Meeting began at 5:55 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board approved the minutes of the December 23, 2024 meeting.
A Junkyard Permit was approved for Harry Haynes, Jr.
Intent to Cut forms were signed for David White and Jacob Brady.
Selectman Campbell reminded the other Board members that there will be a Dispatch Center meeting tomorrow night beginning at 5:30 in Colebrook.
At 6:20 Michael Collins entered the meeting. Mr. Collins (who is Columbia’s representative to the 45th Parallel EMS Board) came to the meeting at the request of the Board to explain the increase in this year’s budget. Mr. Collins explained that there were two major reasons for the increase – more runs than the previous year and increasing costs for equipment and vehicles. As always, there is the continued issue with reimbursement from Medicare/Medic aid. Mr. Collins assured the Board that he would be present at Town Meeting to answer any questions from voters. Mr. Collins left the meeting at 6:52/
The Board discussed a date for the annual Budget Hearing and decided on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 6:30 (or when the School Board finishes their Budget Hearing.) The Hearing will be held at the Town Office.
Marcia reminded the Board members that the filing period is from January 22 to January 31st.
Petition Warrant Articles are due to the Board by February 4th. At this time, there are none that we are aware of.
The remainder of the meeting was spent working on the 2025 budget and warrant articles.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen