B.         Roll Call taken by Town Clerk

Councilman Jason Licciardi

Councilman Mark Bourget

Councilman Jason Messier

Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson

Council President David Gosselin    

C.         Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk

D.        Town Manager Overview of the Budget Process

E.         Budget Workshop – FY23 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)

•    Public Library

Colin presents the Public Library budget.  He gives background of the library services. 

No questions were asked.

•    Fire Department

Chief Varone presents the Fire Department budget.  He states that there is an increase of $571,909.  The reason for the increase is due to pay increases and contractual obligations.  Fleet maintenance increased by $15,000.  They are looking at replacing a ladder truck. 

D. Gosselin shares concerns with the overtime budget.

Chief Varone shares the challenges of being short staffed and training new fire fighters.  He also expects some grants to cover costs.

•    Emergency Management Agency

Chief Varone presents the EMA budget.  This budget is remaining the same.

No questions.

•    Police Department

Chief Lavigne presents the Police Department budget.  Most of the increases are attributed to contractual obligations.  $20,000 for copy machine, increase in ammunition, janitorial supplies, computer services, small increase in police academy expenses. 

D. Gosselin is concerned with only budgeting $900,000 for overtime expenses.

Chief Lavigne is hopeful that they will be able to fill vacancies to reduce overtime. 

•    General Government

K. Benoit presents the General Government budget. 

No questions.

•    Department of Public Works

F. Gill presents the Department of Public Works budget. 

•    Parks & Recreation

Jeff Caldwell presents the Parks and Recreation budget.  They tried to stay level funded.  Any increases are contractual. 

No questions. 

•    Capital

M. Knott presents the Capital budget and how the use of American Rescue Plan funds have assisted with the Capital budget. 

•    Town Sergeant

K. Benoit presents the Town Sergeant budget.  It is level funded from last year.

•    Town Clerk

S. Rapose presents the Town Clerk budget.  It is level funded from last year, with the exception of salary increases due to union contracts. 

•    Board of Canvassers

S. Rapose presents the Board of Canvassers budget.  It is level funded from last year, with the exception of salary increases due to union contracts. 

•    Probate

S. Rapose presents the Probate budget.  It is level funded from last year, with the exception of salary increases due to union contracts. 

•    Town Council

This budget is also level funded.

•    Legal

M. Knott reduced by $25,000 because there will not be any contract negotiations this fiscal year.