Thursday's Budget Committee Meeting

The Budget Committee meet with the Genesis Mental Health Services, the Electric Department, Public Works, and the Water ans Sewer Department. They also addressed a request that the committee provide more detailed information in their minutes.

Genesis Mental Health Services

Genesis Mental Health Services asked that $2,239.00 be put in the budget to cover mental services provided to the town. Genesis treated 85 patents from the town last year, 11 of whom experienced psychiatric crisis. The money covers part of the deficit in their Emergency Services Department. All of the other towns in their service region contribute to help defray the cost of services.

Electric Department

The Budget Committee voted to contact the Vermont Public Power Supply authority VPPSA directly about the confidentiality of the master power supply contract. The Electric Department agreed to provide the contract to the Budget Committee if VPSSA approves. The Electric Department offered to have their auditor speak with the committee to discuss the details of the reports at a meeting tentatively scheduled for October 6 and 7:00 PM in the elementary school library.

Public Works

The Public Works Department reported that the cost of fuel is a concern at this point, and that they are likely to exceed their budget for vehicle and equipment maintenance. The department has been working on a long term capital improvement plan and showed the committee a draft of the plan. The question of replacing Mark Ober's position was raised. The Select Board has delayed advertising for the position until they can determine an effective start date. They are planning on discussing the matter further at Monday's work session. The town is facing overages in several areas, and a portion of the Public Works Department Head's salary line will go to sick leave and vacation buy out. The committee discussed budgeting for buy outs. Despite budget constraints, it does not seem wise to go into the winter months without a Public Works Department Head.

Water and Sewer

The Water and Sewer Department reported that they have initiated a plan to incrementally raise water rates over the next three years beginning in November 2011. The plan is designed to return the water side to profitability. They also have placed $300,000 in a capital reserve account for cleaning the lagoons and other long term sewer expenses.