Town of Veazie Budget Committee
Fletcher Municipal Building
22 January 2008
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order: 6:06 PM (1806)
Present: Bill Reed (Town Mgr.), Susanne Hart (Chair), Geo. Free (Public Works Dir.), Gerry Martin (Fire Chief), Mark Leonard (Police Chief), Harold Pinkham (member of the public), and J. Manter (recorder).
Department Reports
Fire Dept. – Chief Martin discussed these following:
- state of VZ Fire Dept. budget – on course
- new ambulance (#199) expenses
- mutual aid calls from Orono
- weather-related costs (hydrant shoveling)
- rising costs of motor vehicle fuel
- breakdowns & need to replace fire pumper #193.
Public Works – Director Free discussed these following:
- weather issues – frequency of winter storms
- salt shed loss & replacement
- unexpected vehicle breakdowns
- salt usage & restrictions ( 2007 salt use = Dec.-mid Jan 2008 salt use)
- equipment replacement issues and pricing
- state of VZ public works budget – over-budget, particularly with regard to employee overtime expenses due to frequent plowing.
Police Dept. – Chief Leonard discussed these following:
- police service statistics
- budget – on track
- fuel budget – over by an estimated $3,000
- overtime expenses and loss of part-time officers
- feasibility of a new officer hired full time
- Waldoboro shooting incident fallout
- police calls in 2007: 2200 – 2300
- police vehicles – in good condition
- feasibility of acquiring a 4WD SUV type vehicle
- recognition from Ambulance services and other Towns of VZ police presence.
Budget Process
- vehicle insurance issues
- suitability of workshop schedule.
Financial Overview
Town Mgr. Reed presented a review and description of documents distributed to the Committee. These following were discussed:
- balance sheet
- assets vs. liabilities
- investment portfolio – copies will be provided to the Committee
- equities > $2.1 million
- capital program – OK, even with collapsed salt building
- sewer costs & County Tax – draw downs
- General Assistance – drawn on heavily for heating fuel.
Line Item Descriptor
Chairperson Hart requested of Town Manager Reed that a description be provided to the Committee of each line item on the budget sheet. Tw. Mgr. Reed discussed the School system’s submitted balance sheet and will provide copies of the Municipal Revenue Expense Control Report to the Committee.
Adjournment: 7:12 PM (1912)
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