Town of Pittsfield, NH
2015 Budget Committee
Meeting Notes
10-15-14
Meeting called to order at: 7:10pm
Members Present: Chairman Louie Houle, Vice Chairman Robert Schiferle, Secretary Faith Whittier, School Board rep. Ray Ramsey, Helen Schiff, Helen Schoppmeyer, Jo Anne Ward, Mary Thorpe, Fred Hast, Cedric Dustin
Guests/Presenters: Superintendent SAU 51: Dr. John J. Freeman
School Budget: Dr. Freeman gave a brief overview of items that will be forthcoming in this years school budget. He mentioned changing the outside lights to LED, adding one full-time kindergarten teacher, and receiving some grants and donations. Dr. Freeman said there is a strong chance that the Nellie Mae Grant could be less than expected.
A budget item that we had discussed last year was the need to replace the elementary school boiler in 3 years more or less. We will be updated and encouraged to be part of the ongoing elementary school boiler replacement plan.
Ray Ramsey gave us lots of information on the school boards research into alternative heating options. They are taking into consideration cost, return on investment, efficiency and environmental impact. Public input and feedback is encouraged.
Dr. Freeman talked about the positive things happening at the school.
Pittsfield has been getting positive feedback nationally and in the Concord Monitor.
The School Board should be finalizing the budget at their Nov. 20th, School Board, meeting and have it ready for the budget committee before Thanksgiving.
Town Budget: Town Administrator Mike Williams was unable to attend. Louie had spoken to the Town Administrator about having just one copy of the budget, like we do with the school budget. If changes are made just replace the pages that are different and don?t print out a whole new set. The committee would find it helpful to have all the department heads come and discuss their part of the budget, as we have done in the past. Louie will arrange to have them come to a meeting. Some items we would like to have more information on are; amount of dollars to set tax rate (surplus) and back taxes payment plans, sidewalk grant update, legal fees for this year, and Building Inspector update.
Other Business: Election of Officers:
Louie Houle, Chairman
Robert Schiferle, Vice Chairman
Faith Whittier, Secretary
moved by Helen Schoppmeyer
seconded by Ray Ramsey
passed unanimously
Louie will email everyone with our next meeting date. It is tentatively set for Nov. 5th.
Motion to Adjourn:! moved by Cedric Dustin
seconded by Helen Schoppmeyer
meeting adjourned at 8:15pm
Respectfully submitted,
Faith Whittier, secretary