April 3, 2009

Coordinator Report

Next year's budget is coming into better focus.  The outlook is much
better than I had projected because we used worst case assumptions.  We
looked to be within $10,000 of having no excess capacity to tax. 
Following my discussions with our DOR representative I have made some
changes to estimated receipts that improve our picture from the revenue
side by $45,000. This reflects expected FEMA ice storm reimbursement. If
we realize the funds during this fiscal year we will book them to
current snow / ice shortfall to the same effect. The assessor's may be
able to release $7,000 overlay balance to  become additional revenue.
On the expense side the PVRS budget proposal stands at $7000 less than
last year's assessment. We had assumed a 5% increase. That is a big
swing. On April 16 the regional school will consider further cuts. 
The final big shift is that our draft budget had assumed the same ice
and snow deficit as last year but the real number will be lower. The
actual number for the current year will still be at least $10,000 more
than the increased appropriation that is in the budget proposal, the
nine-year average of $102,000.
We hadn't specified the matter of governance of the enterprise accounts
the town meeting established. That had me worried that we lacked a legal
basis for who is in charge.  I learned that the default turns out to be
the Selectboard so no action is required. The board needs to carefully
consider whether they want to have Town Meeting assign that
responsibility as my draft motions suggest. This is an important matter.
I have reservations about doing so which we can discuss. Once
established an EF has a minimum life of three years.
Broadband system made some progress this last week. Most of the
groundwork at the cell tower is complete. National Grid has restored the
downed lines. We are ready for our contractor to complete installation.
If weather permits we expect this the week of April 6th.  To date we
have twenty-five households who have requested a signal strength test or
immediate service. 
My contact at DOR says we oughtn't to reflect Chapter 90 highway funds
as revenues, as they are a special grant. This comes from our efforts to
consider designating some of these funds to pay for wages and expenses
of highway department thus reducing the levy. So long as we have an
approved project we may do so.  In order to affect the savings the board
can direct the department not to expend appropriated funds. This is
something to consider.
We got the new truck back and repaired. We have the insurance check to
repair the garage and work will soon proceed. Each cost the department
the $500 deductible. FY2010 Chapter 90 highway grant funds were awarded
in the amount of $173,315.  I asked Tim to bring the WCS some sand for
the sandbox and to see if the department can repair the damage to the
chain link fence at the transfer station. Tim reports that the tag-along
sweeper is getting weak and he may put in for a replacement next year.
I reviewed the current YTD financial reports thru March. Have a reserve
fund request in to meet the MIIA worker comp audited premium bill. This
results from FY08 payroll growth. This basis drives FY10 deposit premium
and the reality is reflected the proposed budget.
The recreation committee reports that they are started the youth
baseball program the town funded with a one-time increase to their
budget this year.
Charlie has been keeping on top of the town hall boiler which has failed
to fire a couple of occasions. He had to swap out the sump pump after we
experienced high water. Was not a high water event. 
Last summer Tim got some high tech gear in town to locate the plugged
culvert that runs from the town hall catch basin to the area between the
Inn and Library. The pipe crosses the Inn parking lot and then takes a
turn under the trees behind the underground fire dept water tank. I have
obtained permission to cut three trees and excavate to try and get the
pipe open. If successful we can use gravity instead of electricity to
keep the town hall basement from flooding. The owner this winter granted
us permission to dump snow on her property with the understanding that
while we are digging we will unbury the Inn's curtain drains which years
of piling snow have blocked.
This spring we will relocate the solar collector lighting the Veteran's
monument and flag to the rear to be less obtrusive.  Perhaps we can make
an educational solar electric project out of the activity, something the
Steve and Janice suggested at the onset.
I continue to collect telephone quality of service reports.
Submitted the FY09 Community Policing budget for the PD.
Processed payment requests for town bills including firefighter training.
Received annual town meeting petition article that asks to appropriate
$10,000 to pay call firefighters.
Met with finance committee and broadband committee.
Scheduled town hall use / events. This month includes: Easter breakfast,
Wooden Fender Young Artist Concert, Dinner Theater, Tai Chi, Road
clean-up, and the pre town meeting.

David Young
Town Coordinator