Working Budget Meeting

Members present: Franklin Hooper, Brad Reed, Eric Osgood, Howard Romero, Selectmen; Duncan Hastings, Administrator; Mike Patch, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

Eric called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Brad moved to accept proclamation that January 26, 2003 be Gordon Smith Day, Rocky seconded so voted.

Brad stated that regarding the ambulance contract the attorneys are reviewing it, there are a few issues that have to be worked out.

Board worked on the budget for 2003-2004 tax year.

Officers' Salaries 99,200.00

Office Expense 2,000.00

Payroll Fringe 85,000.00

Legal 6,000.00

Insurance 25,000.00

Cemeteries 4,500.00

Town Clock 900.00

Town Office/ Mill Account 13,000.00

Dog Account 3,000.00

County Taxes 16,503.00

Sheriff's Dept Dispatch 49,189.44

New Equipment 10,000.00

Landfill 7,000.00

Garage 13,500.00

Winter Roads 145,000.00

Summer Roads 100,000.00

10 Cents Grand List 28,000.00

Fires 35,000.00

Miscellaneous 4,000.00

Tax Mapping 5,500.00

Memorial Day 200.00

Planning 8,250.00

Library 10,000.00

Audit 2,000.00

Capital Equipment Fund 55,000.00

Emergency Management 5,000.00

Beautification 1,842.00

734,584.44

Proposed Articles

Patrol 189,941.57

Ambulance 74,681.00

Pearl Street Bridge 16,666.66

Town Re-Appraisal 25,000.00

Court Diversion 1,250.00

Adult Basic Ed 1,000.00

After School Program 750.00

Recreation Program 14,200.00

LEDC 3,000.00

Home Health 7,366.50

Clarina Nichols 1,200.00

Meals on Wheels 2,500.00

Family Center 1,800.00

Community Action 500.00

Green Up 200.00

RSVP 390.00

Council on Aging 1,717.00

Out & About 1,000.00

Animal League 1,000.00

Housing Partnership 400.00

Skate Park 2,000.00

1,081,147.17

Credits

Current Use 30,000.00

Pilot 40,000.00

Equipment Earnings 8,000.00

1,003,147.17

Current Grand List 925,145

Estimated Tax Rate 1.070207557

Mike Patch stated that he would like to see the Town level fund. There are many people who live on fixed income and cannot afford to pay their taxes. Why did the town employees receive a 6% raise State employees didn't receive that much. Need to find areas that can be cut. Don't need to fund the Capital Equipment Fund next year, have all new equipment. Eric stated that did a salary and benefits study with other 20 towns that are the same size as Johnson and Johnson wages were low. Eric stated that the Capital Equipment Fund was established so that there wouldn't be spikes in the tax rate.

Mike that the Town needs to look into buying the Jewett property across from Bradley's for an industrial park, now that there is water and sewer down there. Need to generate more tax money. Eric stated that there is nothing in Johnson to attract businesses, no rail, and no interstate. Also, the Village doesn't have enough capacity for water. Howard stated that would need to have a feasibility study done. Cambridge and Morrisville industrial parks are not full. Duncan stated that with the Act 60 changes if Johnson becomes a gold town than the town would be worse off. Act 60 leaves very little incentives for business.

Duncan and Rosemary to go over salaries to see if can make changes to the budget.

Rocky moved to go into executive session to discuss a settlement offer regard Hoag sewer permit at 8:55 p.m. Howard seconded.

Board came out of executive session at 9:20 p.m. Prior motions are still in effect.

Meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,

Rosemary Audibert, Clerk