The budget committee and its recommendations are not a waste of time, the opinion is still on the ballot and the recommendation of the majority of the group is still on there, just like it was before. Most communities do this as it shows the recommendation of the majority of the group. Some towns do not put the recommendation, and I disagree with doing that.

I also wanted to clarify that the ambulance petition was not moved to the front because I am a selectmen, and that’s actually pretty offensive to say that. As a person who does as much as Ms. Gerrish does with political events and push for citizens rights, she should have understand that citizens petitions should be set up at the front of the ballot. These citizen’s petitions were received in August and held until now. The town clerk verified the order that they were received and they were put on the ballot that way, in the order that they were received by the citizens, not because I am a selectmen. The Lebanon Fire Department budget and Lebanon fire truck was moved to the front as well, some of the other articles like interest on taxes were moved to the back. One citizen who called me this morning had a good point, if it’s on the ballot, does the number matter? I am sorry that the selectmen felt it necessary to show the residents that we do take the citizens initiatives important and put them in the front, because they went out and got the hundreds of signatures and followed the process.

As I explained at the budget committee meeting, the citizen’s initiative question for the ambulance we cannot legally change the wording and the exact wording has to be on the ballot as was submitted. The question is for the first installment – the chief has said that she is trying to get a demo ambulance so payments 2 and on may be less than the 1^st years installment.

I cannot believe that anyone would state that the cut at the town hall was related to a personal conflict between a staff member and myself.  I have discussed this on the phone, in person and I am not sure how much any of the selectmen can say, it is not. The hard fact for people to understand is that people cannot afford any increase in their taxes. If we sat there and did status quo like some asked us to do, then residents would see a tax increase because we are paying more for schools, more for the county budget and the state is sending us less in municipal sharing and revenue money. Change is difficult, but the selectmen (not only me as this is a democracy and not one selectman can make the cuts) made the difficult decision that we needed to cut the hours and a position. Yes, I understand the 6 full-time employees at the town hall are upset. The code enforcement officer was cut to 25 hours, the others to 32 hours and one is going to be laid off. We have hired a human resources company to evaluate how we operate to give us suggestions on how we can operate in the most effective way.

As explained at the meeting with the budget committee, we could not put in the referendum question that it is cutting one position and reducing hours to 32, because then we are obligated by the writing of the referendum question. Trust me, everyone that we have talked to, besides a few workers and committee members, has given very positive feedback and they all had commended the selectmen for keeping a check on the taxes and realizing this hard decision had to be made. We will make sure everyone knows.

In small towns, it’s hard to find people that want to serve on committees or serve on boards. I know of most towns that a selectmen may serve on the board and serve as another function. I know in surrounding towns of selectmen that sit in same position I do on the rescue and as a selectman, some that’s spouse’s are high in department positions or that they serve as municipal workers. The state law describes “incompatible offices” in which you cannot serve, and none of the three current selectmen have any of the listed state law incompatible offices. I am sorry that I the people elected me as a selectmen, and that I volunteer about 1,600 hours a week helping injured and sick community members.

Just look at other committees, like the budget committee. The chairman is the wife of the Deputy Fire Chief and I believe serves on the fire department ladies auxiliary. We have the spouse of the town clerk, we have the tax collector who lives in Sanford and also serves on the fire department ladies auxiliary, the daughter of the tax collector, a department head and another town employee from the transfer station. Its hard to find people who want to help out and have the time to do it.

As far as conflict of interest that Ms. Gerrish writes about, I also think she has some conflict with her articles that she writes weekly for the Fosters Newspapers and Sanford News. If you notice some of the recent headlines, there have been two headlining stories about the need for the new fire truck, which I she voted to support as a budget committee member, but no headline about the need for an ambulance, which she voted not to support after she advised us she was in support of it. Over the years Ms. Gerrish has in my eyes stated things in her column based on her views as she has served as a budget committee member. As a paid columinst for Fosters and Sanford News, I would think she would abstain from discussing the budget process in which she makes her feelings known during the meeting and then try to persuade others through her column. Maybe she could ask one of the reporters to cover the process where she has an interest as a budget committee member?

In the end, the selectmen are elected by the people to serve their best needs. Unfortunately cuts and lay offs are hard to swallow, but people can’t afford their taxes now and we had to make cuts to absorb the loss in revenue and the increase in our share of the county and school budgets.

I encourage any citizen with a question to please call me at (207) 608-5615. I also would like to thank all the citizens who have called or emailed to offer support for the tough decisions made by the selectmen and thanking us for keeping the tax rate stable.

Everyone will not always agree, and Ms. Gerrish and I have certainly butted heads before and will for many years to come I am sure. I commend her for her work in the school district and she is a magnificent teacher to many students, including my own.

Jason A. Cole

Selectman, Town of Lebanon

Meeting Highlights:

Meeting Minutes from 4/21/10 were reviewed and approved without changes.

Selectmen Cole handed out new referendum sheets since some of the wording and order of the items changed since they were issued Friday night.

A numbered list representing referendums was handed out indicating where conflicts existed and who should abstain on the item. This was discussed with the only issue really being Jane Gerrish adamant about voting on the Fire Department Budget and New Fire Truck. Mrs Gerrish is on the Ladies Auxiliary, and there had been measures taken such as getting a tax id number, insurance etc. to separate the group from the Fire Department. In the end Selectmen decided it was o.k. to allow her to vote on the items.

There was also some discussion over vote tallies. Selectmen Cole would be recording who voted for what as the voting commenced. Some Budget Committee members had concerns over the practice, but it was allowed. In the past a simple tally of all those in favor – against and abstained would be kept for the Budget Committee and the Selectmen.

Referendum Items were reviewed in order with some  minor questions asked as each item came up. Discussion over the items had really all been done during earlier meetings. The votes were recorded noting those for, against, and abstain for Budget Committee and Selectmen.

At the end of the meeting Selectmen Cole explained the votes would be listed with each ballot item as  Budget Committee “Recommend this Article Pass”  “Recommend this Article Not-Pass” or “No Recommendation – Tie Vote”. This is a change that many Budget Committee members took offense to, believing that the vote tallies themselves should also be shown so people could see if it was a close vote or not. Selectmen Cole explained in looking at other Town Reports this is the way it is typically done and makes things less confusing for the residents. He said the vote tallies would be made available to residents but not on the ballot.

There was some discussion over items due to wording or lack of detail in either dollar figures or dollar limits. Rather than try and explain all items it is best you watch the video. The only pointed issue was Selectmen Frizzell’s insistence on being paid mileage to and from the town hall. All other departments and Selectmen Do Not get paid or submit mileage in this way and the Budget Committee was told last year the practice would stop. When Committee members questioned Mr. Frizzell he said if he wanted to micro manage he would also submit calls made to his business phone and business fax as well as other expenses. This was an indignant response  many on the Budget Committee took exception too.

The Sample Referendum is Here for your review in PDF format.

Of Course there was more….

You may see the entire Lebanon Video Library Here http://www.veoh.com/group/selectmeetings

Watch 04-26-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Meeting Highlights:

Selectmen Cole was in attendance – Meeting lasted 2:28 min

Meeting minutes from yesterday were accepted without changes..

Selectmen Cole handed out the Draft Ballots. Ballot items were not numbered since the order will change and has not been finalized. Most of the budget items were lacking actual values. Selectmen Cole said the forms would be completed and emailed to the board on Friday in their final state.

The Budget Committee proceeded to go down through the 40 items  providing input on changes to wording and recommended amounts. The Budget Committee also asked questions on each of the items in some cases providing policy input.

The questions on Rescue Department Funds from last evenings meeting that were posed by Mr. Bragg, were answered, as well as the information requested by Chairperson Neubert. Selectmen Cole also answered questions on revenue flow and explained how the Rescue funds are used to save the Town from getting TANS to cover expenses.

Selectmen Cole explained that the Transfer Station and Highway budgets would NOT be changed from the amounts Selectmen recommended.  He listened to the points made over waste, cost savings, management, commercial hauler, and hiring and operating of ones own equipment, but explained they would not be changed.

Questions about the Fire Chief’s mileage were addressed and Selectmen Cole said there will be no regular mileage. This will drop the Fire Budget some $3400.  Selectmen Frizzell is still putting mileage in for trips to the town hall. The Budget Committee wants all mileage reimbursement to stop for travel to the the place of work, like the fire house and town hall. Travel for outside issues is different.

Selectmen Cole did note the changes on the other budgets as the committee recommended but did not confirm those would be the numbers we would see published on Friday. He also made notes on corrections to wording and definitions desired on some of the ballot items, again this will be a wait and see.

The “Incompatibility of Office” information was discussed. Selectmen Cole said that the Town Attorney and the County District Attorney were consulted and the situation in Lebanon is different. Harpswell has a Union Agreement and Lebanon is a “work at will” so in Lebanon’s situation the incompatibility of office doesn’t apply in the matters of the Transfer Station and Selectmen Patch. Many still did not understand how it could not apply and the situation be allowed as it is. A Member asked about the “incompatibility of office” with the Road Commissioner hiring his own equipment and operating it while also being paid a salary and benefits from the town.  Selectmen Cole said that had not been looked into.

Concerns over the Budget Committee alternate that was selected by Selectmen was discussed. The person only attended the initial meeting of the board and has not made any other meetings. Selectmen Cole said Selectmen questioned the persons availability and they said they could do the position. Mrs. Bragg said there were several persons running this year and having an alternate available shouldn’t be an issue next year.

The Budget Committee will be meeting Monday April 26th to vote their recommendations to residents.

of course there was more….

Online Video Archive of Lebanon Town Videos http://www.veoh.com/group/selectmeetings

Meeting 2:28 min

Watch 04-21-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committeea in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

No Selectmen were in attendance at the meeting,  Meeting lasted about 2 hours

Minutes were reviewed and accepted..

A cursory review was done of the modified budgets to get Budget Committee members feeling on the changes.

Highway / Roads  -

• A member pointed out that the resubmitted budget indicated a 10% decrease, but the decrease was from the original amount requested NOT the amount of last years budget. The budget actually represents about a 10% increase with most of that amount in the paving line.
• It was pointed out the need to see project plans of what work was to get done. The impression is that being the largest budget in town it should have the best planning and the budget provided just provides sparse detail and to much flexibility.
• Quality of work and repairs was reviewed. Areas where roads have been washed out some time ago that were filled with stone have never been revisited and paved. Many questioned the use of FEMA monies and the lack of our town to get it’s share citing examples of tree work a year ago, where a neighboring town received 3 times the money for clean-up and remediation.
• Regarding FEMA and tracking of road repairs it was learned that the Treasurer manages what tracking is done. This seems counter intuitive and should have direct management of the Road Commissioner.
• Many felt the budget should be reduced to last years levels with no increase.
• Concerns over Road Commissioner hiring and operating his own equipment were voiced.

Rescue

• Several members voiced concerns that there were no cuts to the Rescue Budget, in these difficult times everyone needs to sacrifice. A counter point was made that many town budgets are cut extremely tight already and we ask not only Rescue, but Fire, EMA etc to do a lot with a little. Given the increased call volume and likely hood of a potential second ambulance the budget does represent a cut.
• One member had asked for a revenue report but was told it awaiting the Auditor to complete. This was several weeks ago and was not handled through the Budget Committee process. The Budget Committee Chairperson had requested some information last Thursday on account balances for all accounts and had not received it. It was pointed out that Friday is an off day, Monday was a holiday, so in reality they had only had the request a day.
• There was a sheet with two proposed Referendum items, to make enterprise accounts for Rescue and Summer Recreation. Basically these would allow monies to be carried forward from donations and other sources, thus not re-entering the general fund as unspent monies typically do. Many had concerns with the wording and felt it was to ambiguous and should be spelled out clearer.
• There was a sample Rescue Department Ordinance provided that provided in essence a breakdown of roles and responsibilities for the department. There is nothing presently to  codify department and it was felt the proposed measure was a good one. However there was a sentence that stated the rescue Chief is appointed by Selectmen for an indeterminate time. Many wanted a clarification of the phrase and possibly have it reworded.

Library

• The Librarian had spoke last meeting on many of the concerns the Budget Committee had.  Some felt there should be more cuts, but with the potential for year round operation (If the Library Expansion at the Hanson School Passes) the extra would be needed.
• One committee member thought it was necessary to have the Library open on Saturday to allow more access.

Recreation

• There were cuts to Recreation but many members still think $1300 in Movie tickets is a waste. Many still don’t care that activities that should be self funded like line dancing, walking groups etc are being funded by the town. These activities should be sponsored by the participants and the the town.

Transfer Station

• The Transfer Station budget at last review did not have cuts. It was demonstrated that 20k could be removed without great impact still leaving room for projects and the increased solid waste fees.
• Tires were discussed and the comment made by Selectmen Patch last week that several slips were submitted and paid were actually Lebanon NH’s. Many thought it odd that the department head would not have easily caught the slips and asked how the bills are paid. Another member questioned why Lebanon NH would bring a vendor from northern Maine down to haul their loads. None of this made any sense.
• Many felt that there were measures that could be taken to generate revenue from the cans and waste as well as decrease expenses (disallowing commercial hauler to use facility, flattening co-mingled items, enforcing permits  etc). Several examples have already been provided as well as ideas other towns are using. Why is none of this pursued?

Incompatibility of Office / Harpswell Case

• Paperwork was presented showing the information from a case in Harpswell Maine where a transfer station employee, ran for Selectmen and won the seat. Selectmen for Harpswell asked the judge to review the situation due to concerns of conflict of interest and incompatibility of office. The circumstances of the case are very similar to conditions Lebanon.
• The Paperwork cites many applications of Maine law on the matter. In summary the document points out how it is inappropriate to have a Town Employee and also be a Selectmen or Elected Officer.  In effect incompatibility of office of exists when you effectively are supervising yourself or your supervisor or are involved with financial decisions that impact each other such as budgets, wages, benefits.
• This issue was brought up to Selectmen as a conflict of interest last year by residents when Mr Patch submitted paperwork to run for Selectmen. It was allegedly investigated by the Selectmen and deemed o.k. by legal opinion of the Town Attorney. The newly obtained materials referencing Maine State Law indicate that it is a problem. The Budget Committee provided the information obtained to the Selectmen and has asked that Selectmen address the matter in regards to Selectmen Patch / Transfer Station as well as Road Commissioner Davis and Mr. Davis hiring, operating, and supervising his own equipment while being paid by the town.
• Maine Law states that in this case where a person has incompatibility of office, an office holder who qualifies for and accepts a second office which is incompatible with the one already held, vacates the former, as if it has been resigned. It further states this shall not be left to the fluctuating whim of the office holder or chance and that this rule is indispensable for the protection of the public.
• The document further states that there is no constitutional right to be able to hold public office and public employment. Many cases were cited as examples.
• The Documents provided Selectmen are  – Harpswell Maine Case - MRSA 30-A – Townsman Incompatibility of Office Article – MRSA 20-A -  You may view the documents in PDF format by clicking the links.

There were concerns over review of the ballot items and the vote which has to take place Monday.  The Budget Committee has done everything possible to accommodating the Selectmen and there is great frustration over the last minute push. There was also concern over the fact no Selectmen attended the meeting since many questions could have been answered with there valued input.

A letter of recommendations for the budgets discussed as well as a request for action on the “incompatibility of office”  matter will be created by the Budget Committee Chairperson and sent along to Selectmen.

Of Course there was more…

Online Video Archive of Lebanon Town Videos http://www.veoh.com/group/selectmeetings

Part 1 of 2 of 4/20/10 Meeting 1:28 min

Watch 4-20-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee Part 1 of 2 in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Part 2 of 2 of the 4/20/10 meeting – 29 minutes

Watch 04-20-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee Part 2 in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Selectmen Patch and Selectmen Cole were in attendance. Meeting Length appx 2:21 min

• Minutes accepted from previous meeting with a minor change.
• Review commenced of the General town budget which includes the Town Hall services, and the Animal Control Officer (ACO)
• Laura Bragg requested to speak and explained she did not get a raise. The reason for having additional income show on a  comparison that was done was due to working more hours, elections etc. Her raise from the year before was 4% and she thanked Selectmen Cole for that. She also explained that some positions in the Lebanon Town Hall receive less in wages, benefits, or vacation than other surrounding towns.
• Selectmen Cole explained how the Selectmen have looked into making cuts is personnel at the Town Hall. They have hired an outside firm to conduct an evaluation which would commence tomorrow looking at how things were done. The companies preliminary analysis confirmed Selectmen’s suspicions that one position could be eliminated and potentially another may follow with restructuring. The budget presented reflects the one less position and a reduction in hours, there are also some other cuts. The outside firm does audits of this nature routinely and specializes in municipalities. The work being performed cost $2500-$5000  but would more than be recouped since a single position would save $250k over 5 years. Nobody wants to see positions cut, or hours cut but the fact is the town is (and has been) experiencing significantly reduced revenue from state sources and the school burden has risen. The preliminary forecast is this trend is going to continue, like many towns Lebanon is facing a crisis.  Mr. Cole further explained Selectmen are trying to take measures to bring services more in line to reduce an increasing tax burden. Downsizing is always painful, If things change then the matter could be revisited.
• Budget Committee Members shared concerns over the position loss and it’s impact. Staff in attendance commented on how underpaid they were with comparable positions in other towns and how a loss in hours would make things very difficult, implying they may have to resign or seek part-time work.
• The Budget Committee went down through the remaining Budget Lines asking questions on proposed cuts and expenses as they went.
• Tax Bills are printed, stuffed and mailed by an outside firm for a nominal fee. There was concern with the cost but it was simply listed in several areas on the ledger detail where in was posted a couple times in in error and came back out.
• Payroll services were questioned since at one point payroll was  going to be done in-house but then went back to an outside company. One of the staff explained how it was rather easy to do, Selectmen Cole explained the reason for out sourcing payroll is there is a risk of being fined significantly if there was an error, as one town has learned. There is much complication with reporting and withholding with the ever changing state laws, outsourcing shifts this liability and protects the town.
• Mileage that Selectmen submit was questioned. Chairman Frizzell still submits mileage to and from his home to the Town Hall. The Budget Committee raised this issue last year and was told it would stop. Selectmen Cole defended Mr Frizzell explaining he might be at the Town Hall and leave then get called back because something wasn’t signed. The Budget Committee wants the practice stopped!  Mileage for travel away on town business is fine, mileage for going and from town hall is not.  This extra mileage expense is significant and he is the only one doing it.
• Phone Numbers have changed for the Town Hall. The change will stop the charges some residents were experiencing when calling the town hall and being charged a toll call. The old numbers were part of of a cell phone exchange which was costly, the new service will be cheaper for the town as well.
• Electricity and heat line items were cut significantly. There was concern that due to the cool summer last year and the mild winter that Selectmen may have gone a bit deep. Selectmen Cole said they looked at that item at length and think they should be fine.
• The town pays about $1800 a year for the website. Many hosting packages on an unlimited basis for space and bandwidth cost less than $80 a year. Selectmen Cole said he was aware of the cost and the service is being looked into and would likely be changing when the contract comes up this year.
• Animal Control was reviewed. The officer was on hand and fielded several questions over expenses and mileage.
• The Librarian addressed the Budget Committee over concerns that she heard regarding cuts in books and supplies. She explained how if residents approve the Library initiative that the new library space would be available late fall and she needs to fund adult books. She also explained how the summer program books work and how it focused on learning and research to make it more engaging. Selectmen Cole explained the revised budget was not cut as the Budget Committee recommended primarily due to the Library initiative. If approved the library would operate on a year-round basis, therefore the monies would be needed to staff it for the added hours. There was hopes to get some volunteers to assist as well.
• Selectmen Patch explained they looked into the Tire problem and found three charges for pick-up that were paid for another municipality,  the slips were actually for the City of Lebanon NH. The company has issued a credit to the town for the error and Mr. Patch said measures were taken to prevent the mix-up in the future. The three charges account for roughly $4500 (30 ton) which is significant but that still remains 20 ton of tires or roughly 1400 have been paid for. Seven times neighboring towns volume.
• A reporter with the Foster’s Daily Democrat sat through the meeting and asked questions at the end about how Lebanon’s budget process works, when the votes would take place and when the town meeting would be. He explained he needed it for a story he was preparing likely to run the next day or two.
• of course there was more

The Lebanon online video archive is available Here. Click to see all the available video of past Selectmen and Budget Committee meetings.

Watch 04-13-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

• Budget Committee discusses the extreme delays on receiving budgets. All budget have been late and it has been over three weeks and still no general government budget.
• Disappointment was expressed over the lack of cuts in budgets for all the budgets presented. Everyone is making cuts but the towns budgets don’t reflect this.
• The need to get the essential services article removed was voiced.
• There is a need for formal feedback and recommendations to Selectmen. A record needs to be made of the requests from the Budget Committee so the Selectmen can answer them. Discussing matters is not enough a record needs to be made and it needs to be answered. There is no formal vehicle for this, and as is the case tonight no Selectmen are in attendance… How are they (the Selectmen) to know anything?
• Members discussed letter the Budget Committee members received from Selectmen. Letter states requests for information must be made by Chairman. It was felt this should not be necessary and was unreasonable. the Budget Committee is elected and should have free unfettered access to financial information.
• A lengthy review of E911, EMA, Library, Recreation Department, Planning Board, CEO, and Transfer Station budgets was completed. Recommendations for budget cuts, cost savings, and policy changes were made for each of the departments and will be forwarded to the Selectmen for action.
• A short discussion was had over the ENORMOUS amount of tires (over 3200) that have gone through the transfer station since September. Costing the town over $7,000.00
• There were several recommendations for improving revenue at the Transfer Station including crushing cans and reselling the cardboard.
• During discussions various members stated how a Town Manager would save us money and improve things.
• A formal request of Benefits, Retirement, Vacation and comp time has been requested in order to gain a complete understanding of the employee compensation picture.
• Of Course There was More….

Meeting Highlights:

• General Administration Budgets are STILL NOT AVAILABLE, well they are but there not..you get the picture.
• The Roads budget is being revisited and may be seeing some changes
• Rescue budget is about the same as last year even though their call volume is up significantly.
• The Ambulance is in dire need of Air Bags that are used to raise and lower the box. The maintenance will take the Ambulance offline for up to two weeks, since the whole box must be removed to change the units out. During this time the town will be reliant on mutual aid coverage from away.
• Rescue is regularly finding difficulty in dealing with multiple calls. Volunteers arrive on scene and begin treatment, but the Ambulance is already on another call and the responders have to wait for an Ambulance from another town to respond. Chief Cole explained seconds count in an emergency. They detailed several cases during the presentation.
• Rescue is seeing increased calls for mutual aid to help other towns.
• Rescue explained the need for an additional Ambulance. Call volume, service to residents, mutual aid are all a part of it. The additional ambulance would pay it’s own expenses through revenue generated, it further would provide a back stop for maintenance of the current ambulance. There is a large enough volunteer base to support the second unit.
• Although first and foremost Rescue is concerned with saving lives and emergency response it does provide revenues. the revenues not only cover it’s own operating expense but saves the town money. The town is able to save a significant amount of money by utilizing the Rescue’s revenue. By doing this the Town doesn’t have to borrow money to pay bills while waiting for tax proceeds to come in.
• The last portion of the meeting regarding the New Ambulance was missed on the video.
• Of course there was more….

The Lebanon online video archive is available Here.

UPDATE 3/29/10 – Added second half of video

Watch 03-17-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

In Attendance: Selectmen Patch, Selectmen Cole, Selectmen Secretary Sue Collins, Town Clerk Laura Bragg and 4 residents. Meeting lasted roughly 50 minutes. Selectmen Chairperson Bob Frizzell was absent…no reason provided.

• A resident came concerned over the changes in Shoreland Zoning. The changes being made are required and will be placed to the people for vote in June. The exact changes are unclear, and the Planning Board has the details. The plan should be available 45 days before vote and the town will try to place information online.
• Laura Bragg asked if Selectmen will be having a Town Manager come to speak on the job and role of a Town Manager since the item will be on the ballot. Selectmen said that they had spoken to North Berwick’s Town Manager Duane Morin and he said he could be available. There was also interest in possibly contacting Berwick as well.
• A resident came in concerned about the gate placed on Hebo Hibo Road. Selectmen Cole explained the gate was placed there to keep people out of the area. There has been lots of trouble with partys, fires, mischief and trash. Since the road is subject to gates and bars the Town of Lebanon felt it is the best interest to gate the road. All property owners will be provided keys.
• Laura Bragg explained the Town of Lebanon purchases passes for Water Country, Funtown USA, and the movie theaters at a discount rate. These are available to residents and will be advertised on the town site. There was a question on the movie tickets since they needed to be purchased ahead of time.
• Laura Bragg wanted to ensure Selectmen understand since the town does referendum voting, the ballot must be finalized by Monday, April 26th to allow the 45 days as required. Selectmen are urged to get all the items together to placed on it early.
• Chris Gilpatrick had questions and concerns over having a single Budget for the Roads department versus having a Winter and Summer budget as has always been done. Primarily his issue is the money could be spent leaving no funds to plow, salt, and sand. Selectmen Cole explained the single budget was recommended by the attorney and the town auditor. He also explained how payments are approved by Selectmen and signed off and that spending for each of the department is checked routinely. Selectmen Cole felt there was little to be worried about and that checks and balances were sufficient.
• Chris Gilpatrick also raised concerns over the nearly $300,000 remaining in this years winter budget. He wanted to see the money moved forward for next year and not spent. Selectmen Cole said that some roads had received damage with the recent storms and some of that work would likely come from these funds but some should remain.  Heath Road is also a problem and may be done from these funds.
• Glen Stadig asked that the policy requiring Budget Committee members paying for financial information be revisited. Just last week when doing research a charge of $5 per department was levied when requesting simple electronic reports from the accounting system. It cost $30… Mr. Gilpatrick had requested a vendor listing and was charged $28. The same report was later provided to the Budget Committee for free.  Selectmen said that reasonable requests made by those in a Budget Committee role would be provided an exception. They said to contact the Treasurer for a refund.
• Glen Stadig also asked that the Selectmen consider sharing the Budget Status reports they look at routinely with residents via the town website.
• Of course there was more….

The Lebanon online video archive is available Here.

Watch 03-16-10 Lebanon Maine Selectmen Meeting in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Meeting Highlights:

• Concerns were raised over large $17,752 transfer of cash from the Contingency Fund on August of 2008 tagged for a “free dump day” that was held in May 2008 of the prior accounting year, this was then moved again in April 2009? It was explained the funds were pulled because the “free day” expenses were not in the budget, but it did not explain why the transaction was in the wrong accounting period. The normal expenses for the month of 5/08 don’t show a $17,752 increase.
• Documentation supporting this odd accounting transfer showed a time slip where the  Department Head Mr. Patch who is paid salary also charged the town $45 per hour for operating a loader for 6 hours. Many of the Waste expenses included is this transfer were the normal typical monthly charges for the period (not extra), one invoice for $1096 was paid as a duplicate. The Tire and Appliance waste slips were very very  high.
• The high waste expenses was cause for deeper investigation, which showed extremely high volumes of tires some 119 tons in the last 44 months with 48 of the tons in the last three months alone. This has cost the residents over $18,000.00 in trucking alone and accounts for an estimated 9000 tires. Mr. patch didn’t think this was volume was excessive and he explained it as tires simply being picked up along side the road. Fees were discussed since found tires provide No revenue it was felt increasing fees could make things worst.
• Concerns over having a commercial hauler use the facility raised.
• There was discussion over Recycled material and a desire to improve recycling. Mr. Patch explained that recycled stuff actually cost the town more than just running it through compactor. The slips were looked at during the meeting and the rates calculated, the normal waste is actually 2 to 3 times More expensive than the Recycled waste is,  exactly opposite to what Mr. Patch had just explained.      Recycling and separating IS saving us money and reducing our waste stream! This saves us money!
• The Solid Waste for 2009-2010 should finish with more than $20,000 under budget, which represents nearly one extra month of fees. The new budget for 2010-2011 carried this extra month amount forward.
• There was confusion over repairs… So far this year the repairs budget hasn’t been spent. Mr. patch explained how the pits for the compactor containers needs to have some work. The 2010 budget request was for another $5000. By conversation it seemed funding for the work is fine, but the committee didn’t want to approve another amount if the work were to be done this spring.
• This raised the issue that many of the budgets that happen to have extra cash, such as the winter roads budget which has a few hundred thousand (from the light winter) manage to find a way and or feel obligated to spend it. In the case of the roads for example the funds could come back into the general fund for purchase of materials for next winter.
• Budget Committee members questioned the cost of Safety Equipment at the Transfer Station. Specifically the policy of purchasing boots for each one of the employees at $75-100. It was felt the employees could provide there own.
• Mr. Patch explained how on occasion he might send one of his people out to pick-up a sofa tossed on the road. Questions of liability were asked in regards to an accident or injury.
• Of course there was more..
• meeting lasted 1:27 min

(Video: Watch this video on the post page)

The Lebanon online video archive is available Here.

Keep Recycling!!           It Saves us Money!


Watch 03-10-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Meeting Highlights:

Recreation Department:

• The recreation budget was reviewed (I arrived late so i don’t have all the detail )
• The recreation department purchases about 150 discounted movie passes that are available annually. The passes save about .50 a ticket.
• The Recreation Department has many activities and services but most residents are unaware. The schedules and services should be posted better.
• A certain portion of the funds used by the Department are matched by the others.

Schools:

• The schools have done an good  job of cutting by managing the continued downsizing of services and people in a way to impact the children the least.
• The anticipated effect to Lebanon at this time is an increased cost of about $90,000 over last year. This increase is really more caused by how the “share” is calculated between the three towns. this calculation is explained in detail during the meeting.
• The early budget forecast was for a much more significant increase, but this was able to be curbed.
• One of the creative measures being used at the school was using some bus drivers also as also custodians. they used similar approaches in other areas to maximize use of people.
• A survey was conducted online and the trends captured were reviewed, such as where people preferred cuts be made, and potential changes to the school year and it’s schedule.
• Mr Andrade stepped through his budget and fielded questions from the Budget Committee. Joanne Potter, our school board representative, was also in attendance and provided insight on the process.
• Mr Andrade explained the potential plan to add a public library addition to the Hanson School. This would provide residents with a year-round library and construction could be funded by grants and the trust monies set aside by the town. The library would have it’s own entrance so the public would not enter the school.
• Having a Library open year round would allow Lebanon to participate in grants and programs that have been unavailable to us in the past.
• I placed a scanned copy of the handouts provided here in PDF. The Library Blueprint and the Town Sharing ratio worksheet are near the very end of the document.
• Of course there was more…..

The video below picks up the meeting in process at the start of the School discussion.

(Video: Watch this video on the post page)

The Lebanon online video archive is available Here.