Membership: Joyce Fisk (School Board Member), Jerry Greene (Selectmen Representative), Cary Hughes (Chair), William Keefe, Daniel Levesque, Donald McGettigan, David Tierney, Mark Whitehill

1. The committee reviewed the Conservation Budget with Conservation Commission. The main focus of the discussion was on the list of additional funding purposes outside of the operating budget. Those funding needs include: a Natural Resources Inventory for planning future building and lot development; purchase of the Frog Pond with related costs and the $1.5 million Open Space Bond. The approval of a bond would position to town to be able to purchase land when it came on the market in order to conserve all or portions of it along the lines of the Four Corners Farm Project. Many towns in the state are taking similar steps in the face of the population explosion we are experiencing. The Budget Committee will take this budget up for discussion and approval in the second half of January.

2. The committee had a long discussion regarding the motion to approve the Highway Department Budget at $376,320.00. The budget was approved by vote of four yes votes to three voting no. The Chair noted the lively debate and close vote and reserved the right to bring the budget back for further discussion and another vote prior to the Public hearing in February.

3. The committee had a long discussion regarding the motion to approve the Resurfacing Budget at $195,000.00. The budget was approved six for and one against.

4. The committee had a long discussion regarding the motion to approve the Cemetery Budget at $35,585.00 which was passed six votes to one.

5. The Parks and Recreation Budget request of $7,050.00 was passed unanimously following a discussion.

6. The committee had a long discussion regarding the motion to approve the Police department budget. A motion was made and carried to reduce the request by $2,000.00 to $387,521.00. Additional discussions were had regarding the additional equipment including the rifle, the Tasers and the bicycle. The budget was approved by vote of four yes votes to three voting no. As with the Highway budget the Chair noted the lively debate and close vote and reserved the right to bring the budget back for further discussion and another vote prior to the Public hearing in February.

7. Following a brief preview of work to be done in January the committee adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Cary A. Hughes
Chair, Wilton Budget Committee