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Candia budget committee flags revenue variances, reviews school enrollment and Pinkerton tuition
Summary
At a May 13 meeting, the Candia Budget Committee questioned year-to-year variances in delinquent-tax interest and state grant reimbursements, followed up on the Ambulance Revolving Fund, and discussed school enrollment and Pinkerton tuition negotiation timelines; two routine motions were approved.
The Town of Candia Budget Committee met May 13 and raised concerns about several year-to-year variances in town revenue while reviewing school enrollment figures and procedural follow-ups.
Chair Lynn Chivers opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and confirmed attendance. The committee approved the April 8 minutes on a motion by Susan Gill, seconded by Steve Tremblay; the motion passed unanimously.
Steve Tremblay questioned sizable year-to-year changes in interest on delinquent taxes and called attention to a large swing under State Grants and Reimbursements. Chair Lynn Chivers said the committee should request staff explanations. Committee member Stephanie Helmig suggested the discrepancy in state grant reimbursements likely reflected reimbursement for a police cruiser and related training, and also noted a separate large difference in Interest on Investments.
The committee also revisited the Ambulance Revolving Fund. Dan Coffin asked whether the program was in its third year; Stephanie Helmig said it is the fourth year. Lynn Chivers said the committee does not need the revolving fund report for the committee’s own budget every month and she will notify staff (Tamera) of that change.
On expenditures, Chivers said the town is about one-third of the way through the fiscal year and total spending is roughly 33%–34% of budgeted amounts.
The committee reviewed school reports. The high school has 22 students in 12th grade and 31 incoming from 8th grade; Stephanie Helmig said 31 families attended kindergarten open house and that additional enrollments are possible. Ryan Young asked whether Pinkerton tuition is subject to a contractual cap; Helmig said districts can ask to renegotiate every five years and may place limits at that time. Helmig listed other towns that use Pinkerton, including Fremont, Derry, Hampstead, Auburn, Hooksett and Chester. Susan Gill said Pinkerton has capacity for about 4,000 students but current enrollment is roughly 3,200.
On school finances, Chivers asked about the School Board services line item 5810 (Health Insurance). Stephanie Helmig said $84,409 reflects a reassessment difference and the remainder of the line is encumbered; legal expenses have risen slightly. Susan Young asked whether future school reports could include totals for the two previous years to aid comparison; Helmig said she would check on providing that information.
Steve Tremblay moved to adjourn at 6:54 p.m.; Ryan Young seconded and the motion passed. The committee set its next meeting for June 10.
Report prepared by Admin. Assistant Janet Lewis.
