Meeting Highlights:
This was the first meeting of the new Budget Committee since the election in June. Business commenced with the election of a Chairperson. Nancy Neubert was nominated and elected. Nancy then requested nominations for Budget Secretary, Laura Bragg was nominated and the vote passed.
Minutes from the last meeting in April were reviewed and accepted.
A meeting schedule was then discussed, what days and times would work. Consensus was Wednesdays and Thursday worked with one being a fall-back day if needed. Regarding meeting time 6:00pm or 6:30pm start seemed to appeal to most. No formal vote was taken on the matters. It has yet to be determined when regular weekly meetings would commence and budgets would be available. This information will be requested by Selectmen.
The Budget Process was discussed. In the past Selectmen would review the Budget and a Department Head would Present. It was thought having the Department Head present to the Budget Committee first might be more productive since the Budget Committee could provide more feedback, this is also how most other towns operate. This will be requested to Selectmen.
It was requested that singular authoritative copies of Budgets and Information be provided to the Budget Committee. Last Budget session several versions of numbers would be provided causing massive confusion and wasting time. It further invalidates any research done before the meeting. In some instances department heads use one set of numbers and the town office another. This will be requested to Selectmen.
Several Budget Committee members complained over Conflict of Interest Policy that was initiated last year. The minutes stated that Judy Churchard would see the matter was addressed by the Town Attorney. This never happened and the current policy has remained in effect. Many on the Budget Committee spoke in favor of the current plan and felt it worked fine, you just need to use common sense with it’s application. Copies of the current policy were circulated. The Budget Committee will inquire to the status of any action. Karen Gerrish stated she had already inquired and was told by Selectmen it would remain “as-is”.
The sharing of Budget Worksheets online at the town website was raised. Many on the Budget Committee thought it would be beneficial for residents to see and have access to the same information the Budget Committee does. Residents could further review this information and ask questions at the meeting (time allowing) or ask a Budget Committee member to raise the matter on their behalf. Some felt it would be a waste and nobody would use it, but in the end transparency was viewed as a good thing. A request will be made to Selectmen.
The Budget Committee discussed and will request that the Town Treasurer and a Selectmen attend each meeting to field questions as they may come up in review of the operating budgets. This request will be made to the Selectmen.
Meeting length was discussed and it was deemed important to try and limit meeting length to no more than and hour a half or two hours. Last year on several occasions meetings went three hours or more, having a limit will help to keep the meeting focused. Nothing was formally adopted however, shorter was deemed better than longer.
The Budget Committee had a new alternate attend, Steve Endsley. It was questioned how the appointment occurred since last year a request was made to residents to write a letter of interest and the position was then appointed by Selectmen. The Selectmen had not passed a motion at a regular meeting appointing the person. It was unclear how officially this could have occurred. Unofficially Laura Bragg believed Mr. Endsley had the next most write-in votes. This needs to be addressed with the Selectmen.
Fire Chief Skip Wood has requested a meeting with the Budget Committee to see if we would favor a new truck for his department. Skip would like see what the consensus might be before putting in the work and effort to spec. a vehicle. A meeting will be held at the Fire House in the few weeks so the Budget Committee may learn more about the need.
There was some discussion about the role of the Budget Committee and it’s purpose. In the end it was agreed the Budget Committee operates in an advisory capacity and doesn’t impact numbers directly. The Budget Committee can recommend and make requests, and ask why, but in the end, the Budget is set and Warrants prepared at the Selectmen’s discretion. Ultimately all the Budget Committee can do is Advise and Vote its will on the items presented.
The next meeting will be the fire truck review meeting in a couple weeks. The exact date and time will be communicated by the Chairperson.
Of Course there was more….
Video of the meeting may be downloaded directly here (right click “save as”) and is 573mb and is 1:16 long. The Audio only MP3 file may be downloaded here 52mb (right click “save as”). You may also view the 5 min preview below and watch the entire video online by clicking links below the preview. Alternatively you may view the entire online video library here.
Watch 11-18-09 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee in News | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
21 responses so far ↓
1 striveforchange // Nov 19, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I’m sorry for being the first one for commenting. I was just wondering about the Conflict of Interest Policy. It seems that the Conflict of Interest Policy is very confusing to some. It might also mean something entirely different to some. My comment is how hard would it be for the citizens of Lebanon to get a copy of the Conflict of Interest Policy? and maybe a brief description of how its to be used?
2 Glen Stadig // Nov 20, 2009 at 9:29 am
The Policy can be found in the Selectmen’s Meeting from 4/7/09 on the website. Here is the address to the document
http://ourvoice.stadig.org/docs/ethicspolicy20090407.pdf
The policy is fairly straighforward. I will try to summarize…It prevents people from voting on their own budgets or matters in which they or a family member have direct involvement or financial influence. The policy also outlines how to bring these matters forward for resolution in the event it is felt there was a violation.
The policy is consistent with municipalities of our size.
3 striveforchange // Nov 20, 2009 at 11:07 am
Thank you Glen.
There are 2 blatent conflicts of interest that I see going on. One which everyone knows about and nothing has been done, and I am just wondering why? It has been addressed many times before yet nothing happens. I like the statement that common sense should be used. This has to do with the dump. Ronnie Patch is manager of the dump, hires his wife to work at the dump. Wouldn’t this be considered a Conflict of Interest?
Also, Jon Sewell is a member of the Planning Board. He has been on the Planning Board for at least 19 years. His family owns more than 7,000 acres here in Town. They have financial influence in the town. Should he be on the Planning Board? Also, the subdivision laws which are governed by the Planning Board comes to mind. Conflict of Interest?
4 Whatever // Nov 24, 2009 at 6:12 am
Are you kidding? The first thing that comes to your mind is the dump? What about Rescue? You have the Chief and the Asst. Chief, married. A selectman that is also the Asst Chief of Rescue. As a selectman oversees the Rescue and Fire Departments. Again are you kidding?
5 Concerned Resident // Nov 24, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I think the people knew when they voted Jason into office that he was the asst rescue chief, its quite obvious if you read the newspaper. Jason has done a good job removing himself from anything to do with the rescue. What about the budget committee chairperson whos husband is the Asst Fire Chief? Same difference, except Jason is open minded!! What about the ladies at the town hall on the budget committee? I think all three selectmen oversee the departments, not one, so I think you are incorrect. No one selectmen has any more authority than any other, but Jason does a good job removing himself. Maybe we should look at why Laura is the secretary and she isn’t on the committee. Does she need more gossip to spread? Why is the treasurer who lives in Sanford on the Lebanon Budget Committee?? Shes making financial decisions for Lebanon Residents??? Her daughter has huge conflicts of interest as well!!
Its funny to see how jealous some people get of those that succeed and do well for the community!
6 Concerned Resident // Nov 24, 2009 at 9:24 pm
If I remember correctly, Jason Cole developed the conflict of interest policy and some members of the budget committee whined about it because it limited their self-worth to the budget committee – I read it, it makes sense and protects the citizens. I applaud Jason, Judy and Bob for passing this policy. Hopefully next budget season they fully enforce it, whats good for one is good for ALL!!
How many towns have as many town halls workers as we do? They are the biggest gossip spreaders and unless you are in their “click” you get nothing. Watch the upcoming discussion over the need for new emergency equipment. They will probably recommend ordering 6 new fire trucks because they are tight (related) to the fire chief, but try to get a much needed ambulance that will cost nothing and bring in money, and watch out!!!
We do need new selectmen, no doubt, and I can’t wait to vote for them!!
7 striveforchange // Nov 25, 2009 at 12:24 am
Jason did establish a new conflict of interest policy. If I am not mistaken, they decided at the first budget committee meeting this month that they would use the one they had. I had to chuckle when someone said they only had to use common sense with it…….
Jason Cole is one of the most kindest, open minded, honest person I have ever met. He genuinely cares about the citizens of Lebanon. I do have to agree he does do a good job. I think the budget committee tape is on here. You can view the whole thing.
8 Whatever // Nov 25, 2009 at 7:00 am
And here we go. Was anything said about how well one is doing the job? How can you remove yourself and do the job? As for knowing who is who some people still think Fire and Rescue are one department. As for the Budget Committe they just make suggestions to the Slectmen then if it is approved by the Selectmen it goes on the ballot.I think could be wrong. So then the people will decide. As for the new Ambulance. Is this a add on to the one they have or is it a replacement? Is it needed? How many times are 2 needed at the same time? How can you say it will cost nothing? What about fuel and maintance, insurance? Who is paying for that? The money Rescue department brings in where does it go? Back into the Rescue department and that is how it is funded? If that is the case money brought in is the People of Lebanon’s money not the department? About the jealous, Whatever! This has nothing to do with that, it is about issues that need answers.
9 striveforchange // Nov 25, 2009 at 11:21 am
I do have to admit when I first came here I thought the fire and rescue were in the same department. I come from a large city in Maryland and they sure do things differently then here. Someone clarified that for me and I know now they are two different departments. As for someone doing the job well, I firmly believe that Jason does a wonderful job as a selectmen. He does not do it to say “look at me” or “you better do what I say because I’m in charge”. He does it because he truly loves this community.
I could ask the same of the fire department how many times are 6 or 7 engines needed and used?
The monies that the rescue department raises are put into the general fund at the town. I was told by Jason that the money is in the general fund but earmarked for the rescue. So how come they can’t get their own money to buy an ambulance? If the fire department gets a new engine WE as citizens will have to pay for it out of our taxes………….THINK, THINK, THINK…
10 Jenn // Nov 25, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I agree with you Strive – I know Jason and many members on both fire and rescue. They are seperate groups – The fire department does like 200 calls a year and costs us 120,000, the rescue does over 3 times that amount and they keep their budget low to stay self funded. Most towns get a budget plus spend their revenues. We are so lucky that they have been completely self funded for several years. There are A LOT of jealous people in this town. They never thought Sam and Jason could get the ambulance so successful. But you ask Jason or Sam and they say its because of the volunteers, thats great leadership. The money should go back to them, when they sold the ambulance to us, they said the ambulance would bring in money for the next year to try to stay self funded. We are very lucky, look at towns around us spending big bucks for ambulance service. Most towns have 2 ambulances, what happens when the first one is out or getting fixed. If i remember correctly, we bought that ambulance in 2003. People are very jealous that the rescue does so well. I have used them before, they are fantastic.
Attention should be turned to cutting positions at the swamp palace. Why are we the only town our size with all these positions?
Most of the budget committee appears to have a conflict of interest. if you work for the town, don’t serve. If you live in Sanford, don’t serve. If your mommy is the tax collector and you screw up the weekly newspaper, don’t serve!
I am so glad that people like Jason are stepping up to the plate to try to fix things at the town hall.
11 Jenn // Nov 25, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Whatever
The issues that need addressing are why we have so many town hall workers – several more communities cut people and hours – lets start!!!
12 Tom // Nov 25, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I agree totally Jenn, there is too much waste at the town hall. Not only are they the most inpersonable people who gossip about everyone, there are way too many people there.
I look at my tax bill and thank Jason, Bob and Ronnie for cutting taxes this year. I am sure Judy helped with it – so thank you Judy.
We should be also looking at cutting school funds. They have a blank check every year, and the teachers salaries keep going up, everyone has an assistant and people with bad attitudes that think they know everything work there.
13 Tom // Nov 25, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I am sure we will read all about it in Karen Garnishs article next week, so she can try to spin what happened to better her causes!
14 Tom // Nov 25, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Also Whatever, when i read their reports and stuff, it looks like the fuel and all costs are included in their budget which is their revenue, so they are completely self supportive. I am so happy we do not live in other towns where it costs so much and the volunteers do so much here!!!!!!!! I can’t say thank you enough! My taxes went down this year!
15 chris gilpatrick // Nov 25, 2009 at 10:50 pm
to clarify how the budget committee works .the department heads present their budgets to the selectmen.together they finalize the referendum.the budget is then presented to the committee for review.members can then question department heads about their budgets.however,we can only suggest changes to budgets it’s up to the selectmen to change figures.for example,the department head running the dump has been put on salary,but was actually getting paid extra on his checks.a member brought the inconsistent amount being paid out.had to pay to get time slips and see where the overage was coming from,ultimately saving the town money ’cause this practice would still be going on.most vote for a budget if we feel the residents are getting the biggest bang for the buck.hope this info is helpful to some.
16 striveforchange // Nov 26, 2009 at 1:04 am
I think it would be very informative for the Budget Committee to let the people see what is going on here in Lebanon. The rescue does it. Why not let the people see.
I think it was requested of the fire department to do the same, and see where that got us?
I’m glad that Chris G. clarified what the Budget Committee does. Thanks Chris.
17 Whatever // Nov 26, 2009 at 6:57 am
Let me see if I have this. Rescue makes money puts it in the General Fund BUT that money is earmarked for Rescue. How can that be? So is that not the same as money going back into Rescue only thing is the account is called General fund. Then if they need money they make a request to the Selectman. Oh wait, thats not conflict of intrest. Next question, still don’t have a answer as to how Rescue is self-funded. If that money is in the General fund that is the Peoples’ money not Rescue. Do the people have a vote on how this money is used? If not why not? Its in the general fund. Look just asking, not jealous.
18 Whatever // Nov 26, 2009 at 7:09 am
Oh one more thing. Again I could be wrong but I think the Fire department only has 2 engines and 2 tankers. And didn’t they just save a house? And were all the FOUR trucks there? Ask that homowner what they think. No matter what the town votes on, the people are still going to pay for it. Remember the money that comes into the town is the people’s of Lebanon. You can earmark or call it what you want, its TOWN money. Your money!
19 Whatever // Nov 26, 2009 at 7:25 am
Boy I’m sorry, here I go again but I think the Fire Department did over 300 calls and the town only paid $120,000. What a bargin. I think they saved the town money. Also I got my information from there web site. Guess what I found a record of calls they did for the month. See where did that request get you?
20 Glen Stadig // Nov 26, 2009 at 9:51 am
The revenue generated by the Rescue department goes to the General Fund to be spent as needed as approved by the residents each year.
The BIG difference between our Rescue Department and the others is that this Department is a Profit Center for the town. They are able to bill for most of the calls and the labor to operate is primarily volunteer.
The Fire Department was looking into billing for certain things but at the end of the day, they simply don’t have call volume or opportunity to recoup expenses eventhough they too are served by wonderful volunteers.
These are both essential services served by volunteers and they do a fantastic job for us!
I do think that other departments in Town could do more to share relevant information about there departments, taking a cue from what the Rescue does. There are so many outlets for this and it would take very little effort to do.
We are lucky to have our volunteers in BOTH departments! Thanks Volunteers!!
21 Tom // Nov 26, 2009 at 11:03 am
WHATEVER, are you new to town? Each year we vote on the rescue budget and their money goes into the general account as ALL money goes into the general account. it is designated as rescue revenue and each year we vote to carry the money over to the next year. I think you need to learn about things before you speak, maybe you should visit the rescues website, they are very transparent. They cannot and do not get to spend any additional money besides the money the budget for each year. they are self funded and save us a ton of money.
My understanding is they have 4 pumpers (2 are pumper tankers, a forestry, 2 squad trucks and a boat.
It is also my understanding from the report from the fire chief that they did like 250 calls for the last fiscal year, look in the town report. If you look, most of their calls are SELF GENERATED, like driving around putting out little camp fires.
Maybe the fire department could give us a list of each EMERGENCY call that each truck responds to, what their function was at that call, and then we could see how many times each truck truly was needed.
Being a former member of another fire department, we had 1 engine, 1 tanker, a forestry. We did about the same call volume. The chief got 2,000 a year including all expenses. I heard from someone that the fire chief gets like $400.00 a month for gas on top of about $15,000 a year for a salary. Thats quite a volunteer job!!!!!! Can we do a study of towns, how many vehicles they have, how much their budget is and what, etc……
Whatever, instead of being jealous, find the facts. Maybe call one of the rescue chiefs and they can sit down with you. Don’t rely on what Ms, Garnish puts in the paper!
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