Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Meeting-October 26, 2021

PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING MINUTES

 
DATE:  October 26, 2021
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben (Joyce was not in attendance)
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Trish Fryer, Caleb Hawley, Greg Martin, Dave Colton
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: none
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  September 22, 2021 and October 12, 2021 Special Budget Meeting Minutes
 
OLD BUSINESS:

1. General Fund, Highway Fund, Cemetery Fund expenditures

 
NEW BUSINESS:

1. PVF&R budgets and capital plan

 
NEXT BUDGET MEETING: November 9, 2021
 
ADJOURN
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:03pm.  AJ seconded. All in favor.  AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the September 22, 2021 and October 12, 2021 Special Budget Meeting Minutes.  Ann seconded. All in favor.  Ann said that the Pittsfield Volunteer Fire and Rescue representatives were here tonight to discuss their budget and capital plan.  She moved to take New Business 1 out of order.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
NEW BUSINESS:

1. PVF&R Budgets and Capital Plan. 

Budget: Caleb said that he and Trish worked together to produce a budget.  He said he didn’t see any big changes. The only thing they adjusted were the utilities and only slightly.  The electricity and telephone increased $100.00 each.  Expense of Dues decreased $200.00.  Ann said she had questions.  She asked about the Equipment line item.  Caleb said that $7200 was budgeted and so far $6364 has been used. Caleb said that he looked at the Capital Equipment Fund as broad terminology.   They felt that the Equipment line item was more for day-to-day purchases.  They thought the Equipment Reserve Fund should be used for major items or repairs (ex. a new thermal imaging camera, turnout gear, boots, etc.). Boots for a member and several helmets were purchased using the regular budget.  Ann explained that by seeing what was spent from
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Minutes                                                        page 2
October 26, 2021
 
the Reserve Fund it helps the Board during budget deliberations know how to budget for the next year.  The Board asked about the maintenance of the vehicles.  It was felt that Engine 1 needs new springs, and the expense could be covered by using money allocated to the other vehicles.  They didn’t feel that the other vehicles would need to use their budgeted amount of $1000 each.  State Inspections have shown that some parts are under warranty, and some are not.  There were no further questions on the budget by the Board.
 
Capital Plan: Caleb said that they are on track with the vehicles.  Right now, they are concentrating on Engine 4 and Rescue 1.  Trish said that the total for the Truck Replacement Fund should be $103,543 after the November tax payments come in.  Caleb said they are hoping that Engine 1 will last a few more years to allow focus on Engine 4 and Rescue 1.  Should they decide to sell the Rescue Truck (Ford F-150), it will be worth something and provide a cushion.  The Tanker sale would go right to the truck fund.  The Tanker is due to be paid off in October 2023. Approximately $43,000 annually has been going to pay off that loan.  There hasn’t been any turnout gear purchased using the Capital Equipment Fund.  Caleb said they try to use their regular budget before tapping the Capital Fund.  The thermal camera has been used a lot, especially with chimney fires and detecting the heat signature of bodies in a fire.  It was estimated that to replace it would cost around $9,000.00.  They would keep the old one as a backup. There have been water issues involving the Firehouse. The driveway needs work.  It is higher than the building so that the water runs into the garage.  In the winter, this issue causes the door to freeze shut.  Different ways of water diversion were presented.    Paving seemed the best option.  It would help keep the firehouse cleaner and an apron across the front and extending beyond the sides of the building  could allow the addition of backup lines to assist drivers as well as washing vehicles. A quote of $20,000.00 has been obtained and they are looking to doing this project next year.  Regarding the PVFD's fund derived from their fund-raising efforts as opposed to Town taxpayer income, Caleb said that the fire department will not submit bank statements for the aforementioned funds to the Town as requested.  They feel it is their money and not the taxpayer's funds.  The PVFD will continue to provide balance statements for these funds to allow the Selectboard to consider these funds when determining budgeting of Town funds.  There was discussion about contradicting views expressed by VLCT and the State Treasurer as to who “owns” this money.  Caleb said that anyone can see their books, but they will not turn them over.    AJ said that he would research this so that an agreement can be reached.Caleb, Greg, and Dave were thanked for coming and presenting their budget and capital fund plans.  
 
OLD BUSINESS:

1. General Fund, Highway, Cemetery Expenditures: 

Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Minutes                                                        page 3
October 26, 2021
 
   
NEXT SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING: Tuesday, November 9, 2021 @ 5:00pm in the Town Office.  The Library Board of Trustees will present their budget. 
 
Ann made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:31pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                    
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: November 9, 2021
 
 
                                                     /                                                                 /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                   A.J. Ruben