January 5, 2009

6:00 P.M.

The Brandon Board of Selectmen will meet on Monday, January 5, 2009 at the Brandon Fire Station at 6:00 PM expecting to consider the following, but reserve the right to add items to create a final agenda which shall be posted at the Town Office, Community Bulletin Board on Center Street and between Dave's Grocery Store and the Forest Dale Post Office, and the Bulletin Board at the First Brandon National Bank

1. Call to Order Chairman Hatch called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. The following members were present: G. William Hatch, Richard Baker, Kellie Patten, and Mitch Pearl. Others: Keith Arlund, Tom Schmelzenbach, Chris Brickell, Anna Scheck, Gordon Dritschilo, Linda Stewart.

a) Agenda Adoption Motion by Baker, Second by Patten to approve the agenda. Motion passed 3-0.

2. FY 10 Budget Workshop Mr. Arlund began discussion of the budget and referred the Board to the memo attached to the latest draft budget.

Mr. Baker opened the Board discussion noting that the Town had still not received the draft audit for FY 2008 and that the auditors were once again late in delivering the report. He reiterated his earlier desire to produce a budget resulting in the same tax rate as the current year given a moderate increase in the “organic” grand list.

Mr. Baker asked the other members to consider whether or not the position of Rental Codes Enforcement was still necessary and who should be responsible for funding the position. It was suggested that the landlords should probably bear the cost. As an additional point, Mr. Baker suggested that the listers consider adjusting their schedule to have individual members cover the office during the limited hours of opening. He felt it was not necessary to have three members present at all times.

Mr. Arlund indicated that the Technical Assistant position has not been required and is a line item that could be reduced. The Listers had previously suggested that $5,000 might cover the help that they might require in the upcoming year.

Mr. Pearl noted that the State of Vermont has limited pay raises for some executive positions for the next year. He also noted that management salaries were increased by approximately 5.6 %. Mr. Baker noted that it has been the practice of the Board to raise management salaries the same amount as union members receive in accordance with the contract agreement.

Mr. Baker asked the Board to consider the whether the funding of the sixth (6^th) officer for the Police Department remained viable in the current economic circumstances. Chief Brickell responded that in order to provide full 24-hour coverage the position is required. He noted that the downturn in the economy was likely to increase property crimes and similar incidents. Chief Brickell also noted the need for more an adequate and safe working space. The Board acknowledged this need. The Chief strongly recommended that this position be funded.

Mr. Hatch stated that he would not like to see the progress attained in the department start to move “backwards.” Ms. Patten concurred with the statement that there were other areas that should be reduced before reducing the police budget.

It was noted that the draft budget would have to be reduced by approximately $39,000 in order to present a tax rate leveled budget to the voters. Mr. Arlund stated that he would review all line items for potential reduction in preparation for the next workshop.

The Board then agreed to schedule a second budget workshop for 6:00 PM January 12, 2009 at the Fire Station prior the annual meeting of Fire District # 1.

On motion by Baker, second by Pearl the Board entered Executive Session for personnel matters at 7:05 PM. The motion included the Town Manager. The Board reconvened in open session at 7:20 PM.

3. Old or Other Business

a) Ratify Errors and Omissions Motion by Baker, seconded by Patten to approve the “last minute” Errors and Omissions recommended by the Listers excepting the amounts for William Dick and Donald Furnari. Mr. Baker noted that the reappraisal firm had erroneously added an “outside entrance” to many properties throughout town. He recommended that this “global” problem be corrected for all properties prior to April 1^st, 2009. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment There being no other business the Board adjourned on motion of Patten, second by Pearl.

Respectfully submitted,

Keith O. Arlund

Town Manager