Town of Lamoine, Maine
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	Lamoine Budget Committee Minutes of January 17, 2005

Chairman Henry Ashmore called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM

Present were: Budget Committee members Reggie McDevitt, Henry Ashmore, Robin Veysey, Joe Young (members Linda Feury and Hubene Brodie both phoned in sick); Administrative Assistant Stu Marckoon, Selectman Jo Cooper and Cable TV Tech Chris Bowman. The meeting was videotaped and broadcast live on Government Access Channel 7.

Minutes – Joe moved to approve the minutes of January 10, 2005 as presented. Reggie 2nd. Vote in favor was 4-0.

Final Budget Recommendations – Joe said the committee had reviewed each item in detail and suggested to take the budget item by item to see if there is any further need to delve into detail. Henry agreed and said afterward the committee should take one vote on the whole package. He asked if the lines listed on the agenda reflect how the warrant articles would look. Stu replied they’re pretty much the same. The committee then proceeded to review each category.

• Administration – Henry noted the budget calls for additional help. Stu noted the Selectmen would discuss that with the board chairs this Thursday. Henry asked if the school numbers were in the budget. Stu said those provided by David Bridgham are, but the latest printout from the State indicates about $18,000 more in revenue coming. Discussion followed on why the drop in non-real estate tax revenues. Henry said if the Board approves the budget as presented, the town mill rate would rise by 1.2 mills.
• Social Services – Robin asked if the $5,800 proposed was within the ordinance limit. Stu said it’s real close
• Library – (No discussion)
• Public Safety – (No discussion)
• Debt Service – Fire Truck – Reggie asked if it’s going to be about $30,000 every year for 5-years. Stu said the payment should lower for each year to a final payment in the $26,000 range.
• Waste Disposal – (No discussion)
• Planning & Appeals Board – Henry recalled the increase was in reaction to a request from the Planning Board chair for research money.
• Code Enforcement – Joe noted it was primarily for salary. He asked if fees cover the budget. Stu said they do, and then some.
• Education – (No discussion)
• Road Maintenance – There was a brief discussion on how Nankervis was doing plowing the local roads and the poor condition of Route 184.
• Major Roads – It was noted both ends of Shore Road would be paved. A short discussion followed on the additional parking area at Lamoine Beach. Henry said it was difficult to see the area. Reggie assured him the town spent a lot of money putting in gravel for that area.
• Portable Classroom Maintenance – (No Discussion)
• Revaluation Reserve – (No discussion)
• Parks & Recreation – Henry noted that included the YMCA for $2,500. Stu said the “Y” had requested $3,000.
• Cable TV Channel – Henry explained it was a turnaround of the income from the Cable TV Franchise fee. A short discussion followed on Internet hookups.
• Revenues – It was noted the revenues are estimates.

Henry said the budget results in a projected mill rate increase of 1.2 mills to 15 mills. There was a brief discussion of the potential for a mill rate decrease when the revaluation takes place.

Joe made the following motion: Though the committee feels it is too high, that the committee accepts the budget as tentatively approved for both expenses and revenues. Robin 2nd. Reggie said there wasn’t much more to say. Henry thanked Reggie for his idea on the tentative approval process. Vote in favor was 4-0.

Selectman Cooper said she hopes people realize how much thought goes into the budget process and said she appreciates the work the committee does.

Stu noted the town meeting dates are March 8th (elections) and March 9th (open meeting).

Reggie moved to adjourn at 7:37 PM. Joe 2nd. Vote in favor was 4-0 to adjourn for the season.

Respectfully submitted,

Stu Marckoon, Secretary.