Notes from the Budget Workshop held Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 5:00 PM, at the Keene Town Hall.  The following Town Board Members were present:  William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin and Marcy Neville, Members of Council.  Absent:  Robert M. Biesemeyer and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council.  Also present were:  Bruce Reed, Highway Superintendent and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the workshop to order at 5:37 PM.

The first discussion was related to salary increases.

Mr. Ferebee said the Tentative Budget showed the 6% increase that had been requested by the highway and that he had put in 3% for everyone else.

Mr. Martin said he would like to see 3% given to the elected positions and 4% given to the hourly employees.

Ms. Neville said she would like to see 3% for everyone.

Mr. Ferebee stated that in the past he has been told that increases are all kept the same, which he said he agreed with, especially now with times the way they are.  He said occasionally they vary due to recognition.

Ms. Neville said there was a time when these (Town) jobs were not so good, but with the salaries today and the benefits, they are.

Mr. Ferebee said that Mark Crawford will be coming to the next regular meeting, he said that insurance is up 11.2%.

The Board then briefly discussed the 2% tax cap.

Discussion went back to salaries.

Mr. Martin said he would go for a 3% increase for everyone, Ms. Neville agreed.

It was agreed by the Board present to go with a 3% increase across the board.

Ms. Neville and Mr. Reed discussed the request in the budget for a lease to own tandem truck.

Mr. Reed explained that he currently has a 1996 single axle truck, a 2000 tandem, a 2003 tandem and a 2007 single axle truck.  He said he would like to use the 1996 as a spare and replace that truck with a 2012 tandem, lease to own, saying the yearly payment would be $51,000 for 4 years, instead of $193,000 to buy outright.

There was a brief discussion regarding blacktopping which Mr. Reed said he would be applying to FEMA for reimbursement on.  Some of these projects have been completed and some still need to be done.

Mr. Ferebee informed the Board that at the FEMA “kick-off” meeting when they were asking for estimates on how much damage reimbursement may cost, Mr. Reed used the figure $900,000 for roads, streams and bridges.

Next was a brief discussion regarding Bucks Lane.

Mr. Ferebee said he is trying to determine the length of the Town Road.  He said he has encouraged the Holbrooks to apply to FEMA for stabilization reimbursement saying that the Town can not be reimbursed if this is found to be private property.

There was a brief discussion on the areas the Keene Fire Department is looking at for construction of their new building.  Mr. Ferebee said a public meeting was held last night to let the public know what’s happening.

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk

                                                                        October 28, 2011

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor

Paul R. Martin, Councilperson

Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson

Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson

Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson