Jan 12

1/12/2009

Town of Johnson
Selectboard Work Session
Monday, January 12, 2009
Upstairs, Johnson Municipal Building

APPROVED
Selectboard Members present: Eric Osgood- chair, Margo Warden, Howard Romero, Brad Reed, Franklin Hooper.

Others present: Duncan Hastings; Administrator, Margaret Harmon; Central Vermont Council on Aging.

Eric called the meeting to order at 7:10pm.

Brad asked the Board if they want to express interest in acquiring the Masonic Temple from the Masons. The Board was in general agreement that there is an interest in the building. Brad is to attend a meeting with the Masons and the Historical Society.

Margaret Harmon from CVC on Aging requests an appropriation increase of last year from $1777 to $2000.
Margo moved to increase appropriation amount to $2000. Howard Seconded. The vote was four to one. Eric voted no because of hard economic times. Motion passed.

Margaret thanked the Board and left.

Duncan walked the Board through the budget. If we can apply $50,000 of year end surplus we can reduce amount to be raised in taxes by approximately 2.5%. Overall, the budget is down by 3.50%. Revenues are also down. Eric talked about using the paving budget as a “contingency” fund. Duncan stated that we may have enough surplus to act as a contingency fund. He stated that we need to go over the preliminary numbers very carefully, but things look good right now. The Board reviewed the Capital Budget Plan for Highway Department. The fund is holding its own but Grader purchase next year would require borrowing rather than an outright purchase.

Eric handed out a spreadsheet he had done on Fire Service Costs. He stated that he had taken Will Jennison up on his comment at the Joint Board Meeting to check with another Fire Dept. to see what the cost comparison might be. He reported that Hyde Park gave him a figure of $60,000, so the Village price was not out of line. Eric stated he felt better about the service fee after comparing prices. He also had looked at several methods of changing the fire service, comparing population, Grand Lists and a combination of Grand List & population. Though it would yield a higher cost to Johnson, Eric thought that the combination approach might be the fairest. The Board discussed the spreadsheet briefly. The Village figure will be used in the prepared Town budget. It was suggested that the spreadsheet might be forwarded to the Trustees, which Eric agreed to do.

Duncan asked about Hess settlement. The Board agreed to settle if he cleaned up mess, didn’t put another unit on unless fully complying, and paid the attorneys fees.

Margo moved to adjourn meeting at 8:55 p.m. Howard seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Duncan Hastings

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