He said he would like to begin by explaining that some corrections that have been made in the State Retirement and Unemployment categories where estimates were originally used.

Mr. Ferebee said this proposed budget is currently $354,229.08 over the 2010 Budget saying that it reflects no unexpended fund balances yet. He said the anticipated unexpended fund balances are $100,000 for the General Fund, $75,000 for the Highway Fund, $10,000 for the Library Fund, $80,000 for Water District #1 and $3,000 for the Keene Fire District. He said a number is not available yet for Water District #2.

When asked by Jim Marlatt, Mr. Ferebee said the AMR Assessment Suit will be heard by the Court on November 29th.

Mr. Marlatt asked if “we” need a County Highway Department, saying he was sure the Town of Keene, being a wealthy Town, probably pays a disproportionate amount.
Mr. Reed said the biggest problem without them would be with bridges. He said the Town turned over 2 bridges to the County to spread the expense.
Mr. Ferebee said the bridge that was just done in St. Huberts cost $500,000.
Mr. Martin said he drafted a letter to the County Manager.
Mr. Reed said another problem would be the expense of material.
Mr. Ferebee said this has been discussed before but he would bring the concern back to the County.
Mr. Martin said it should be studied.

Mr. Marlatt asked what the general conscientious on Horace Nye was.
Mr. Ferebee said the Board of Supervisors had a majority vote to not sell at this time.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Marlatt said, like the Post Office, the State probably hasn't changed their reimbursement for years.
Mr. Ferebee said he thought about 25 years.

Mr. Marlatt asked what the percentage on health care would be.
Mr. Ferebee said the Budget is figured at 15%, he said he was told that if we were lucky the percentage would be 11%, probably 13.5%, but was advised to budget 15%.
Mr. Marlatt suggested merging with another entity or Town.
Mr. Ferebee said that is not possible because the Town if too small.
When asked, Mr. Ferebee said he has two employees opting out.

When Mr. Marlatt asked what the Board thought the increase would be, Mr. Ferebee said he was hoping for 2% or less.
Discussion followed regarding the County Budget.

Mr. Ferebee said when Members of the Board wanted to lower the Contingency Fund, he didn't agree, saying in the end it did not change. He said things come up that aren't planned, like the 20% match on the Holt House.

Mr. Marlatt asked if the Town has any control over the Fire Districts.
Mr. Ferebee explained the formula used.
Mr. Marlatt asked if the Districts could be merged.

Mr. Marlatt suggested posting the budget on the Town website.
He asked if there was any thought given to having the public vote on the budget.

Mr. Marlatt also suggested linking the school and Town websites.

With all questions and comments received, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk
November 5, 2010

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor
Paul R. Martin, Councilperson
Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson
Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson
Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson