TOWN OF WALPOLE

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 4, 2022

Selectboard Present:      Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy L. Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

Also Present: Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance and Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 2:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.There were no members of the public present.

PRELIMINARY TAX RATE: Mr. Dalessio stated the meeting was to set the overlay and unassigned fund balance amounts as part of the process of determining a final tax rate.

Overlay: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to set a $60,000 overlay for property tax abatements and refunds. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  The motion was based on recommendations from the Manager of Administration and Finance. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor.

Unassigned Fund Balance: There was a consensus from the Selectboard not to use the fund balance to reduce taxes. Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Kreissle if the Selectboard has to set the amount to retain for articles? Mr. Kreissle said yes. Last year, per Mr. Kreissle, we retained $500,000. The Town has a healthy fund balance of 2.65 million dollars. There was a discussion of potential purchases including a highway truck and police vehicle. Other potential warrant articles were discussed related to building and facilities maintenance. There was a discussion related to committee minute taking expenses. Mr. Kreissle suggested using the consultation line within the executive budget. The Selectboard agreed to this recommendation. Mr. Dalessio spoke of moving highway expenses that were paid with ARPA funds back to the Town budget. Mr. Kreissle agreed that transfers of funds will occur.  Ms. Mayberry asked for clarification. Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed that these highway expenses should have been paid for from the highway budget and not grants. Mr. Dalessio confirmed that the grant money will be used up.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to use $500,000 of the Town’s Unassigned Fund Balance of the Town. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor. All of these monies will be used for the improvement of the Town per Mr. Dalessio.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 2:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore