Another motion for the BudComm to consider
The following was the written motion that Bob Brent has made for review by the Budget Committee. As with my Deceleration Formula motion (click here), neither of these have been discussed (should be during the Admin meeting in November).
This would be a formal Letter sent to the Board of Selectmen...
October 19, 2006
Board of Selectmen
Gilford, NH
To the Selectman,
The Gilford Budget Committee is concerned with three major areas of the budget for 2007:
- Salaries
- Benefits
- Colas/PBA
With respect to salaries, we would like to see this year’s total growth at no more than 3.5% (COLA and PBA). Additionally, this should not be added to the base wage due to the compounding effect of doing so year after year. Instead, these increases should be awarded in lump sum amount. We are also concerned with comparative salary positions of town employees as they compare to the 32 towns in a recent study completed by the Budget Committee.
Benefits should accrue at a lower rate. As the costs of health insurance continue to escalate, employees should be asked to shoulder a larger portion of the costs associated with their individual plans. This is the reality faced by many people working outside of government. The taxpayer should not be asked to shoulder the entire burden.
We would be remiss if we did not look at this part of the budget. These are the largest items within the budget. They are also growing the fastest. We need to balance the needs of the town against the needs of the taxpayer.
We understand that the Budget Committee does not set policy. It is in that spirit that we submit this letter. Please view it as a formal document that, while respecting the powers and obligations of the Board of Selectmen, conveys to them how deep our concern is with the rapidly-accelerating growth of taxes, most of which is generated by the above-noted areas within the budget.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dick Hickock, Chairman
Budget Committee
