(0:00 elapsed) Paul Goldman elected Chairman, Jaci Grote Vice Chairman and Peggy Balboni Clerk.
(14:35 elapsed) Three sets of minutes approved.
(20:09 elapsed) School District Business Manager presents third fiscal quarter (ending March 30, 2016) results:
1. District is on track to return $350,000 to $400,000 surplus in 2015-2016 to taxpayers.
2. A good winter has reduced electricity and fuel oil costs. Editor’s note: Mr. Katkin failed to mention that the primary cause of the surplus in the heating oil budget is a budgeted price of $3.44 per gallon vs. $2.255 locked in for 2015-2016 in mid 2015.
3. The elementary school was under budget as an open teaching position and an aide position were not filled.
4. The School Board is planning to restructure the Junior High for 2016-2017 to have three teachers for each grade share duties teaching social studies.
5. Both of the above are due to declining enrollments.
6. Portsmouth High School attendance may be five students below the number planned, generating nearly $100,000 in savings for 2016-2017.
(51:06 elapsed) The first quarter Town expenditures appear to be largely as expected. The Committee went through each line item and reviewed the percentage of the budget remaining. The Police Department has three openings to hire for, not including another two that have already been hired and just graduated from the Police Academy.
(114:34 elapsed) Chairman Paul Goldman recommended adopting the Selectmen’s new meeting procedures. This led to discussion about the appropriate point at which to receive public input, and whether it should occur prior to the Budget Committee’s vote. Due to apparent disagreement the matter was tabled until the next meeting.
