Notes from the Public Hearing held Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 6:00 PM, at the Keene Town Hall.  The following Town Board Members were present:  William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Robert M. Biesemeyer, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council.  Also present was:  1 member of the press, 2 part time Officials, 1 Councilman Elect, Susan Whitney,  Bookkeeper and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

Mr. Ferebee called the Hearing to order at 6:00 PM and asked if anyone had questions concerning the proposed budget.

Donna Austin asked why the retirement item on page 8 had increased so much.

Mr. Ferebee said that a small part of it was an early retirement that the Board had approved knowing it would cause an increase for 3 years but saying the savings on this employee was greater than the cost.

Mr. Biesemeyer said he thought the big problem was that the State totally mismanaged this fund, he said for the contribution to be paid to go from $20,000 in 2009 to the current $74,000 was a result of no screaming and yelling from representatives.

Mr. Ferebee said the County has been voicing their opinion.

Mr. Biesemeyer disagreed and went on to say it’s impossible to stay within the 2% cap with this happening, he suggested writing a resolution to that effect.

Mr. Ferebee suggested he go ahead and prepare it for the Board to send on to the legislature. 

Ms. Austin asked what impact the AMR case had had on the budget.

Mr. Biesemeyer responded that $35,000 was budgeted for legal fees for 2012.

The Board said this case is still in litigation and could not be discussed at this time.

Donna Bramer introduced herself, saying she was the Assessor that started in March.  She said she was here tonight to ask for the salary that was in place for the former Assessor in January 2011.  She said that she did not realize she had been hired at a lower rate and said that in light of what work was left behind for her to catch up, she felt this was fair.

Everyone seemed to agree.

Mr. Ferebee asked if there were any more questions, there were not.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:12 PM.

                                                                        Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk

                                                                        November 18, 2011

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor

Paul R. Martin, Councilperson

Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson

Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson

Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson