeah. Vicky and group and then they they estimate and if I recall we're usually estimating a little low. >> Yeah. We are historically conservative. >> Yes. >> By about 10%. >> That's good. That's good. >> Yeah. Right. So, we don't want to, you know, you don't want to put in a number
here and not not hit it because then your tax rate >> because I just don't I'm just not seeing for 2027, which would be the rest of 26. >> I I just don't with all that's going on. >> Mhm. >> I'm not so sure that that's going to
keep going up. >> Maybe >> unless the ADU thing happens. Yeah. Yeah, I just want to go back and >> so I would like to see what what the balance of power is on that. >> Yeah, the building department has said that the number of permits being pulled has is slowed year over year.
>> Yeah. >> Cuz things have just gotten a little uncertain. The price of gas. >> They said, >> but you know, um I've had conversations with the assessor and she said no 135. >> She's going with that, >> right? That's the number. you know, it's
>> and again a little cautious, but >> right, if you go back to 2023, we were still on the back side of CO, we were still doing a lot of >> upgrades to our homes. >> Um, and so we were starting to see that and and that was 2011 624 time on the
new growth. So, this is conservative and and so, you know, we trust >> Well, it also tells the if um families are coming in sort of, right, doesn't it? Does it help us with that? Um, >> a resale is part of new growth. No on a real Oh. Oh,
>> no. That's >> Oh, it's only new build. New >> build. >> Oh, but don't doesn't the tax rate in this town increase with the sales price of the building? >> No. No. >> Your assessed value is >> your assessed value. That's
>> it's not based on sales price. >> No. >> No. >> They they may use the sale price when they do the 3D reevaluation on all the properties. >> Oh. Um but in general it doesn't it's not based on >> 100%. >> It's it's the Yeah, it's
>> I have a question. The CPC is that supposed to show up anywhere here or is it >> own bucket own thing? Y >> it's own its own bucket. So, >> right. It it may come on the real estate
tax bill, but it >> it would be okay. >> Separate. >> They spend it >> um >> they vote on >> they they bring they Yeah. Again, it's kind of like um the the CPA will bring warrant articles to town meeting and the
town gets to vote on whether they right. >> Yeah. Dubtailing that if you think of again if you look at when you get the chance to you look at the draft warrant, you'll see the the amounts that they're anticipating. I saw >> and I worked with Vicki shared with me said she said let's be a little bit lower because we're making exemptions.
They were doing their assessors meeting for exemptions. Um, so I think it's right around like $160,000 or so and then certain percentages get put into certain buckets. So like general admin expenses gets a percentage like 20% let's say and then housing gets
10%, historic gets 10% and so on and so on >> because the CPA has really specific buckets that those things can go into. Um, and then to Don's point, you would come to a fall town meeting and say, you know, you approved CPA, you approved the the funding as of July 1, 2026.
>> Here's a project we want to do. We want to put new trees on the common >> and we're going to use CPA funds to do that. We want to paint town hall. We want to put a new roof >> on the recreation building over here. Um, we decided not to sell the West
Towns and reading room. It's a historic building. Mhm. >> Let's redo the subject system. >> I get it. >> It has to be has to be restoration type projects is a really specific criteria. >> I understand that perfectly. So the ad the admin is that done by Townsen or is
that done by the state? >> The admin is sort of a catchall for like if you were going to have a survey done on our parcel, that would be an admin fee. >> To figure out what it was worth or if you were going to have to pay an architect to say, "All right, West Towns in Reading Room. What could we turn you
into?" Like could we turn you into an art studio that could be communal? Like what would it cost to make it 88 >> accessible things? >> So that's adding so that's separate from the say 16,000 that the historic district would get. >> Correct. >> Interesting.
>> And then the rest of it goes into some kitty to generate >> just keep sitting and growing. >> Right. And eventually when they do the uh matching funds from the state >> this is a trend it these enterprise type funds
>> it's very common in this part of the state to see these CPA funds because it's less uh onus on a taxpayer to do like a debt exclusion. You can just say like in in dunable we're evaluating we did like the union school which is that swallow union building you see. Yeah.
>> And we use CPA funds to cover all the expense of the you lead paint redoing the exterior and then do having an architect completely re-evaluate the slate roof. >> So the taxpayers had already contributed to the CPA fund. We just waited the five
years to get there to make >> paying for five years like you >> money stays in perpetuity, >> right? >> You could just wait it out. >> It's Yeah. It's like an enterprise finder will continue to continue this
this trend a little bit that >> salting it away. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And it could permanently or only for five years. >> It's always permanent. >> So the money comes in every year. Well, isn't spent on the things you've talked
about, it rolls over and it continues to grow over the diamond. So, the town basically now starts to get a small fund available for the parts of the town that are falling apart >> for the big restoration projects or you
know, if you're um I'll think of like the town of Carlile, >> yeah, >> very backbone and >> they've been all that great. They used their CPA fund to offset a 40B that wanted to come in. They bought the land. >> 40B.
>> What is that? >> A 40B is like a housing and Carile said, "We're not interested. >> The town gets the first right of refusal on 61A land." Mhm. >> They they executed their first right of refusal and spent $3 million on the parcel
>> and then there was no >> conservation by building restriction >> is beautiful. That's down near conquered it too. We bought land to prevent building
So can you buy land? Open space is one of the >> but what if you wanted to what if you wanted to buy land which would be the eminent domain right and then >> eminent domain is a different vehicle but >> this was straight out purchase >> they just straight out they the so when
you have a 61A parcel they have to go to the town first and say do you want to buy it >> and the town said well what's going to happen their select board >> probably went to their CPA and said what do you think's going to happen here and they knew someone a developer was had their eye eye on that >> the town No,
>> they went to town meeting, voted to spend the $3 million. >> That was it. >> Right. That's the piece. >> Just becomes open space land for people to walk their dogs, do nothing with, have the birth, >> but you could also do that if you wanted to develop a piece of property that you
could get your hands on. >> Yeah. The town. >> What's 61A? How does that work? >> 61A is farming and agricultural land. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. Beautiful product. It's a wonderful way to not pay taxes on your land. So yeah, >> um >> you could also take CPA money to
take the heart library, turn it into affordable housing. How many apartment units could you get in there? >> Not many cuz I think it's only got two bedrooms, I think. >> Um >> well, there's not that much room. Everyone thinks it's huge, but >> Yeah, it's not. I walk through it, >> but you could figure out other parcels like the the the school down the way
that I think is probably near its last legs of life. >> Are you talking about the spa memorial? Everyone tells me it's in terrible shape. >> I mean, someone had told me it's in terrible shape. I'm like, >> someone did tell you that. Yeah. >> So, I won't go We'll tell that. But
that's You can turn that into a portable cook is a whole different thing. Squook is a mess. >> Yeah. I haven't >> I've only been through I just love the stories I hear. >> Yeah. Which one of these buildings is
the library? behind Brooks. >> There's a one way in the back corner. >> I don't even know what it looks like. >> Okay, >> there's a road back there. I got a library the soccer field over, you know, at the front.
>> I know there's something as far as they've ever gone. >> And I keep forgetting which names go to which school. >> I know. This is like >> Okay. So,
>> with the recap, >> can we finish it? >> Um, the only thing we can do is get to the bottom line on recap, >> the very bottom line. >> Zero. >> Well, $634. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, why are they gonna spend that money?
And you know I'm >> so >> it's actually something I shared with so I shared this budget with the department heads of department head Tuesday and you know one of the employees said well what happens if uh you know what's going on
with the union I said anyone who gets much more than a tenth of a percent more in their wage means we are in a deficit. >> Mhm. >> There's no money. You made that very clear at the beginning of this whole budget process. >> This is the >> Are they listening?
>> The override passes. >> This is can't tell you exactly how it's going, but >> yeah. >> 634 spent. >> Give everybody. >> Isn't that good? Right. >> It that's good because it shows a
balanced budget, but there's so little in there that if if you spend $500 on some office supplies that you weren't expecting, that's almost gone. >> But the best practices are a little bit is patted before it gets to us, we go over it. And shouldn't we be like at
that kind of number? >> Right. >> It shouldn't be 10 like $100,000 for you know, what are we going to spend it on? And you can't tell people you're not going to, you know, you're not >> going to get a wage increase or another XY Z. >> You can if you had that much of a plus,
you could reduce taxes or put in stabilization for a roof project on a building that would be responsible windows. >> Yeah. Hurry up and get a balanced budget. I think zero
we're happy with that. No, >> right now in here is what? 250 200. So I added the snow and ice after having a good conversation with our highway superintendent. Um I added some more dollars to get our rate up for private
the rental plows, the folks that plow based on like this. So he said, "Hey, let's get that number up so we're not, >> you know, we're not losing our plows to ash." Um, so I increased that number as well as I added another 25% to the salt line
>> cuz we just we we all the pre-treating and stuff like that and the little black ice pockets. We want to make sure we have that covered. >> So we have a little bit more buffer in that bucket. >> So stop scraping down 13. >> I just don't want anybody to get hurt driving.
>> Oh well. >> I think highway is important as police and fire. How do you choose? I mean without them without them they can't get up. >> I was all I'm very disappointed in the lack of the repair of the roads. >> Well,
>> you can't do much about it and we're getting some money coming in. But that's what we went over >> over a decade ago trying to get that fund to grow every year. >> We weren't able to get anything. We weren't so we got it done but we got it
done with a caveat and the caveat just basically said everything we did is worthless. >> But and the along those lines if we had taken and done $100,000 extra for pavement we didn't have a balanced budget. You would have had to come up
with the money and that that's why the caveat. But if if we that's that's the piece we have to we have to understand >> how much road we can repair every year with the with the chap are we getting behind by noting a
pavement plan and start looking at >> reality the driveway you know the right one for you Kathy I'm trying to remember oh you you're a Twix person okay >> the cameras off to the omnibus club. You got a
little break, a little in a moment. >> It's kind of No, it's kind of like just >> have the greatest respect for our highway supervisor. >> We all do. We love the night.
He said no. He >> despite what any other person in the gold >> only question, please have >> roll it down. Keep the wall. Thank you.
>> I got two dead chicken when I get home. >> Get a little chicken thighs on my left over. We have I haven't wanted an Oreo. They would have an Oreo for >> you miss out on so much. They find the
ones now. What are you looking for? >> Okay. Now any original life? >> The white one or the yellow one? >> No, the white one. I have the white one.
I didn't know that. >> How do I know that? >> Oh, yeah. >> Not a lifesaver. My life's like a Tootsie Roll. You just bite right into them. like
they like >> my frozen sugar. I love those. >> Anything else? The balance budget over coffee shop. >> We want to go. >> Oh, now you're in trouble, Karen.
I'll start teaching the whole thing. >> Okay. >> This is all based on a positive reaction at the polls on the 27th. >> So, I I did send out the the no police override version, >> but this one here is >> but this one is contingent on a
successful uh override police department. Um, in the event that it does not pass, you can just I will present a different one. So, >> okay. >> And the budget segments may change a little bit on the warning, but you know, you won't have any choice if it doesn't
make it obviously, >> right? >> I'm just as happy that we're pushing forward with this. The police chief >> great job. >> He's always through Gary. I can see there's there's
a couple of changes from the last >> well done. >> No, I I didn't. >> Okay. >> Hit the print one. >> Why don't you go hit? >> Um, well, right off the top, I see that
the town administrative. We had looked at 170 last time and it's I'm seeing four. >> Oh, thank you for not doing it. >> Please fire, Highway. Um, >> yeah. Not safety to me.
>> I don't want to. Water is independent. It's on its own. >> Not everybody gets water. >> But it's still on its own. And it still does it still does serve the community >> and even I don't get it. That's fine. My neighbor somewhere down the road does
>> and I should care about them as well as I care about my dog. >> Compassion. Oh, don't go that every time I come to the meeting. Be compassionate. Good work on Okay, let's get going. Let's hop on it.
Where? Where are we? >> Where are you? It >> went up. Oh, it went up. It went up here and sl >> trying to help the town remain competitive.
Um now one of one of the things that we haven't seen on on the base um is this based on dual dual employees fulltime benefited positions and that's it or >> correct. Yeah. So this would be your you know select board um you know employees
would be your town administrator and your executive assistant. um does not include a human resource person. Sorry. >> Because that was it. >> Correct. That was our >> That's what the town administrator will be doing now. >> Correct.
>> Um the are there any the proper funds available for something else? >> You have about you have about $5,000 left in ARPA funds for wages. >> That's about it. >> Okay. And then the rest of the umber
money is done by the end of >> that was like the worst. >> Yeah. Especially I mean you know it was used to prop up the budget. It was supposed to be for lost revenue and we didn't lose any revenue because we're really not
>> we didn't lose much. >> How many hours a week does the admin uh executive assistant work? I believe >> 40 hours a week,000. >> Yeah. >> Now, how does she do that? >> I go to the government.
>> Um, she sets her schedule and, you know, works majority of the time in the office and spends some times at home working, >> right? >> Supportive of your select board and your time industry. But I was going to say she's in in the office more than she was
or still >> I'll just say as as I've been in time she's been very supportive of um of me as the TA and the whiteboard. So >> she
know what she can't tell you. >> We can't talk. >> Oh, that's right. Okay. No, it it's kind of like those are >> and so how come the TAS went up to 1745? >> Um based on what's going on in the
marketplace and you guys had said not more than 180. Uh you said I'd be right around 175. So I made it 174500. Um >> I also think that with some of your department heads anecdotally your town
administrator everyone reports up to the town administrator >> should be higher than >> that's kind than the people reporting. >> Well maybe as much >> well then you should be making a million
something if you're corporate now. >> Maybe maybe I'll go do that. No, no, no, no, no, no. Municipality is not. >> And again, the the other thing is that the allowance came came out. They were just
>> 25 down to one. >> Um, yep. And temporary >> down to zero. >> Yeah. And >> wait, no, it's 4,800. Wait. Oh, no. I don't get the wrong call. >> Auto allowance is a pretty common benefit for
TA. You may find that a TA may try to negotiate with your select board >> to maybe bring that number down and then increase the auto allowance because auto allowance is a taxfree benefit. Um longevity is >> yeah 15% tax
the other portion. >> Okay. >> That's a 750 temporary help. Who's a temporary help? And did we talk about this? >> Temporary help is professional services. Someone to be, you know, looking at a project with the TA, something of that
nature. Sort of like you see it in land use where it might be, you know, an engineer comes in and helps out um if it's not spent and it means you just have a little free cash nugget, if you will, which isn't a bad practice. >> I was I was going to say similar. I I think we probably use it when we had
energy aggregation aggregation. So 25,000 was requested. Who requested that? >> I this the request is my bucket or the department head. Um you know this was when I was suggesting >> extra 25,000. Oh my goodness. Go ahead.
>> Well, I was going to say then you you have a HR consultant for the town. >> You know, someone who can handle some of the, you know, various issues that HR handles. >> You know, now you're going to get your money's worth from your TA because that number went up.
Right. So that number went away. It's included in order. >> So 25,000 2500. >> Well, I mean, yeah, because the the PA proposal, >> which again, back to labor council. >> Okay. We can pick and choose. >> You're going to like
>> now you're going to use >> labor council to issue some of these things that were not previously done before. >> So So 750 is web services. I would love to see all that consolidate into one thing, but it's not going to happen. >> What else?
>> The web. It's web here, it's web there, it's web everywhere. >> Well, that's that's the thing we've talked about. It's kind of like the the town has a website. There's websites >> for various other places. It's kind of like if if you know it, it's like can
one >> can we consolidate services. >> Yeah. So, we're on Guardian off on for a three-year contract that the earliest that is up is like January 2028. But Guardian does like our firewalls and our security and things like that.
>> So, you just mustn't just renegotiated that signed uh December, I think. Automatic one nobody looked at was automatic cont. It was >> I
>> it was last year it automatically renewed for one year >> supposed to end June 30th of this year. >> Now it runs for 36 months. >> So you just signed a new contract. No sign administrator.
>> It was signed in like one part was signed in December of 2025 and then the other parts were signed in like July of 202. If the contract didn't end till June, why would they sign it deliberately? >> Slipped it in. They wanted what they wanted. So they went they renegotiated
services, I believe. >> Okay. Whatever. >> So they negotiated the contract and >> that wouldn't be slipped in. >> Okay. Okay. So what do we >> But your point about web masters not lost but with such a tight budget we don't really have a lot of flex there.
>> The web master number wasn't really spent this past year. Oh, >> so that's why I reduced it within the select budget. >> It's just kind of an open item right now. So that'll go back to free cash or you know year on transfers and things of that nature. >> Okay. >> So 4,000 is this another one of yours?
>> Uh 4,000 is professional services again consultant for the TA or you know asking for a mentor or in the event you know the town has one TA leaving and the other one coming on board. It's a little bit of budget bandwidth. So you have carryover and they sort of blur the
lines there. So you can share with one person to another. So >> town reports is your annual town reports. Um >> we're only printing about a hundred of those this year and that number will be a little bit lower. It those are the big books. We end up having a surplus upstairs.
>> I was going to say I bet we do. Yeah. >> So you know >> but it it is and we saw the price of trying to print. Yeah, it's kind of like >> I mean maybe you have one for archives. I don't know. Do you have archives yet? >> Well, the library
go you've got the history of all the town reports. I think I've gone back as far as 1960 looking at >> I can go find you a bunch in the old library too. It's kind of >> baking s
while we're on the next line. the land transfer piece that had been created for >> it's a zero >> properties. It's it's zero. But my question is if we don't have something in there, where do we come up with funds for the uh sale of properties and doing
those things? >> Um well, my understanding of the auctioneers is they make a cut off the sale. >> Well, the auctioneer does legal and and >> do we have to print stuff out, notices? Um that's all that's all done by the um too. So,
>> right. But it's kind of like um Yeah. I'm just It's kind of like it's a concern. >> Is it? >> So, you need it for >> You need it for the for the lawyers and the work being done up front. >> No, they have $50,000 in a kitty. >> It's town council. Adam's office can do
it, too. >> Okay. >> It's included. Okay. >> Then that's a change then. Yep. >> It's okay. Hey, it's $5,000. There's nothing. >> Okay. So, let's put included in >> included in legal. >> Mhm. Okay, that's fine. I just want to
make sure >> that makes sense. >> Um cuz Yeah. And if the properties committee didn't submit a budget, then >> we're going to go with the web master >> and that maybe they just they have a change. They didn't know they were supposed to.
>> It's Anthony. >> No. >> No, >> no, no, no. That's under it. >> Mhm. What is that? >> I don't know. We master web guardian office. >> Oh, isn't that the one? We had a
question at the 1250 was sufficient to do whatever that web master does. Is that the >> So, guess what? It's now 1,250. So, I guess it was sufficient. Okay. Was it over sufficient?
Okay. We only wanted 7,500. So what's other supplies then? >> No, it's office. Oh, >> there's office supplies. There's other supplies for 300. It can be >> Jerry likes to know exactly not
specifically, but them. >> Why would why would >> why would the word be under office supplies? >> I think and you may know this from your like office supplies is considered things you buy through like WB Mason and those groups. Other supplies might be >> staple. Well, what's real?
>> But there are other >> What's other >> I don't know other can be >> miscellaneous. >> Yeah, miscellaneous. It could be >> You don't like that word? >> We don't like that word. You want to know? >> I can tell you. I know. I buy the candy out of my own pocket for everybody. So, it's not like
wish it was, but um I just do that on my own. >> We should have a candy kitty candy enterprise. Maybe we should just rename that. >> Candy. >> What? candy. All right. So, we will >> So, $300 on a $30 million budget. I appreciate the question, but I like
>> Okay. You know, all these add up. All these add up. >> It's not just you. It's It's >> not you because every department has it. >> They all do the same thing. Other >> But wouldn't it wouldn't you say you had um >> a meeting for open meeting law
>> training training >> and you bought coffee and cookies or something. It would be. Yeah. >> I would never thought of that, but that's good. You experience. Yeah. You know, >> elections we have other Dunkin Donuts for everybody. You're working here. Have
a slice of pizza. >> I don't do bookkeeping and budgeting. >> I do it when it comes in refreshment >> and it it doesn't fit in any category. Yeah. >> Um, I did find, you know, such as the
bedding for one of my horses was becoming very expensive. So, I split that out of stable supply so I could keep track of how much the wood chips are being thrown around. And then uh just earlier this year I added
the miscellaneous for that one time item that comes maybe every six months that has nothing to do with the stable supplies or you know other sorts of things that are categorized. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And the last line of the charges
>> zero >> zero >> taken to zero. >> Yep. charges over the nice thing about it. >> I did not know what was that that was for, >> right? >> That may have just been a free cash >> $3,000. >> But the nice thing >> over here I have many job postings and
other job advertising legal posting. My guess is it's for MMA. So >> it's only from 24,000 >> but we have a hiring free. So, >> but what happened to the park and ride that hasn't been funded for several years,
>> right? We had put it into the budget originally thinking it was going to be a cost to the town and it turned out that provided that service at no charge based on the charges that are >> taken on the cherry sheets. So, the
request has been 247,877 Right. >> So the biggest part there is wages like >> Yach, >> right? And the wages went up to $50,000 like >> to be competitive.
>> That's the total for the budget. That's the total increase on what line. Here we are. Fin. What' you think was Oh. Oh, >> and it it came originally >> 385. >> Yep. So, it's back up then. So, we're
down only 1500 from the 40,000 >> and we had requested >> 385 >> 39 >> for the total. Although the total 39 used to be a 50 and that didn't get the 750
away just got a they're listed in here but they're two different department >> it's kind of it just >> accounting we did a 750 is separate from the extra money
>> that's the paper >> right whatever You can go to the main for training DLS train you and >> we have to pay for that. Is that not free? >> Um DLS may be free but MMA has kind
>> of >> they just did a seminar in Gro. >> Yeah, it was really good. >> We have something actually ethics training next day. >> This time it's going to be a real one. last time.
>> Ridiculous. >> That would be for that other office supplies. Maybe I got to buy donuts for everybody. >> They made you a kid. >> Less than $50. >> Dunkin donuts on your way. Bring your own. >> I used to bake cookies. Bring your own
coffee and donut. So 1,00 Oh, here we go. Stip >> accounting. >> Okay. Yeah. So this >> Oh, that's accounting. Okay. So accounting is no longer us. It's third party outsource, right?
>> Correct. Those first two lines. >> Yes. In accounting. >> So then I know there's no over there. So it's 18,000 for the year for accounting. >> That's for the four hours or the four to six hours for the office. the office. >> Oh, a girl. Oh, attorney
late. >> Y >> She's great. >> I know who she is, but >> Yep. And she had longevity this year, so or triggered last year. >> Okay. So, that's good. We need her cuz she's only one year, right?
>> Yep. So, that's that's it. And so, you see the increase in the professional technical services. But again, when you look at the FY26 budget to where we're going, um, and again, this is the >> Katie Latin has
>> it. It's the budget number to that, but this that this is the number and there's nothing behind it for um, benefits, >> correct? >> Which, >> but wait a minute. Whoa, whoa. Go back to that again because I see what you're saying. But Katie wasn't making $95,000.
>> No, it was So, she had a salary. >> Uhhuh. Cers still paid them. >> Uhhuh. But now we don't have Katie. So they moved it here because we get more services right >> from Cedars. >> So if if we look at >> So now it's 95,000 and what's 35 then?
>> 35,000 is an audit contract because the towns are >> resilient. Oh, >> which as a reminder to everybody next Tuesday is the freeboard meeting to go over the audit report. >> Is the Rosali guy going to do it? Yes,
Tony will be >> Oh, I didn't know that. >> He did it last year. >> No, I know. It's kind of Kathy wasn't here last year for him. >> The audit committee and >> it was very interesting. >> Well, you know what was very interesting to me.
>> He doesn't audit all the >> Yes, that's what I thought. It's like I guess pick and choose. That's what we remember and then that's why we wanted like a an all right >> what was the date of that next the meeting >> 21st
21st >> 21st is going to be a busy day >> right the ethics thing too >> ethics in the morning yeah >> and yeah the three boards audit financing I select
>> um so I really Yeah. Ethics and then is it >> no something left here? >> Board of assessors.
>> Board of that. Or did you drink >> that CPA money? >> What do people do? >> Okay. Yeah. >> And they get a clothing. Okay.
>> They do because they go out and visit. >> I know. Can we quick? Well, that's um >> the warranty. >> Um I think that's part of the union negotiations where they
>> but it's money but doesn't can't we say what it has to be spent on >> it to be spent on or if you're conservation or >> Yeah. just kind of logo, >> right?
>> Why can't has anybody thought of that even doing >> I thought about getting rid of it. >> Come with you there. >> Oh my god. No kidding. I >> buy your own jacket. >> Yeah, I agree. You're getting Yeah.
>> Or fired. When we first heard about that, we're like, "Yeah, we will just get ready." >> Is that how it's going for me? And they can listen and they can deal with me again tomorrow. >> Yeah. Beautiful thing. I can see if we're all wearing these little logo
things with the piece. >> You know, you buy a jacket at TJ Maxx, you bring it back after you get reimbured. Not a school. >> Well, they need something to identify if they're going to a household. It should even be that he used to wear
your blazer. >> I think it's nice. >> Yeah. When Eric went out and for everybody. Yeah. >> Do you see? >> I I think that's professional. >> It's just as cut. >> But again, this sounds no
longer a long time since I've seen the assessor. When you get hired, you >> long, long time ago, they drove up. >> I'm sorry. My grandmother doesn't get a quote in a long day. Never mind.
>> Okay. So, >> well, I Oh, here's the board again. 71 076. That's both Jod and Vicki. I might >> really >> No. 71 for principal assessor and then 457.
>> Oh, so Jod is Yeah. >> Right. My problems. Okay. >> Okay. They're closing. >> They get st because they're old. >> Yeah. Can't say that. But yeah,
>> they've been there a long time. They're experienced >> experience >> leaving. >> So, and I did see that there's still the BOA training money in there. It's good. >> Well, I'm sure they have to take the
training. >> Um, well, part of it was to try to have session planning and have somebody trained up and ready to go. >> Um, >> and here we go again with the software. That not can't that be
online >> specific software for assessing software specific. So the the software was added because we always think of repair and maintenance as hard >> where
>> something rather than software and so >> you got to upload every it's kind of like >> oh here's something an MRPC mapping >> we don't get reimbured for that because we belong
>> no no that's another separate charge forces um dues for themselves is further further down near PL. So this is specific for >> what is MIPC
>> regional planning regional planning cooperative something like >> was that permission >> on open space >> open space that's was the contractor >> that was like the most useless thing
ever. Yes, >> because nobody read the contract no followed the contract exchange. >> Yeah. Online property. So that's why >> they're all online. They're all
the old contract. She loves >> Oh, I got them all printed. >> Okay. $800 for supplies. Do you think that's donuts? >> Yeah. >> Where were you? >> I am online. >> Whatever. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 900. No, it's
down to 400. >> Is that for accounting or for assessor? >> Assessor. >> I think I just other art supplies. >> It says >> Oh, it's other arts office. Okay. >> It goes out of my go places. membership
train. All right, that's not too bad. >> There's no padding there. You think >> pretty disclosure transiss um
that is what it is, right? >> She didn't know she did that. She told us that last year. She was proud. >> Okay. I don't know how the other people in her office feel, but she's happy. >> The other folks in her office are union employees. So, >> Oh, they have to go by the >> 101.
>> That's the union two%. >> Oh, that's two. So, that's Rebecca and >> Anthony. Yeah. >> Oh, so that operating staff is two people. Yeah, >> it is. Yeah. And then of course Melissa, she came in
yesterday. She's pretty good. >> So another long time period tax collector equipment. >> Oh yeah, she talked about this. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. This is pretty much what she said
to us. >> Yeah. Because we had questioned the >> because we were hostage and >> Yeah. and the copy that she owned the old machine that she keep and she >> lease under professional services cuz
she didn't know whatever >> she does no replacement equipment yet but we'll see that when when that property breaks >> it already >> yeah But it she's doing it with people
in the office. >> Legal. We already covered that. Like it or not. There it is. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> The IT the MIS summary technician is the in-house person that Anthony.
>> So in addition to Anthony gets an extra $3,000 for healthcare. Correct. Three is the software part issues. >> Okay. Yes. Again, >> management information systems.
>> Yes. >> Guardian, it's all your services for firewalls, malware protection, right? >> Yeah. Which >> unlike a few other communities in the area, they got ransomware a couple weeks ago. Yum. Remarkably,
>> was protected, >> right? And >> it cost the town of Pil 21 days worth of data. >> Oh my goodness. >> Just shut everything off. That >> did >> just curiosity question. Did Guardian have to do anything because there is back and forth between the
>> Oh, Patriot. >> Patriot here. >> Well, there's not a It's not a huge back and forth because it actually runs to the police station and they have their own system. Um so we were very uniquely protected which was nice. >> Um >> and they do have they run backups almost
every night and um they happen it was explained to me like another portal or a server sort of a redundant one >> wherever in the cloud I guess so that if we have to lose something >> it's there and it's it's it's a broken wall between the two.
>> I don't know all the IT jarens. >> It's kind of like that. Um >> I have that I work for. Yes, that's it. >> Yeah, it it kind of like that's >> I just have Google just like >> way back and he had to pay Bitcoin.
Didn't even know what Bitcoin was. >> So he figure that out before he could pay. >> Yep. And for those people that have the cloud, it's not. It just transfers it somewhere remote with his big servers. It's kind of right. >> So it's not in the cloud. >> It's it's not in the cloud like Arizona,
New Mexico or something like that. >> It must be used energy data. >> Yeah. Data center. So yeah, when we hear the cloud, it's it's really a physical location. It's using >> Oh, I like to think of it as above me floating around.
>> It's just floating around. I could just >> Sometimes I'm done with each retreat. Well, they probably improved >> and in addition and and it's not broken out separately, but this is all our software licenses for Microsoft lices that have to be. So, it's not it's not just an IT piece. It's not just support
>> going to be like Adobe licenses, Google and things like that, >> right? A lot of >> 25,000. >> Do we always have to 25? >> No, 25,000. You got to go. >> I was in the wrong.
>> Just keep going down. >> Yep. Keep going. >> It keeps going down. >> Yeah. >> But >> zero, but I like zero. >> Zero. >> Again, probably bigger bigger long-term
issue devices on a rotating basis. >> Yeah. And we've actually done a pretty good job. There's not a ton of computers outstanding and they are on a a cycle. Yeah. >> Um, >> you know, >> I think they do okay. It's not my favorite thing. You know, I brought my
own >> computer cuz my computer battery doesn't last unless I plug it in. But, >> uh, I don't know. I just It's not again, everything's in the cloud, so it doesn't really matter. >> It's kind of like >> it's on a drive somewhere and and it's protected, which is good. And it also ensures that you can go and find it. So,
you Nelson left so I can go back and try to find stuff, >> right? That helps. I mean, no one else knows just for conversation >> to a like a transit agency in Framingham. >> Oh, you mean like train?
>> Train. Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Let's go to up and down. Up and down. Yeah. zero statements. >> Yeah. Doesn't mean the statements
>> again without the >> Yeah. No longevity. >> Right. So it's kind of um so that that's the piece right now you know eventually after >> after this certification and after this longevity.
>> So true repair maintain equipment. I want to look into this for next year. I want to know about this. I I I got, you know, so I mean the big picture of everything, you know, we're paying 25 here for the clerk and 10,000 for
>> the 25 I can answer that. Okay. The 2500 is we have a fee from general code to code all the um >> yeah the charter the bylaws all of that and to um they have a link to their
website so to speak >> like to update is what you're talking about. >> No it's not to update it is to maintain it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And then the other part of that is LL data design has the dog license program
license and the boards and committees one. So between the two is >> got for the year. >> Thank you Kathy. >> You're welcome. Now, professional services includes is mainly
dog licenses, the tags >> totally >> and updating general. >> Those are the two thingies. >> So, you get like a new book every year like the lawyers do. >> A new code book. We have inserts
the same the packets you have to stick them in. >> Yeah. Okay. So, and that that's pretty costly. So, >> I do. So, and that has to be done by paper. It can't be >> Well, because we have the code books, we keep them up
>> and then put online. >> So, okay. >> Postage. Oh, I bet you're all going to go. >> Oh, no. You get cheaper post, right? Don't you get >> Well, but the postage is is about elections more than
>> more than the office >> than the office. >> Yeah. So, >> send the ballots and then >> Right. So, so a lot of lot of that work is going to come in for >> Okay. And then elections. I know there
was a change. The last one we saw was the high number on that. >> I don't understand this budget at all. >> But for the tal I mean I understand the the equipment maintenance which is on the voting
machines and the um coal pad. >> We have three three elections this year. So this should be triple as far as >> 27,000 or oh,000 for the wages. Oh, you mean for the election workers?
>> So, I don't know the 295 all the wages are going to come out of professional services. I suspect >> you are correct from what I remember this current time >> which you So, it's all the election workers plus the police department um to come in.
>> Okay. >> Okay. And there's not enough proposals as far as again it's >> Oh, it went down to 400. Do you think you should go back up to eight? We're
done with >> Yeah, match the number we have this past year. The the thing is is that we have three elections to send out ballots and that's not going to cover that'll cover one election,
>> but he can take it out. >> He hasn't spoken up yet. So >> all the departments have this budget as well. >> Yeah. And he can always take it out of >> there other buckets of money. >> All right. What I don't understand is why do you have postage
in all the different budgets or not all of them but some different budgets when it should just be in the treasur's office and they should put in a request to her to say there's three elections this year so we're going to need this much money and she requests it not
>> because the machine's in her >> because they have to take this and then transfer >> and then transfer >> right because there's going to be one bill throwing >> musical chairs at the end of the year. Yeah, exactly. It would be so much cleaner. And I understand that they'll get reimbursed for some of the stuff,
but there's going to come a day where they're not going to be reimbursing to send out all those ballots. It's going to be an unfunded mandate like everything else. >> Are we required to do that by the state or is it optional? >> No. The state went to opt out
>> opt out by sending out vote by mail now and opt in to for local elections >> the state elections year after >> y >> right now they get so can we >> last year they were
>> can we opt out of the local elections to save some postage money >> yes you could have done for too late now. But yeah, but >> one of my favorite phrases so far has been what's required and what's recommended.
>> Oh yeah, there you go. I love that. >> But >> guidelines versus law. >> Correct. >> What do I have to do? I have to turn the lights on when it's dark. >> Yeah. >> But if the skylight's coming through, okay, it's light enough. Yeah. You know, >> I can get out and
>> but it might be something to think about. You Well, I used to opt out, right? >> Yeah. I was going to >> It saves the money. It simply saves the money. >> Plus, at that time, there was also the uh presidential primary in March and then that
>> the local election in April and it's too close. People as it was we were getting ballots. >> We still got Yeah. We got >> So many ballots you send out that you don't get back because they decide to come in. >> Yeah. That's why
they don't have to do it. You can opt out for vote by mail >> the local >> for local but that would save some postage. >> Not only that but not only so that's a recommendation we can make way back whenever
>> sign up for vote by mail. Yeah, I think people the first day I showed the first time I showed up instead of voting by mail, I turned the ballot in, I think, and voted by regular. Um, and I never saw another ballot since
>> I unrequested either. >> Yeah. And that's fine because I'm much prefer >> stopping by getting in the little booth >> having all the proper boxes >> and I don't have a problem with that. But then don't request the ballot,
>> right? >> Well, yeah. Well, that's my thing. >> Yeah. And and >> it human nature here. You're never going to change that. And it's going up to like I think he said it was like a $135 per ballot next year but when they
increase the rates >> right and and that's going to be the other >> and we don't get reimbured for local elections. No reimbursement for local elections. >> Okay. >> That's good to know for this
>> and that's based on the three elections. So if there is another election after or another another ballot, >> right? >> Well, he's has that spe he still has a special election stabilization thing.
>> Mhm. >> About $8,000 or so in there. So >> yeah, >> lease detail. Oh, it's a new line. >> A new line. But then we >> roll it into the 30 >> 35,000 >> unnecessary insight.
>> Okay. >> Okay. That's the end of the elections. >> Now, is street listing a mandatory? >> It's your census work. >> Oh, it's census. and it turns into the street and it's required of that
>> um requirements >> that makes it available. >> What's the registars other >> the the stipen for that registers? So it's between elections and >> street. >> Oh, that's just their statements.
>> The board of registars >> they have to have a hearing >> or they come in and um at least one does come in and stays for the elections to help out. People will come down and say, "I'm not registered to vote. I'm not on the list." Or
they'll help look it up. >> Okay. Basically, what's the rate? Like how's the rate set? big >> um I think it started out at what $50 a month >> and it's increased a little bit >> without work. >> That's free. That's three.
>> Yeah. Well, one comes in all the time which they don't have to. They're not required to. >> They make money no matter even if there's no work. >> Yeah. Yeah. Second. >> Yeah. >> Oh, does it have is it required? >> Then they get paid. >> No, it's required. They have you have to
have registr >> um four >> at least four because the town clerk is exit and you have to have three of us sometime and preferably an alternate which we've had from time to time.
>> So do they have to be paid? >> No, they do not have to be paid. >> Oh, they can be volunteer. >> I mean we could use the $2,500 in the budget for what it's worth. like, >> oh, interesting. >> I didn't, >> but they come in and they sign um
petitions like this year is a big petition year and you think, okay, they're signing a couple pieces of papers. No, it's like hundreds in each packet >> they sign. >> And so like other volunteers sign a lot of stuff. >> Yeah. >> And they don't get paid. >> Yeah. So, food for thought. Yeah. Food
for thought for the future. >> I mean, you could also make a recommendation that it's zeroed out for the year. I didn't I didn't know it wasn't required. I might I might zero that out. >> I might zero that out. Come >> Tuesday morning.
>> I mean, literally, we have no money like >> and other towns don't pay their volunteers. Why? Why are >> it be interesting to to see how much they do get paid in other towns? >> I know that's zero. So, nobody get no elected official gets paid
or appointed. I don't think I got in West whenever I did either >> when I was an election official. We're >> not record. >> Yeah. >> Which I think is a shame because they're here for 17 hours.
>> I I never got paid when I worked in Worcester >> and they don't get paid a whole lot. M no >> I so >> I was actually surprised when you could get paid here like if I could assume he was like West Virginia
could really afford to pay >> Westward mutiny but You have >> you spend a lot of time volunteering here. >> People don't want to be registr >> but that's fine. >> Well, no, it's not fine because we have to have them. We're required.
>> Yeah, they're required to have them, but it's >> But how often do they have to show up? I mean, how many hours do they put in? They'll be a registar. That's not too >> You have to There's a there's certain requirements. You have to be either a registered uh Republican for two years
or I'm not >> registered Democrat for two years. >> No, I'm not a registered undecided. >> Yeah, it has to be even. >> So, it's political to try to have >> Yeah.
>> Oh, okay. >> So, like they were checking the machine today. So, like you should have had one person from each side watching the machine. Correct. >> I don't think there was anybody. >> They were invited. They were invited but nobody showed. >> But nobody showed that they didn't show. >> No, no, no, no, no. >> But they're getting the $50 a month.
>> No. This is the Democratic and then the registars aren't required to come back. >> Oh, right. Okay. >> But the the Republican town committee and the Democratic town committee were both invited. >> Republican usually comes. Richard did come towards the end. He had a work
obligation before. >> Democrats didn't show up. >> Oh my. It's a Democratic state >> and this is a nonpartisan election. So >> yeah. >> Oh man. >> But Richard likes to make sure the machines are working the way they
should. >> Rightfully so. >> Yeah. Good for him. >> Yep. >> All over the place. >> Street we have talked about. That's >> it's a census that turns into the street listings.
>> Now we go to conservation agent. We don't have one. Oh, is that Kobe? Yes sir. >> Yeah. >> Conservation support. There is >> clothing allowance. Talk to Kobe about that.
>> That's for buying like m boots. >> Yeah, that's kind of >> you know what are those big gators that go out into the water if there's a >> waiter boots and stuff. Now I know who to borrow. >> Yeah, he's he's got them. or they're upstairs in the office. >> Real outfits. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Yeah. And he's not online Judy because he just came last year. >> Correct. Right. >> Materials 300. >> Yeah. They was >> services having worked in land use.
Unfortunately for them, they know that I sort of went through it. >> Is this Beth? >> Uh, it's not Beth, but she's part of land use. But this is Colley's budget here for conservation. So >> training should training you should have that >> traveling probably does travel. No one
knows travel. He came up to the >> conservation also has a WPA fund has a it's like a revolving fund >> um that hasn't been touched before that can be used for different training things and wetland knowledge and other educational >> mean
he hasn't used it yet this year. So >> this year or at all? Was it the one created in 2024 where we took about $5,000 and they were they were planning on >> All I knew was I just looked at it from this year and it was like 15k. So >> 15. Okay. Maybe not the one I was
thinking. >> It's a WPA fund. So >> this I think there's another one. >> He did uh there was a an 18 warrant put money into training of a conservation agent. Um that hasn't been touched either. So
>> yeah, that that's the one I'm thinking of. If it was 5,000 it was meant >> then why is this training? >> So that was meant to train like the conservation members to go to like MACC and different training opportunities for them. >> Was not that >> well there was one created that they
train the public on on their policies and get them up speed or we're not using it. That's one to to look at. catch all time. >> Who's our man who's coordinator? >> That's following under your town
administrator. >> Oh, so this is you again, not you so much as it >> the role. >> The role. >> Yes. So those folks report to the town administrator without a land use coordinator in their office. >> I see. >> We try. Are we Is that a phrase on that
position? >> Yeah. I think it would be very nice to have a land use coordinator. >> I do too. I think it's a it's kind of a premium position. >> Mhm. >> We just can't really afford to add another FTE um to the bucket. >> You're right.
>> Especially with Especially I went to that conservation meeting with they were talking about this group of young men who ride mountain bikes and snowmobile and all these other kind of outdoor activities on bikes and they are very active in wanting to clean up our
trails. Mhm. >> So that they can be used for >> recre for recreation >> and um >> that's kind of exciting but that's what I mean the land use people it would all work if
>> okay >> it's about60 to $65,000 a year position for 32 hours a week >> with health insurance 2000. >> Is it Is it union? It is. >> Mhm. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> All right. Well, anyway, so >> then I mean I get because economic growth comes with that. >> It does. >> Ecoourism. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Starbucks viable. It makes Patriot make everybody goes there. >> Yeah. So, um I think that's something to
keep in the back of our mind in terms of economic growth which of course >> I was going to say the economic development is >> okay. >> Looking good. What do we know? >> You were at MR. So we did conservation MRPC dues. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. We already did that. >> This is the actual No, this is the actual MRPC dues for the for the town, not the the assessor on. >> Oh, okay. >> And we make that money back based on the services they provide these days. >> That's a worthy investment for their
assistance with grants, technical acumen for like >> road projects. >> Okay. They're doing something. They are doing that. Yeah, we bother the heck out of them. So, >> really? Okay. Good to know. >> Okay.
It's a shame we don't have that news person, but these other tips. So, we don't have a person name professional and technical services. >> Um, we're at planning board. >> Oh, just below you see.
>> Um, >> yeah. So you have a planning board to staff member >> and then some professional services and communication and mileage and memberships that they >> because that's a big number 3562. So you think that that's well worth it
with what they do? >> Yeah. PB planning board wages is that Beth >> that's about >> so for like MRPC they basically helped us write that MBTA zoning bylaw >> that we had to do
>> and that would have cost the town on town council that would have cost us $35,000. They did it as part of their regional membership. >> Oh >> Joe Joe Bole the guy with the long pony though was on the zooms. He just he just did it because that was part of MRPC's
obligation. So you probably spend time on the zoos with him. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Whatever. But yes, we did get >> Yes. >> Oh, I remember. I remember. >> Yes, we did get it then. >> Oh, no. He's not the one you were thinking of. >> Oh, he isn't.
>> No, he's not our friend from open space. No, different guy. >> Oh, okay. >> So, PE So, planning board wages, that's our Beth. She's longevity. Professional services is that I don't know Joe Hil.
>> So professional services would be like um we signed an agreement with Hy and Tanner. So Beth and I have chatted and she's like you know they're a real expert like they're quite they have all the technical expertise to help review a project that like maybe the planning board's reviewing. It could say what
would a technical expert look at and for $500 a year they would help summarize some of that for us. So So, are they the same people that did the water department? >> No, that was Tai Bond.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Communication. Zoning board. Zoning board. Is that Beth? >> Yes. She is your staff for that group. So, >> now it's video. Not yet.
>> Oh, are we still having a grant person? >> So, they were kind of in a unique spot where in the event that the town goes in, this is kind of a personnel topic. So, based on my contract, >> I am owed a position when I'm done being
your TA >> based on the way the contract was written. >> The contract for the TA, you already signed it. >> No, interm. Oh, so you can go back to being a grant writer if you want. >> Um, it's obligated to me to go back. >> Oh, they have to hire you back. >> They do. >> Oh.
>> Um, >> why did you drop your salary to $9,500? >> What's your budget? >> Quite literally. So, when you say there's $2,442 in that registar number, I'm like, well, that gets me a little closer so that I
can continue to be your >> quite literally every penny counts. totally aware of that. >> And then in the in the world that I win Powerball and you guys find another great full-time TA, >> you I think someone at this table asked
like you get a lot out of a grant writer. >> You would benefit from having someone work 10 hours a week non-un. >> Are you going to quit your job if you win? >> One of those. >> Yeah. You won't see me again. >> I'll be in a nice island. I'll be fishing. >> No fishing. Um, so you know, I go
fishing at the supermarket. >> Yeah. The town would would benefit from having at least 10 hours a week at a grant writer. >> Yeah, I think that's true statement because we've talked about that, the different grants. >> You'll also have grants that are left open come July that will need to be
closed out. >> Oh, right. Right. So, I know I have about $800,000 worth of grants rolling right now for the county >> on projects that are going to get bidded on and such that we'll need someone to close them out this time next year. >> So, the treasurer can't do that or the
accountant or >> I don't like not really. They don't have the capacity. So, it's you you're quite literally working with the grant people of the state walking through them walking them through kids country. You're sending them weekly reports about progress on the construction, things
like that. I don't think those folks have the bandwidth to carry that. >> Right. Right. >> And it doesn't end with writing the grant. The grant writes it all walks it all the way through completion. Correct. >> And then getting the town reimburse for
the money. >> I think it's more important than Yeah, I think it's very important. >> Rob got cuts. You know, you $1,000 $1,000 and 500 tour, right? >> Rob,
>> I thought Rob was union. >> It's a 2% not 4%. >> Okay. >> It's a ballpark. What's the grant writer salary in relation to the town's um
>> average basically over a long period of time? I know it's up and down like this, but it's in this based on the money that he brings in or she brings in the grand brings in
>> grants >> in reference to their salary >> the salary in towns and it's very low but in other communities it could be a percentage of the amount of grants you bring in so like I've helped the town get close to a million dollars worth of grants >> this town >> this town
>> but you've only gotten $1.98 I've gotten I got >> 298 >> about $22,000. >> Yeah, you're on your face. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Why would you do it? I mean, >> cuz I have another career and >> and I was bored and I municipal
government. So, >> okay. >> Why don't you turn it around and make it a percentage? >> Yeah. >> Your town would not allow that. >> Why not? >> Just not something that they were interested in me doing. >> Oh, really? You offered that? I asked for it. I said, "I want a percentage of
every >> Yeah. Don't shut up. There's a salary. >> They have another election on the >> do salary. >> Wait a second. >> Is there a way to you can pay the salary out of the grant? >> Some grants have coverage, but not all of them. >> No.
>> Oh, I see. >> That makes sense to me. >> You get a portion of the of the pie. >> Yeah. Yeah. I've got the same problem. That's the same problem with salesman in my wife's business. >> It's a big multinational town said no.
>> No, the town did sales. >> Yeah. They were like that's not part of our grant. That's not the way the jobs described. >> The select one said, >> but I don't think it ever got to them. >> That would be an incentive. >> Ladies coordinator at the time.
>> Who did Jessica >> what's >> Oh, that girl. She was there for like six seconds. She was a grant writer. when um Autumn or Jessica or somebody left, she went over there and did and then eventually she left.
>> Aaron, yeah, she was a young girl. >> Very pay Emerson Hospital do that. You can get a part a portion here. Universities do that. >> Yeah. a salesman is supposed to do that. I've
had run into listening to my wife. We're going to continue everybody. They whether they came up with you know they sold a product with this company or not they took a pay so you don't get a base salary like a dollar
and a half but then you got ear I remember back in the lumber business in Delaware's okay >> you got a base salary and if you were going too you had
I don't understand this. What's facilities energy? >> That's the utility cost for all the buildings. >> That's not a person. >> No, that's like the electricity here. Police department, highway department. >> No,
that's it. >> No, Highway. It's kind of like >> senior center libraries on he covers. >> Yep. Senior center liation. The heart library. We're still paying a fortune in by the way. Is it you have to keep it >> electrified,
>> right? And >> are the lights on? >> You have to have emergency lights down there. They're on. >> They're on. There's so many lights on in that building. It's ridiculous. >> But they have to be on security. >> The heat still has to work in there.
>> When you drive by on Saturday, >> looks like it looks like it's >> the emergency. I live I can't see because no light >> fire the facilities energy is covered in covers that library and the old one
>> the light there >> there's still electricity going in that building I was just in it last week so I don't know you watch me on why >> library I wonder if it had to do wasteful life. >> I wonder why they would want money. The lights are off. >> Somebody doesn't tell you they're in
they're in the place. >> We also have people parking there every night. So, yeah. >> The building needs to go. >> Needs to be off the books of the town. >> No, no, no. >> We need to make money. >> We don't want to be a landlord.
>> Yeah. >> Sell it. Sell it and let it go on the tax roll. You're going to get $25,000 a year off that building on tax. >> Yeah, but you can't. >> But you could it could be an attorney's office or a dental office and then you get new growth off the equipment that's
in the building all back. >> But what do they do for a septic? >> You leave it as is. It's a two-bedroom septic. You just rerun the leech field. Does >> it work? >> Does it work? >> I don't know the answer to that. But that's up to the buyer. >> That's a past title buyer. It's not a
seller's responsibility. >> Not in Massachusetts. You can test it. It doesn't mean you have to verify it. >> You don't have but you can title exclusion. >> I don't know. I thought that and the idea was to put tie it into the one
here, but then they couldn't do that because this one wasn't big enough and so close to the river. One of the options was the tit. >> This was years ago. Well, you know what? I'll tell you something.
>> But if it's just an office building tank, it's not a big deal. I mean, it's not like a lot of >> it's going to go sideways on it. >> No. >> Well, properties come in, >> right? It's I won't It's about $25,000 to empty that building of all the stuff
that's in there. >> No, no, no. And who responsible for that? The town, right? The >> town. Yeah. And all legal documents. There's old real estate books in there that you can't get rid of. Why not? >> They have personal information on them. The town clerk said, "You have to hang on to it."
>> Then why are they over there? >> Why are they there then? They did not even get over there. >> There's like a book from 1941, a real book. >> See, what I always thought would be great because it had like the all the ledger information that made the bottom part climate control
maintain. And the second floor could be rented out or >> an architect or a legal office or >> dental office, dental offices of the dream. >> The equipment is taxed. >> Oh my god. Such a mercenary.
>> You guys need a mercenary. I don't know this. We're not about being >> I don't know. I don't have any problem with the antennas. >> We got the other 812 order.
>> I was happy with it. Is it >> 45 minutes? >> Are we up to police then? >> Are you good with everything else in >> So far? Yes. So far so good. >> Okay. Pest control and all that. There's >> nothing we can do about that. No, we
can't do hiding the pest. You're here. Nothing. The police is part of the override, right? It >> is. So, specific parts of the police number are over override override related. Um, the police chief is also up
for a new contract. I just have a placeholder on that number. The select board will make the final number call on that. I think um that's about where I >> The TA is going to make more than the police chief. >> Well, he's over there. He composer is a kind of script. He reports up
>> really that has been that is controversy >> for a long time because yeah she's up here and everybody else is >> oh really police >> yeah we little backwards there.
>> I didn't know that. >> I don't know if I like that but >> I'm not crazy about it either. So, not no offense, but I mean in terms of the direction. >> So, all right. I would have thought it'd be more. >> So, can you just give us the cliff notes
on what items are part of the auto? >> So, your um police salary and wages. >> Okay. >> Where it says 15 officers and passing an override. >> Your SRO number increases with the potential override passing. >> Your admin numbers do not change. Okay,
>> your police wages um training goes up slightly. >> Um overtime is certainly override related. Um take check this. I should delete that, but I'll take that out. Your holiday pay goes up due to the override because the rate of pay goes as
the holiday changes would go. >> Um the stipens increase as a result of the override and your uniform allowance increases as a result. this whole section sort of >> it's significant change to the um you know wage adjustments that those
officers in their collective bargaining agreement looking for. >> Okay. >> You know you wish that some of these things could just like happen and then stay sustainable for like 3 years. But I know,
>> right? >> Okay. And again, the the energy I know we're still waiting to get the solar panels online up there. >> That that number is probably too low for them, but I said they'll make do and if
we have to kind of make up for it somewhere else, we may at the end of the year. So, >> run an extension from what we get here at the heart library. >> Yeah. Basically, across the back. >> Um, no, sorry. >> So, the override has dropped from 35 357
to 100 because of the school money coming in. >> School money. And I also when I wrote the warrant article, I made it high. We're still working out the numbers. So, that's why the motion was the 197. The article was >> 37. Cuz you have to be high
>> on the warrant article and they have to be lower as a motion. I can't go above the warn article. You can only >> Oh, okay. Can't go up. Ah. Ah, really? >> Yeah. Ep. >> Yeah. So, my question about that is
>> when we spoke when the chief came in to talk to us originally the first time, >> he presented three programs, >> right? >> Yeah. you know what he could do, you know, what he wants, what he bare minimum, what he could live with in his
dream team and and they we uh it gave him the dream team and that gave the 357. >> So were you able were you a part of this conversation? I don't remember if you were there or not. >> I don't either. >> I don't know. I know we did our joint
meeting with him, >> right? He presented the three point and and >> Yeah. I just wonder if the threepoint and his middle one what the difference was.
>> So like if you were if the override doesn't pass, the officers get a 4% wage increase and it cost the town about $56,000 more. And when you look at the no police override budget, you'll see that I had to use another $18,000ish dollars from
free cash to balance the budget. >> Oh. Oh. So the override override is necessary. Is that what we're trying to get at here? >> That's essentially what I wrote to staff and to select board and make that sense.
It >> it really puts us in a very precarious spot next year without an override. because they'll continue to get 4%. And your question about legal counsel, if it fails, we have to reopen union negotiations with them. So then we're
negotiating four unions at once with fire coming next year. >> Potentially every every >> every union could be out of contract come this time next year, right? >> Well, you know, when I was reading one of the tasks you gave us, I don't know
if everyone did it, but you know, I did. Yeah. >> So, you told us to learn to read about what our job was >> and so I did. So, one of the things that stands out in my mind that I read in the MMA >> guide book that you gave us >> is that it's really important that the
negotiators don't get over generous because sustaining that level is going to bury you. >> Mhm. >> Right. Yeah. So I think we're at that spot. >> That's why it's two and a half. >> Yeah.
>> I mean, >> I keep saying it >> two and a half over and over again. >> And the last few years, >> how come how come the people we have representing us at the table are not getting that point that if you extrapolate this across 10 years,
you're done, >> right? So if as your interim TA I would say look back in time as I know the sitting with Jane from our town council he's like live within your means >> and it's it's like talking to a wall
with her and me there were just like what do you what do you want to happen and I said if the staff on Tuesday you have $640 to play with anybody wants 1% more tell me who you don't want in the room at the next meeting. Well, I mean, but that's a consequence
of the negotiations that were reckless, if you will, or maybe just too generous or not professional or not knowledgeable, whatever. >> And and and I will also um because I was on the audit committee when we when we've been out of contract and we we got
it back in, that contract came in and we said, "Oh, that's not bad. Increase $1,000." Well, that's 3.3%. So every contract we have even with that outside vendor is not following the two and a half. And I wasn't I I didn't do the
math until after the fact, but I said that's not it doesn't seem unreasonable. >> It's not just senior negotiations, it's cross money with every contract. >> That's very interesting. Yeah. So, so how do you stop that, if you will?
Because you it's got to come from the top that stops it because you can't say to people sorry that they gave you a great raise, but you got to give it up now. >> Well, it's it's easier with your workforce to say you have to live within your means with services provided. >> In some cases, you you can't combat what
the assessor's software, maintenance, whatever is going to charge the next year. >> You're just stuck. And it might go up 10% because that's what inflation did. the other companies >> podcast comes in and says this is going up, right? >> It's kind of like you pay the bill when it comes in.
>> The work is the ones that are going to suffer the consequence on this. >> So unless the town and its residents decide we're willing to support our staff, >> but you know what? It's not what >> Right. Right.
>> It's truly up to the What do you guys 9200 or so residents in town? I mean, they don't all vote. >> 3,000. >> 7,400 voters. >> That's on a presidential election. >> Well, that's how many voters.
>> Oh, that's how many voters do. >> You see, the problem I I see in towns and just the couple years I've been on card, so I can watch everything from the stage, which I love. You know, it is a stacked room. >> Which way?
>> Either way. Either way. You know what I mean? It doesn't matter what the issue is. It's a stack versus like you say the people. >> That's why it should be representative, >> right? Yeah. Sorry. >> Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Anyway.
>> Yeah. If you had a half an hour from now. >> Sorry. I'm done. I'm done. Oh, no. I want to go to I want to go to the fire. Let's go to the fire. >> What fire department? >> The fire department. Fire.
the fire department because um this tell me >> I was gonna say this is where the chief goal 32 hour >> okay so the fire chief assistant where's the fire chief >> our fire chief is the top line item at $91,520
which is $55 an hour with a contract >> so we went up $30,000 >> so based on his current contract he's working 20ish hours per week. >> Oh, believe I'm going to have a hard time with this. Um, so we're giving him a $30,000 raise.
>> We're getting a new contract that says he's got to be sitting in the office 32 hours a week working with the men and women of that department. >> And the thing is, we really have to look out for the future. >> You do? >> Yes. >> Because Gary is not going to be here
forever. >> His retirement >> retirement. He might leave before then. No. Well, I'm just saying >> whenever Gary leaves, it's going to be a full-time chief. >> 40 hour
>> 40 hours. So, it's going to be much more than the >> right. >> So, what you're saying is you're placeholding the $30,000 for the new chief. >> It's a start. Is that what you're saying? >> It's a start >> because the last chief that we had say 5 years ago was 130,000 for a full time
fire chief at that point, >> right? So, if we're talking this money is still a ways to go before >> you because you had an assistant chief who was sort of the legacy plan at 96,000 plus the current fire chief's role at 67. So, you're at about 60k
right there for a full-time chief. >> That's that's the rate. >> So, that's the rate that a town of this side size would be paying to a fire chief, >> right? So, positions, it should be one position about that. That's the reason >> that's that's a >> Well, we're not giving a bump to the
>> correct >> correct to the current chief. >> We we're giving him a bump, but it's requiring additional hours, 12 additional hours dedicated >> and likely an opportunity to revisit his contract and sit him down and rework it.
>> Yeah. >> Um meeting so chooses. >> No, they'll be back. So that's off the plane. Don't. And >> to Cathy's point, she's right. You do need a plan. You always have a legacy plan in all the call legacy plan.
>> I'm calling it contingency because I look at the part if we had >> if we had a resignation and we needed higher services to do that. We don't have enough money in the budget to to hit it. So there's there's lots of places we need to be able to >> to look at
>> to look at our path forward because >> why are we just looking at this one then? Well, we we're looking at it because this is the point we're in the budget. The police chief seems to be good. It's kind of like the other departments seem >> being moved out, >> right? It's kind of like it's the ones
that don't look compatible of somebody coming in with experience and that from the outside to do that job, >> which is why we have we outsource the account, >> right? Because >> and it keeps going and going.
>> It keeps going. All right. So now you're going to put the chief at 91. >> This is probably money >> as the placeholder for the new chief that's going to come in sooner rather than later. And >> just for the role >> the role. I get it. The role. Your role.
But what about the assistant chief? Is he going to come in at 97 prevention chief? >> There is no assistant chief. That's correct. So that so when we talk positions there at least one less position in in the office. >> So what is fire prevention captain? How
many other how many but how many people is that? Is that one person? >> One person >> who works 40 hours a week >> works 40 hours a week >> down at the station. >> Which nation? Believe it's on street. >> The one that Dunkin Donuts
>> but there isn't anybody spot. Okay. So goodbye. It's over. Yeah. So then >> for the first time when I went to pay my >> That's a good point. >> Just because it's 40 hours, right? Okay. >> Right. >> So >> it's also a union contract,
>> right? >> Oh, the fire chief is the union. >> No, the fire prevention captain, the operations staff, the EMS coordinator, the paramedics. >> So we do not have a volunteer fire department. Right. >> Not really. No. >> So, so it's we have one operation staff
lieutenant >> one. Is it one? >> Yeah, that's my understanding. >> I I'd say based on the salary it's one. Yeah. >> And how about um >> how about the EMS coordinator captain? I >> I don't know the full roster that might be two people. >> I looking at the number that it was
there >> in it does, but down from where it was in FY24. >> So, we don't know. We don't know. >> We don't know. all this smoke and mirror stuff. We don't know. We're saying, "Okay, maybe." >> No pun intended. Smoking mirror is good
on fire. >> I didn't think of that. >> One thing I think would be helpful >> for the full-time people. >> Yeah. >> To know how many positions this covers. >> Mhm.
>> Now, these are my like 196. What'd you put it down? Oh, you bumped it up. It's 2% based on the contract. Oh, >> so that could be and that could be 10 people. That could be >> Yeah. Okay. You guys have three ambulances, two or
three and they're 24-hour shifts. >> Yeah, we have two ambulances. >> Two. So, you have at least that's three shifts a day. >> So, that's six people a day times two because you have two ambulance. You have 12 people and you have two extras because you need redundant staff to cover a shift, >> right? >> You have 14 people spread across that number. Okay,
>> you likely have that for your EMS >> coordinator one at 119 cuz that's a you can't >> you'd have to have two people. You can't work you can work a 24-hour shift and you got to take a shift off, right? >> So, it's probably two people >> just like back door the math on it. >> Yeah. >> So, this is like figuring it out.
>> Yes. >> Just think of 24-hour shifts. >> So, they got rid of their mechanic. >> Yeah. Mechanic. I I believe they they if we look at the professional services, there'll be maintenance. >> Oh, well anyone from the fire?
>> What? >> What's that? >> Does the fire have any income? >> They do. The ambulance receipts. >> No, the ambulance people. The fire. >> Fire. They have the fire. >> The fire revolving fund for >> But they don't have an income. My house catches on fire or the rectory over
there was burned. When they answer that, they don't get a dime for it. >> They don't get paid for that. >> No. No, excuse me. But when did that happen? >> They getting paid here for the person. >> So for some time in the last couple hundred years, we rolled the fire
department into the town budget. >> Yes. Just like >> and that's how the this all the property tax is paid for the fire department anymore. But one thing is that's why you can't have a ball in town. >> Everybody works everybody. All you can do work here in town hall or they work
out out of the out of the county. >> Exactly. you know. >> So where's the talking marketer? >> You didn't have a sign on the side of the house saying you paid the fire department. >> I'm trying to find it too. So I guess you >> can sit there and grab your hot dogs a
wiener. >> I had a different kind of wiener. >> That's what I >> You have to go there to >> I just wonder where that volunteer freebies came in. >> It's something that's on my list. was a volunteer back then too.
>> The volunteer part hasn't changed. >> It has here in town because nobody lives here in town. >> Everybody >> there are still on call for DM. >> Well, I know there are but not that not as many as they usually. >> No, because the job is
>> it's a lovely thought, but let's be real. So, but they still get I think when they are volunteer I think they still get a small something but >> nothing to nothing to right >> it's a vocation they love their job so
they do it the minimum amount I understand that I'm doing that right now >> a lot of these people have go to the wire academy and things like that >> yeah yeah yeah they get certified there certain requirements to to be a firefighter >> they love their job and they're doing it for the passionate people and they're
doing it because they want to help them. For real, >> like compassion >> and you're lucky to have them because in my town I said, "It takes 25 minutes for an ambulance to get that." That's >> we lost We lost four people in the last two years to
>> What? To die. >> Heart attacks. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Lost a guy on Thanksgiving morning. New >> because of the time that we >> Why don't they have our ambulance there? An ambulance is a h1 to $150,000 a year.
>> That's just including the need. >> Oh no. You're talking about people dying. It's crime against humanity. >> We talk about it almost weekly. We can't find a town to align with to help share the cost. >> That's we had an agreement. They bailed
on. >> Yeah. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> West's too far. >> Westford's too far. Ron's got its own thing going. >> Go to Chford. Is that where comes from? >> Yeah, it comes from Trinity 25 minutes
up the >> But wouldn't West be closer? >> It could be, but >> parts of it. >> Parts of it. Well, yeah. Cuz when you get the railroad tracks, it stops everything. >> Mhm. >> And that's horrible. >> Two miles long. >> Horrible.
>> All right. Now we're >> T E M A. Nothing else on that. >> No energy or anything. >> I mean, what are we going to do about it? >> Really? >> Energy is hard enough to deal with the
costs. And I know we all have utility bills. They're >> bananas. >> And the uniforms. Now, this is one area where I do believe the uniforms are absolutely necessary. >> Where are you going to see? Are you >> are you
>> No, I just went to fire because I didn't turn the page fast enough uniforms >> and I randomly went there. Yeah. >> And yeah, >> special say no. Um it's in here these all new lines that are going to get new
code numbers >> or the ones on the far left. Yeah, at some point. Yeah, they'll just that's up to the town to sort of create lines for everything and for tracking purposes. that would be not sure. I I don't know how how everything was accounted for
here, but >> I'm not surprised. >> All right. >> Sort of like our $300 for office supplies. >> Yeah. >> Went out of >> fine.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. All right. Now I just we got to do >> management tea >> direct salary. >> Yeah. Director director.
>> All right. So it's a direct who >> I think it's a bank salary. Is it? Yeah. >> Okay. Repairing. Oh, he has repair. >> Or the teamer. >> Teamer. >> Oh, okay. >> What's his name? The team.
>> That was an emergency. They must be the ambulance people. >> No, no, no. This is no this is >> um it's not going >> somebody comes in to help you know people to where they can go when we have
>> we lost electricity in 2008 for two weeks or whatever they opened up >> shelter warming hot or whatever. >> That's for sure. >> Okay. Communication. >> Well, now that the new water department
is down there, they actually have a a room down there that could be used for that. >> They do. They have a redundant um Right. You know, emergency center. >> Exactly. >> Right. >> So, communications, what? How'd you get rid of all that? >> Wasn't there before? >> Yeah.
>> Because >> Okay. So, that used to be when we had dispatch in our own facilities and we did our own dispatch. >> So, now it's >> the lines haven't gone away. We've been making them go away because we don't we
haven't done that. Will they come back again? >> I don't think so. At this point, it would be too expensive to set up the equipment again and get a million. >> Do you have a license to drive that thing? >> No.
>> Apparently, you're correct. >> Oh, yeah. >> But again, we're not we haven't budgeted money in there for years. like it's all been delivered >> out to us. So it would be nice to
>> if if we bring back >> then >> is this Patriot >> the big number is >> um the other parts of communication are things for the police department technical services for the police department >> um you know fire station as well and just equipment >> related to communication purposes in the
town. >> So this is for fire and police actually. Okay. I don't know. We get you. Didn't you tell us last year we couldn't do anything about Patriot because it is what it is in this? >> It is what it is. Yeah. You're not changing that one. So, >> yeah. >> No community in the area.
>> I was going to say similar, but but they did um try to help. I think they they went out to Dunville and added Dunable. >> They helped offset a number, but not by much. >> Now we come to buildings.
Yeah, >> you increase his salary >> uh 2%. That's based on >> Sorry, I keep asking for how many hours? >> How many? >> No, he works about it's on his door, so don't I don't know exactly, but uh
typically about three days a week or so. >> Yeah. No, no, no, no. Hour wise. >> I won't say anything in regards to an employee, but >> Okay, we get it. We totally get it. Stipen, he hasn't
been there that long, has he? Uh, >> Stipen is for alternative building inspector. >> No, that was Mr. Barnes who was helping the town during >> he was a very good inspector.
>> Not much to talk about. >> So, wait a minute. >> Now, we have the sports staff that who's 10,000. So, previously the support staff was Miss Janet Levit. >> Yeah, >> she's not there now. >> She's not no longer with us, broadly speaking. Um, so we are trying to uh
kind of piece it back together with some part-time contractual help for that role. >> Part-time contractual help. >> So, they would work maybe eight hours a week, you know, four hours on a Monday, four hours on a Wednesday for office hours for the building.
Is this u is this something that's been posted or is this a freeze? Uh it hasn't been posted yet because the budget hasn't approved it yet. >> Right. This is FY27, correct? So um >> Oh, so the freeze isn't on for FY2 yet. >> We haven't got the we haven't talked
about extending it beyond FY26. >> Okay, I get it. But this will be a part-time person 24 hours a week. But no, >> you know, >> probably eight hours >> under the part time.
>> Oh, two days. >> And that'll be >> I mean that's reasonable because I mean that's a busy office. >> It is. But it's seasonally, >> right? >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. I mean, in the dead of winter, there's not much going on here, >> but springtime it's it's buzzing. But then you get to the, you know,
>> August pays and it's quiet again. Got it. Oh, okay. May that be zero anything in that >> the stipen vehicle who gets that? >> So that is for your building
commissioner as they drive around inspecting and going to various properties in town. >> Yeah, >> I look at it and that's what we were paying to the facilities manager before the town
facility. vehicle truck. I mean, we have a No, but his I don't think we have a vehicle. >> This is for his vehicle. No, we don't have a building since vehicle
broke down. They've been doing >> Okay. All right. >> So, who are these other inspectors in? >> Oh, they're in different lines. So, the gas people, the electric people, better holding people.
>> But what do you what's happening with the um alternate inspectors? >> So what happens? >> So the building commissioners on vacation >> and we have an apartment fire and they burn buildings burning down but they
building inspector has to come to declare whether it can be >> right. So He'll likely call a regional building inspector like a Dana and say, "Can you go over there and I'll pay you out of professional services."
>> Okay. Okay. >> Or he doesn't get a vacation. >> I mean, things happen at times. You know, people are allowed to take days off. So, that's why having a, >> you know, a Henry Fontaine out of Westford, a Dana Barnes in the area. >> How about for like gas inspector and
stuff? >> You could still use the professional services line to come. >> You can Okay. So is that is that a position that can be regional shared regionalized the building inspector? >> Our building commissioner is doing that now as he works for several other
communities. Um so it's really at the discretion of the select board to decide how they want to approach it. >> It's really hard to find a good building commissioner. Um that is one of those sort of industries that's just kind of falling to the wayside. There's just not enough people. >> Really? Where are those tech kids? Don't
they go and get those the B tech kids? Don't they get >> But they're like electricians making4 million dollars a year and they have to get the years of experience to get them to work for 40 years and then you go be the inspector. >> Oh, I see. Oh, you got to have put in hours. >> Yeah. And there are based on state
requirements there's, you know, you could be just a gas inspector. You got to have number of years under your belt and things, >> right? Right. >> So I I'm saying you're saying that our building inspector >> is
regionalized cuz he is doing it for a lot of different >> Mhm. >> I'm saying why don't >> Yeah. I mean at some point we might get to that but >> but that's for the next town administrator there >> his union. is union.
>> Our building commissioner is a union. And >> so, you know, once again, it's something that it's you have to work with the union group. >> You know, we're kind of due for a restructuring attempt to be honest. But >> on the unions,
>> everything get rid of them. I >> don't I mean in general just as a cocktail conversation can that go away or is it forever? Is it in perpetuity? >> We're not sitting at a cocktail party. So I'm not going to answer your
question. >> I did that. >> Sorry 11th hour of work here today. So yeah, I'm right there. So >> 60 60 hours into into the town for this
week already. So >> I will just mention um on to your point about going out. It would be nice to have wers and credentials hanging from these people that are going out. >> Don't they get a un don't they don't get
a uniform. >> No they they don't get uniform. They >> they should at least have a shirt with a tag with the whatever you call it, >> right? It's got That's just Yeah, just to go with the >> lanyard, I guess. Maybe our own you can
throw on with a >> ID on it or something. >> I just mentioned it because >> years ago the town clerk's office gave like a little ID card. >> Good idea. >> Anyway, it was mentioned earlier.
of weight and measures. >> Okay, that we are going to the state >> state program. >> I skipped all the inspectors because what can you do about >> Well, they're all the same, but they haven't had a stipen increase in a couple years, but >> we're not allowed. Yeah, but we're not
going to get married, >> right? No, no, I'm just saying, you know, kind of like their their cost >> I understand. And again, they >> and mileage gas is getting more expensive. They're going around. Yeah. >> Like are we going to keep them or are they going to go to another town where they can be an inspector?
>> We should appreciate them. Maybe we should appreciation thing. >> When >> how much money in that 242 >> $623 left over. >> That's right. >> It's going fast. >> I'll get a grill some burgers out back.
>> Yeah. >> Some diet coke. >> What kind of meat? Yeah, the real thing about weight is >> it's now the state program used to be but he retired. >> What are we on then? >> We're on sailor of weight and
>> of wait kind of oldfashioned. It is. But you every time you go by gas station and you're put in the gas, you go to campers and you pound of baloney. >> Oh, moving everybody.
>> A business card in there scale off. >> I never Oh, wow. >> Yeah. So, there's there there is a lot of >> That's very important. Oh, they're not any money at all. >> Right. So it's, you know, now that it's
the state program is a little bit >> I think. Yeah, we got to do an appreciation. >> Animal inspector. Okay. Is this the one with the rabies shot? >> It's No, >> no. This is the animal inspector. This
is This is the one. >> I don't think it's about rabies shot. I think you run the potential of grabbies when you read the >> read it. But um because >> book it's let's call it that. This is the
barn book and we haven't had anybody in this for a while. >> B college. >> Anybody in totally not me. Do you have a blind book? Do you have a person? >> Yeah, we have a we have a personal >> Well, we had somebody
I walk by the cows every day. So yeah. Yep. >> What was his name? >> John King. >> Yeah, I remember. >> I haven't seen him in deco just I think last I heard do the rumor so don't want to be disparaging said
it's not enough money for Ben to consider it. Well, Larry was catching people. >> She's animal control person. >> Um yeah, animal control, not animal inspector, >> right? >> Which is next the animal control.
>> It was down the street. >> Yeah. >> Fines and stuff like that for people who horses or cows or whatever. I think you know all the merits of control. >> She's a dog person. Okay. So, she writes
the >> Do we have an accounting like Robbie account on that? >> It is on a warrant for the Wall, but it's not a lot big. It's $1,000. >> So, we can we we have those on before the Warren article.
>> Yeah. We just don't get to do our work. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's >> We talked about this just a couple things, didn't we? >> We did. The the rental was dropped this year. >> Yeah.
>> We hope no trees are stick and fall. >> He doesn't have to rent equipment. >> Yeah, I did reduce that. >> Does he come and do like trees that look dead on top of? >> Yeah. So if you make, you know, if the library, you know, someone in the periphery of the parking lot needed some trimming or work, he would go over there
and do that. >> Let's say if I'm walking down my sidewalk along the town road and I see this tree that's full of woodpecker holes. >> If it's town owned, that would be >> Well, it's like here's the sidewalk and the trees right there and it's town property. You can come out to the
country. >> I'm not sure where the >> Pennsylvania I know exactly where my property line >> right between them. >> So then the town has the right away >> to do what they want. But it's still my tree.
>> But this is all town >> in conversation. >> Yeah. You go down the best you can >> 13 my place somewhere >> the tarmac is where the town's property ends and my
property begins. >> So it's impossible to figure out who owns that drink. >> Okay. >> Where are we? And I don't we wouldn't I don't know if there's any I mean we we talked about broken
>> he dropped it considerably in half 50%. >> Wow. >> So again it's kind of like he you know >> literally in half. >> Literally. Yeah. >> Well it was dropped it was dropped
6874 for FY26. It was dropped another 33%. $3. >> Okay, there's a raise. The raise. Very old agent got a raise. >> Yep. >> And so did the parking clerk. Got $3.
>> Three whole dollars. Parking clerk got a dollar. >> Yeah. >> Right. It's kind of like $3. >> Is that a monthly stipen or is it >> quart? They do it really, >> but it's $71 broken up
>> 12 times. >> Yeah. It's like $54 on your check and you don't get >> Yeah. >> I told them they can keep it if they want me. >> No, it's kind of like this. >> So that that's that. Now we're at
school. But is there there's nothing that they do? >> No, these are the assessment in and you know um I'm hoping I hope that number comes out a little bit. >> Well, you just told me it's coming
>> so you guys you guys um at one point I understand I could be wrong that you were trying to investigate opting out of the regional system. >> Indeed. >> And what happened? >> Uh we realized it was going to cost us about three times the money >> and it would bank a lot of fraud.
Is it about have to go to a vote? >> Yeah. Has to go to super town meeting. >> But you can't just drop out. It takes like >> a twoyear unwinding process. >> Exactly. So you're paying for a another school that you're going to build and you're paying for the one that you're
in. >> No, I understand that. But there were 17 schools that did it. Gatsbury did it like like on the Southshore, you know, people in my >> but those towns are growing there. That's a different that's that's a growing community. >> Well, and now a couple of those towns
are regretting >> like pass it is short of like 3 million bucks this year. >> I was going to say a lot of water towns are >> Ducks needed an override which they passed. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> I need an override this just >> I wonder how is it long term in terms of
>> what is going on longterm in education in and of itself. >> I mean >> that's a story for another day. Yeah, I I was going to say longterm futurist >> it's all going to be homebased like it was story >> it will evolve it will evolve but
eventually >> we'll be dead the reason >> I don't have anything about school but the answer to the school people it is but I'm going
just bring up this such a significant drop on um what the exempt debt is for the show tech. Um it seems seems like it's dropped too far too fast. >> No, they had something that was paid off.
>> They paid off something to the breakfast. She mentioned that I got it done a year. Was that that program? >> It could be. I I don't remember but then it go
one year we put 33 in and then later we found out the assessment was higher and both into the 70 and it hurt >> you know we had no she explained it at the breakfast that it was something was paid off that that was that had gone down
>> did but she also told us that don't get too comfortable with that because they she something I don't think it might be the Hback. >> Maybe it was that >> that she's talking about doing the Hback in the whole school. >> Maybe. Yeah, we're talking about doing the Hback in five year segment. It's kind of like so maybe something has
>> maybe prior got pain and she's going into the next going to school something else >> and going to that breakfast is very important. I think >> I would watch that number just for the enrollment. >> So we added five >> enrolled students there. It's $150,000, >> right? Well, it's more expensive to go
to a technical school than high school. >> It is. It's just that's a heck of a number, >> right? >> So, if you add five more next year, it's another 150k. >> Well, I think they're almost at max school. >> I think they're near it. But >> the numbers like if the enrollment shifts, they get five more great
candidates from >> But we need school. >> We need the school, but >> I'm not saying it's not, but it's it's just it's really expensive, >> you know. Well, I can't say cuz I'm friend school person. >> I know my son's making really good
money. >> Exactly. My daughter's daughter. They all get my grandson's mother. >> I want to talk about the investment. Now, I'm not saying 20 years ago, 30, but today it's at the tech school.
>> You know, Brad Brad Morgan made a really good point at one of those meetings that we had gone to because community colleges are free right now. Why aren't they putting that money into the public school system into regional school
systems instead of giving and I think it >> colleges >> is because the education was really bad during co and now they're helping the students who didn't get educated during that time. >> Right. >> Possibly. That's what I think. But I
think Brad Morgan has a really good point. >> That is a good point. If they're gonna pay for that >> is a good point. I'm Yeah, I agree. >> What good is community college if you don't get through high school? >> It's pretty simple. >> I think right a lot of kids get test.
>> Community college is great, but you do have to have a GED to go participate in community college. >> You know how low that is? >> You do, but >> you know how low that is. >> The education these kids got during co >> was next to nothing. >> It was >> It really was bad. They would lay in
their beds and and it was their fault, but the teachers were thrown into it real quick and and they weren't prepared. >> Well, they never prepared because I sat through >> with my granddaughter who was like first
to second grade and she never had a plan and everything was like, well, we're going to do this and I'm trying to go through things and then she stopped teaching because some kid on this Zoom was fiddling in the seat. So she spent the next hour saying you Johnny
>> but not only that the some of the teachers had to teach the other teachers how to >> Yeah. use Zoom. >> Yeah. It's kind of like this. That's why I say as technology progresses. Okay. >> Highway.
He took over time and dropped the ass killed the highway department. >> 488. >> Okay. >> Bless you. >> God bless. >> Okay. How does he feel about this? >> He does not love it,
>> but it's um a way to piece it together. You know, he was appreciative of having another kid, >> right? >> We're hopeful that that um that guy hangs for a bit. Sometimes that's a worry is they come and we train him and they leave. But
>> we're hoping he's a young young guy and keeps it up. >> Um >> does he live in town? >> I don't know. >> Um but Jim's a great superintendent, you know, like many of our department heads. So, you know, >> you know, he's not thrilled about the owner change, but he said, "Hey, we'll keep working through it." So,
>> I know how much can I ask them to give. It's not like this highway is in great shape. I know. I know. I know. I'm sorry. >> So, >> oh, so the increase was the um mechan, >> correct? >> Okay. >> Yeah, >> but we knew that was coming.
>> So, with the overtime, does that includes when they plow? >> No, >> it does not does not include snow and ice. >> Okay. >> No way. You know how >> overtime would be if a tree fell and dear Carol's out there walking but it falls across the road and she calls it in
>> and she says, "Hey, there's a tree across the road. They may come and help clean it up or water may come and help clean it up." There's a few departments that all kind of kick in and help in those situations. That that was my reason for dropping it down. >> I think that they should be considered
public safety. >> I agree. >> They are in the safety. No, >> in the public in that segment, they're part of the public safety. >> Well, they always they always get like for the job.
>> They do. Um, you know, I worked hard to make sure they got their mechanic >> and that's going to save us some money on the back end for paying other mechanics out of >> out of the, you know, camp up there. Did you >> professional? Um, yeah,
it's a lean budget, you know. >> We don't have any money. >> Right? >> $18,000. >> Much I can do about that one. >> I know. I know. I wish we had more. >> Because there aren't any.
>> No. Sometimes I think three two main street only has >> there's a lot there there's there's a lot more than you think there's three just from here to um the mobile station I count on them last week after
>> Oh my god. Thank you for sharing. >> Yeah. And there's three between here and Spalding. >> Yeah. >> And there's three down towards Tyler and old city road. >> There you go. solid waste here to keep us going. >> Okay. So,
>> wait. Gabby has a question. >> So, >> I think the total is wrong on snow and ice. >> That's several. >> Oh, >> and we're adding the addition.
Well, I can't help it there. I thought it was three something. >> No, no, there because if you add >> personel, >> yeah, under personnel, the first two numbers add up to 16. So, that's 46, not 495.
I'm seeing. So, we have 7500 8500, which gets to around 100 number. >> What do you think? I think it's Well, it's 46,000. >> 46. >> 46,000. Yeah, >> it's 46. Yeah. Instead of 495.
>> Okay. >> So, that's all right. >> Yeah, but that will make a difference. >> Save $3500. >> Look at that. >> Yeah. Go Kathy. >> Yeah, remember animal counter,00.
It doesn't automatically >> maybe apply for the job. >> Okay. >> It doesn't even cover my total. >> It's not Don's hero act that got me. So less than which helps.
>> So the total should be 284085 I believe. >> 2845. >> 585. Oh yeah. 585. 284. >> Put that money back into it overtime. >> Yeah. And basically where that money's going to go. >> Oh, good.
>> Hold back up. >> Nice. >> You're welcome, Jim. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Flowers for Kathy. >> Nope. No. No flowers. >> No flowers. >> We want to save that other >> Oh, okay. Flowers. >> Yeah. I want coffee and donuts.
>> Coffee and donuts. >> Okay. appreciation appreciation. >> So now we have the solid waste and that is a whole other >> the ball of legs. >> Yes.
>> So the 10,000 is for curbside pickup dumping of the trash they pick up on curbside. >> No, no, no. This is the town the the >> town buildings. >> The town building >> 10,000. >> No. Are they recycling enough? Where's
>> this one? H they seen recycling out here. >> Yeah, it's been out there. >> But $10,000. Is it recycling free? >> Or am I getting it mixed up? >> It's a few different buildings. So, it's not just town hall. >> It's it's town hall with cemetery and
parks. It's >> not what they have other than paper to throw away. Well, a good time senior center. They have lunch every day. >> They serve lunch every day
>> except after Friday, but >> it's Oh, okay. >> And yeah, I I was going to say it's a they do put out seasonal that they don't charge us for kind of like for for pick up at the ball fields and things. >> No, don't get me started on the ball fields.
>> I know. Okay. Um, but yeah, it's it's multiple buildings around around town. >> So, now we have Roger's 2%, right? Okay. >> And is this the foreman is 2%. >> Yes.
>> And the staff is 2%. Oh, wait. Whoa. What happened to staff? Staff went down. >> So, that number came from the department head and they said this was okay. So I >> few hours it's a non-union role. So I think it
might be you know just a few hours. >> Now is this temp help the summer seasonal help is that >> help might be um like shovelers in the winter could be guys like the kids who cut the grass at the fields >> you know at the park and do that maintenance work. I think my
understanding, you know, it could be a high school junior or senior, whatever age you have to be to run a lawn mower, >> right? >> Big grave. >> Yeah. >> So, they have their own energy and their own water bills. >> They do. Yeah. >> And they take care of their own building. >> Mhm.
>> They rent their own equipment. >> Yeah. They do a nice job. >> Yeah. >> Sounds pretty good. Yeah. >> Um housing authority is another role that I was doing for the town. Um you know unfortunately your housing
authority is not very active. Um >> most of the programs that housing authority related get run through like state programs like chapla and >> you know those type of section they you variety of types of housing. >> Um so again trying to save a few dollars
I just kind of reduced it. Um, you know, in the event that you got a real big apartment housing authority type complex in, it might increase the role. >> That's not going to happen for 2027. >> Yeah. It's not not this year or next year. So, >> yeah.
All the other stuff before you get here. >> Yeah. Same thing could be said for housing trust. Um, so they again act. >> Oh my god. You put it from $1,000 to zero. >> Wow. That makes a lot of you. >> I mean, I was doing it. So, >> Oh, shoot.
Um, >> oh my word. Oh, I that got rolled. I get it. >> Professional services. >> I would keep professional services cuz if you do get a trust plan or you need an engineer to look at like they're
doing some timbering on a trust owned parcel. You just want to keep up on that. Make sure the process is right. You can, you know, all that stuff. So, >> and if it doesn't get spent, it's someone can buy some more donuts for the >> I was going to say the talk is we're
finding thousands of dollars and I guess >> okay health. Why did this get That's not a 2% raise >> on 50,000. >> It went down. >> No, 50,000. You're looking at the request. So she that the uh employee
requested 4%. But the way the union negotiations >> the evergreen right I think is the term only carries 2% right now for employees and she has been what's this next thing illegally dunk
divers >> that's for things that get dropped around town um though after >> so who picks those up >> it's actually highway that does it >> so um I zeroed it out. >> Oh, warehouse does not do it.
>> They may get notified, but they end up calling highway >> or water to come and get it. >> That cemetery is probably done a few times. >> Okay. >> Air on the side of giving you a high five and thumbs up on that. Although let me tell you, one time we
had a rabid bat and Carolyn and I brought him to the vet because it had to be >> Oh, they had to be tested, >> right? >> Caffeine. >> That's what we did, >> right? >> Because you got to do what you got to do
to get the job done. So, >> that's kind of fun actually. >> A lot of the ordinary imagine. But >> yeah, >> um for the health that >> can't do anything about it. >> Can't do anything about it. It's a heck of an increase. Um every community
that's part of the show is kind of just bulking at that. Um >> and they do a great job. >> They do, but that's a heck of a number >> on the office supplies and and things. Can they really get by
with them? >> $25. Um, I shared the budgets over and over again with staff and >> she's speak now for hold your piece is what I said to people on Tuesday. I only heard from one group who said this looks
good. Thank you. >> Everybody else is getting ready to windshield >> but like hey I mean it means everyone has a job so I'll take that. >> Illegally dumped items again. >> So is that a duplicate or is that something different? Which one?
>> It's a new line. It's a new line on the first the next page. The first line it says >> $500. >> $500 for illegally dumped item. >> Then we have illegally dumped items on >> That's for a show's
got their own thing. So, >> and we have to pay regardless of >> it's part of the contract. >> Okay. should put a little inex >> that you'll get the legal something. >> Did they come and get the stuff? >> All right. >> Maybe it's things like hazardous
materials at like a restaurant. Maybe they I I'm just >> things engineer. >> Okay. That's a contract that we have with Weston and Samson to monitor our land. So >> yeah. Yeah, >> it's signed for three years, so that
number is going to hold pretty static. It's a big number, but something we have to do. So, >> the state thing it's gone down though, I think over the years. Yeah, >> it was >> from before because now the monitoring isn't as much.
>> Yeah. Right. >> And then we have operating staff that 2% thing too >> for council on aging. Yes. Correct. They get closing alerts. >> They do. So you have folks that are cooking in the kitchen and such. So they
get gear for that. >> Aprons. >> Okay. >> They're expensive. >> And aprons. Probably gloves. >> Well, you have to. >> Yeah. >> To handle the food.
That's right. special hands to where we add up to >> 2000. >> Oh my goodness. Did that get the driver in here? >> It doesn't because that's all funded through the LRA.
>> Right, right, right, right, right. >> Is that Cindy? Uh, your veterans agent is having veterans agents. >> Okay, Jerry, other services. $40,000. >> That's some of your hero um some of your veteran benefits.
>> Not always spent, but sometimes, >> but it's got to be there. But it's got to be there. Veterans line reduction total >> which one um just just above human
services total. There's a line before human wages reduction to >> that was salary wages and reduction >> that was last year's >> nothing. >> Yep.
that one. >> Library is a 2% raise. >> Library is on a contract. >> The director. >> Yeah. As is the assistant director and the library techs are part-time staff members. So they with the trustees set that number.
>> Um so they provide services to the community. Other purchases services are those there software. >> It's like software programming things of that nature for visitor. >> That's a pleasure.
Well, here >> support. >> That's That's a Union 2%, right? >> It is. >> How come there's a dollar there? >> She explained it to me that it's to hold the position, though. You could just leave the position in, but
$1 there doesn't. >> No, I'm just curious. >> Yeah, >> that's just so 850 for wreck accordingly on the t-shirts. T-shirts >> that should be for the director.
>> That's for the contract. >> Oh, Jesus. Okay. Longevity my time. >> Okay. So, recreation miscellaneous supplies >> zero. >> Zero. Nice.
>> Not well received. >> Yeah. It's a self-funded program. >> That's my line. >> That's what they told us. Do they not tell us that Veronica selfunding except for >> except for
>> Yeah, exactly. >> Okay. So, now we have the Oh, >> okay. Can we talk about this? >> We can. I've reduced Memorial Day. Well, the Memorial Day, we're buying into the
Memorial Day pitch because we didn't realize that she purchased quite so much for the veteran the the call >> the wreaths and the flowers and all this stuff. We didn't realize how many
>> he hasn't changed it in the last Oh, we didn't last one. >> Right. I reduced the band services 200. reduce the um band concerts for reduce. >> So, and you better put in the notes.
We put her on notice. This is the last year that we're that she can come to us from she's going to raise it. >> Not Yeah. >> Friends of the band. I mean, >> don't disagree with that because not
many other communities of your size pay for their Memorial Day and band concerts that are hosted on a town parole. >> Yeah, we would totally get it. It's not right. But, you know, nobody wants to say anything. >> Yeah, you must know. Um, just to get
back to that, >> we have a revolving fund for it. >> Okay. >> We should have a revolving. She talked that she's getting a revolving fund set up >> because there's two >> she should have requested it for the annual town meeting award. You need an annual town meeting award to set that
up. >> Why would she just not going to have any money then? >> Right. Which those two gifts that she's >> so if we do friends in the band stand then where does the money go? That that money right there
is not a town function and then we donate it. >> Y >> now I could see a world where for Memorial Day you have $1,000 for flowers to make sure that's appropriate. >> I agree. I think for for music and
entertainment, >> it it really is um up to >> the businesses in town to support that >> because and it benefits them. >> That's what PEPro does. >> Yeah. That's what most towns do. >> And and you you know, you have four
concerts a year and you have Memorial Day parade and you kind of manage it as its participants go up and down. >> That's why the hammer has to come down on this because this is a lot of money. They that big conquered parade,
>> the conquer one and conquered. Yeah. >> Oh, that's all privately funded. >> Oh, yeah. Okay. I just wondered how it was fun. >> Revolving funded >> or for the food trucks. Like we charge for food trucks. So, the food truck wants to come and sit at our band concerts. We get like $1,500 off that
food truck. Goes right in the revolving fund. >> That's Well, because they have people come and she won't let us have them. Oh my goodness. I can't believe you said that. really openly Pandora. >> But I also said it to her like I've chatted with her. I said, "You Betty May, like I love the idea of these
events, but you really ought to be making this like a food truck event. >> Then you charge, you know, the pickles pickle hot dog guy 1,500 bucks to park there. You're going to make 10 grand that night. That's just what it is." >> But nobody comes to the towns one. Have you ever gone to a town one? If there's
30 people, that's like a crowd. >> Well, I've never seen Well, I've only gone a couple of times, but I've never seen 30 people. >> And for my point, Exactly. They used to get a huge waste of money because of the mosquitoes because then they're that start. >> Well, then you get like the local pest
control, >> right? >> Donate. They do in our town. So, they donate their organic thing. >> And then we let them put a sign up so it says >> Joe mosquito. Exactly 100%. Oh my garden. >> Yeah.
Yeah. >> Yeah. But you know, maybe it's something that the can revisit with one of the first years. >> No, we put our notice. >> Well, I mean, I mean, >> right. Still a lot of money.
>> It's awful to this year. You're talking about We tried. We tried. You talked. Well, you suck. >> Yeah. Yeah. I respect it. Like I I believe in the the concept. I And I said this to, you know, this boy. I think it's a tough sell for me when you're not giving anyone more than a 2%
raise. Like looking at concerts that maybe people don't go to. >> Like it's just like I I check on the math on that. >> Yeah. Right. >> A mercenary like that one. So >> I on that paying union wages to those positions.
>> I have no idea. >> See, we asked the the amount it's 1300 to,400 per >> then we should take a vote. She won't and she won't >> and she says no and we said they're supposed to be in committee and she says I'm the only one and I like it that way >> really
>> and she won't reduce the number of years >> or the number >> really you could roll that into a recreation department >> that last year >> we tried that last year and that two of them it's like fire and ice
>> but >> yeah you know it's something that may peter out on its No, I think it should be a recommendation by the the we don't fund it. >> Sorry.
>> No, not for the number of people. >> It would cover. >> Well, if we had 300 people there, they have a story. But if you only have 12 >> for $19,000 $1,000 a person. >> Horrible. Anyway,
>> I know I'm probably not. >> No, I haven't been there. Sorry. >> Watchd >> I I think they haven't been um using the big money, put the flags out. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, they actually have
over spent their account. Um, we just by purchasing flags. So, we will be having a conversation by probably having a conversation with them >> to figure out where to make up the $197 they overspent >> based on ordering too many flags.
>> Are these the little flag or flags that are on? Do we need new black flags on? >> They they wear off. >> Oh, they Yeah. The trucks come by and they like they get ripped off and they lift lit.
>> Yeah. They need new flags. >> Yeah. >> Periodically, you know, replace them and stuff. >> Not yearly, but yeah. Sometimes. >> Yeah. >> What? How long are they up? >> They go from Memorial Day through Fourth of July, I think, and then they go again to Labor Day or something.
>> Three or four times a year. Mhm. >> Or maybe do one in every other poll. >> I don't think they >> I don't think they level. >> I mean, not a lot. >> Do the ones in the town center? >> That's all that's pretty much. That's
all you see. >> Doesn't even do the ones in the harbor. Didn't he say that one time? >> I don't know. >> Oh, on the bridge. the little plague. >> Somebody else.
>> Okay. So, >> so if they did that this year, they may not have >> do it next year, >> right? >> Okay. >> You're down to debt. >> Okay.
>> Yeah, I see the line. >> One more line. >> Debt. >> Okay. But that's what we borrowed. We can't do anything about it. Yeah. >> It's pretty pretty locked in. So, right. Yeah. >> Went from 29355
for the request up to 8407. >> So, I just carried over the requested number and then the treasurer said it's actually in fact 87,000 84,0007. >> I just didn't have the right number. So, >> yeah. No, it just seemed really weird.
This seemed more like the right number than the 29. >> Yeah, that's what you had in the 26, >> but I and I thought it didn't change, but then >> it was Yeah. >> Some borrowing. >> More borrowing. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> yeah.
>> Unemployment compensation. Unemployment. >> We're going to have some paid off soon, I think. >> Paid off what? Unemployment. Some >> Yeah, some debt will come in, but I think there'll be more buy something else. Well, that's the deal. You always
there's always something to >> Yeah. High leverage. >> So, long-term debt principles 99 to 43. How did you long-term debt interest? How did you want to do that to reduce
that interest? by paying it. >> It just wasn't it wasn't on the budget prior to then. So I just took the numbers from Melissa and put those. So this whole business is >> I couldn't tell you exactly how every
debt dollar works question. >> All right. Short-term interest. >> What does long-term debt interest exempt mean versus interest non-exempt when they're about the same number? Some of them are exempt from your override calculation and some are
>> county retirements. >> Yeah. Just a standard product of the time. >> That's because we don't pay into unemployment quarterly. We paid it on as we use analy
>> selfunded. >> I get that. But you only have $25,000 put aside for it. >> Yeah. So for the the average salaried employee of towns, it's about $12,500 for them to be laid off what the town would contribute
>> and cover. People making more than that would result in a higher liability on the town. To me, that number is too low. >> 25%. >> Yeah, that looks too low to me. >> But I'm also balancing your budget. So,
>> yeah. >> So, out of curiosity, so what would it cost if we did buy unemployment insurance? Because unemployment insurance you only pay, am I right? Up to a certain amount per
employee. >> Yeah. I'm not sure what the >> like 75,000 or 800,000 or something like that. and then you don't pay anymore. >> I'm not sure how I just wonder how it's >> more complicated than that because the
less the more people you end up needing unemployment clerical which is like minuscule. It's not like construction guys. I don't know. I just like to see what the difference is. >> Yeah, we can sense on the dollar. It's not like huge.
Okay. >> Okay. Health insurance is not quite health insurance. >> So, >> so the health insurance number I was working with HR to come up with that. Um, she shared everything that
1,391,877. >> So, then you look at the number that is in there. I've subtracted $16,000 due to retirements or any attrition off the health insurance. Mhm. >> Um we do expect at least one single person to roll off the health insurance.
>> Um rumor has it there might be a few others because of the increases that are going to happen. >> Person like myself, um my health insurance costs per paycheck are going to go up about $105 per paycheck. >> Um that is going to lead a few other
employees to decide to opt off. So that number at 139 may get reduced even more. Um, I know it's 1375 because I've already subtracted 16K from it. >> I'm hoping we can reduce that to maybe another
>> two people, so maybe another $30,000 off it. And that'll sort of ensure you have some free cash for next year. >> Are police and fire involved in these? >> They're getting health insurance. >> Yeah, they're getting health insurance. Yeah.
>> Police and fire. Oh, yeah. So is also water is is all so it's all town employees no matter the department >> fundamentally it's a generous program at 75% coverage on the town to 25% on the employee. Um not a lot of other
municipalities are at that split. Um, it's something that I can say this fundamentally every single collective bar agreement and employees like can't the town do more to help offset that costs and we're just not quite in a position right now to do that. So,
>> we might go back out to market next year when you have a TA that has more time and can actually work through it. Um, but as your intern, I just didn't have, you know, it should have been done last fall, but I think that's what Nelson was sort of finishing. No, let me tell you no cuz I
asked about that and he he told me do you know how high that is? You know how much work it is and I thought >> well and then it was >> then he say something about well that's a fancy you know he change insurance. Yeah, it's like what they could do.
I don't know what you think my doctor all the time. >> In hindsight, would have been the thing to do before you started union negotiation. You would have said, "Hey, we're going to change it here, but we're going to offer you this to >> it is what it is." So,
>> yeah. So, we know that. Oh my god. Okay. So, now what happens? Anybody 99 years old, >> you can make a vote to say I'm in favor of this budget. stands the change of the $3,500 from that line item for snow and
ice up to the overtime. >> If you wanted to your responsibility on the budget would be done. >> Yeah, we still have the warrant. I'm not ready to make that. So, someone else
I won't write. I mean, I write the budget for the most part. >> Um, >> for your calendar, you do need to have Well, you you should I have to have the budget done 7 days before town meeting
>> because that's the war article gets posted. The next select board meeting is on the 21st and you guys are actually joining us for part of that, right? Um, we do have the budget on there as an agenda item. We don't have another select board meeting posted currently between the
21st and Cinco de Mayo, the town meeting. >> Oh, I never thought of that. >> That's right. Bring your sombrero. You'll shop for everybody at the end. >> Um, well, we'll have to do articles today. So, another
>> All right. So, we have >> we can we'll have >> Okay. >> We'll have another meeting to make the recommendation >> because we're going to do the recommendation >> and we're going to put them in writing and we're not going to do it the day of the meeting. >> We have to do it before. Excuse me. It's crazy, >> right? I have a goal of trying to do
sounds like I'm a mercenary um of just opening the doors here on the 29th and telling people whoever has a question as a resident come in and ask it about the budget. For me, I would like to just have everyone air all their grievances well before town meeting floor. >> You mean people?
>> Yeah. Fire away. >> I thought you were going to do something like on the 23rd or something. No, >> I don't think it's going to happen on the 23rd just because of timing wise. Like I need the select board to approve it and the 24th 23rd 23rd is about to be
>> 23rd is next Thursday. >> That's supposed to be the >> candidate tonight. Oh yeah, it's candidate. One of those nights is candidates. >> This is what I was going to say. If we're having a meeting, I won't be I'd like to know who's running for the office.
>> I hear I don't know who. >> Unfortunately, I can't >> swing the ship either way for that, but I think the >> Who's sponsoring it? >> Who's sponsoring it? >> I don't know. >> I don't know where it is. My wife tells me I think it's being held here because TKM volunteered to host it.
>> But I don't think there's a sponsor per se right now. Oh, >> the select word can't advocate. >> Exactly. And I wanted >> Thank you for answering that question. >> Oh, really? Well, didn't even ask. >> Yeah, we can't we can't advocate for it when we
>> No government agency can. >> The newspaper used to do in towns of business. >> I understand that. What I don't understand is how select don't know that. >> I would like to. But that's for >> I don't know how it's being done if it's not
>> calling my wife in. >> Okay. >> I'll be here on Thursday, but Tuesday I'm not going to be available >> to accept the budget or we want to discuss it again. >> You should look at the town warrant stuff because some of the town warrants have a budget, doesn't it? Does it?
>> It's only the warrant article six. Oh, no. Sorry. said. >> Oh, one is this one article. >> It's article eight, which is your to see if the town will vote to raise an appropriating chance for all available
funds in the treasury. Such sums may be necessary to defay the charges and expenses of the town fiscal year 2027 pursuant to a detailed budget totaling. I currently have it at 28,819885. It's changed a little bit with Cathy's
wide math finding, but I'm just going to shift it. >> Um, and the functional segments should remain very close to what they are. Maybe a few dollars difference here and there if the school number changes between now and then. Um, so really you'
be you'd be very close to an identical budget to what you've seen. You know, you want >> You were going to show us the one without the >> Oh, right. through it with you. >> But I have to walk out. So,
>> but it's um but that one is just you're going to see it's more reliant on free cash and the police numbers rather than the 14%. to be four on like the overtime, holiday pay, um
uniform, etc., etc. So, >> but you could you could make a >> But then are we still going to be short money? >> No, because I'm using more free cash to make it. >> Okay. >> So, you're it's two different it's another it's a different recap sheet. So, I sent you both a no override
>> and then a no override recap. >> Okay. So, if the no but we don't control the override. That's the voters. >> That's the voters. >> It's going to happen that night. So, we have to be ready to pivot one way. >> No, it it will happen on the the vote day, the 27th.
>> The Oh. Oh, before the May 8th. Okay. >> We'll know like the 27th and then select board in the event we'll probably post a meeting for the 28th >> knowing it might be canled because it won't be necessary if the override. >> Oh, okay. That would be the because then
you could recommend the no override budget on the 28th if you had a meeting that night. >> Right. So D, you have to post for next Tuesday. >> I have to post for next Tuesday for the joint. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And then too.
>> We start at 4 that day. >> Generally we do this. >> So should we be there at 4? >> When's the audit thing? >> The audit thing's pretty early that night. a forum of you guys if you're available. >> Oh, shoot. What's this?
>> No, I'm not available at all today. >> I'll make it, but it'll be horrible. But I'll make it >> I'll be there. No matter what time you're right there. What about you, kid? No. >> Make it less horrible. >> Less than horrible. It's like, okay, I'll take that.
>> Well, I know I could be there till 6. I just have to check to see if I can get it earlier before >> I can do that one. >> Yeah, >> let's see. >> Yeah, everything I have will be done by >> Well, as far as the it's on passage of the override
>> police and not the whole thing, >> but your recap is more dependent upon precache when the police if the police override doesn't pass. So we said you got this, you got pre-cast this big. You've already talked about that and that and a little of that
>> and then there's still that left. You're saying that the remainder would be with work with the police >> and Yeah. And but so that really doesn't change anything except the police sector and you're free. >> We don't have to go back to the fire company. >> No, >> we don't have to go back to the
selectman board. >> We don't have to opinion on their money or not. Can I make a motion? >> Please make a motion. >> Not that motion. Sorry. >> Oh, >> that we accept the budget presented to us tonight on April 16th, 2026
with the exception of the highway total. Orange just >> for snow and ice >> cuz snow and ice of $3500 >> being moved from snow and ice >> being moved from snow and ice to overtime >> in highway >> in highway department.
>> Mhm. >> Right. >> Is that good? >> Got it. >> Okay. Say that again. >> Okay. >> Approve the budget. except the budget >> contingent upon the successful movement of
>> $3,500 from the snow and ice budget >> back to >> back to highway overtime line. >> Okay. Move this uh successful movement of the 3500
from the snow and ice to the overtime line. >> Snow second. Okay. Well, he said so. I'm just saying. >> Oh, >> because he's not a member. >> Oh, I understand.
>> Okay. >> Okay. So, we have the motion in a second. >> Yes. >> Everybody understand? >> Any questions? >> A vote in the affirmative is to accept the budget with the one change it.
>> All in favor? >> I. All opposed being very unanimous. >> I have any number chang >> and we have a motion to adjurnn in a second. >> Yeah. Thank you Karen. All in >> favor
I I'll email you and then >> I can't have you say yes or no on an email but um I'm I don't want to keep doing this. Um just want to be done with us. I will but
>> any changes wait till after of the election to see what happens. >> Nothing's going to make anything because you just have already told us that we may have to make changes after the election because it fails. >> Only the police though, >> right? That's right.
>> Only the police, >> right? But that's fine. So, and if there are any other repairs that need to be done at at at that time with or without the police being needed to be repaired, we take care of that. >> That's my opinion. You take it up. >> It's just like it's like little dollars here and there.
>> Just like and I know that >> I know $300 is a lot of money, but it's like $50 gets moved from here to there to cover. >> Yeah. I don't know if you guys care about that. >> What I care about so far right now is the
>> $600 state is where it is and change. And I know that there's at least one employee that's not going to be getting any money because he nobody's going to volunteer for that job. So there's $1,200 almost $18 plus $100 of backspace.
>> Can I go home? Okay. I didn't hear I didn't hear everybody vote, so I'll take it again. We had a motion to adjurnn. >> I oppose. We stand a joint.