Minot preparing for 2014 budget

MINOT — Town Administrator Arlan Saunders told selectmen Monday that he will present next year’s draft budget to the board at its Dec. 9 meeting.

“I’ve asked that all department budgets and articles with requests for funding be in my office by Dec. 4, and you should please plan on extra time at your next meeting,” Saunders said.

Saunders also reported that, as a follow-up to a discussion the board had with Minot-Hebron Athletic Association President Kelly Gwarjanski, the association had already submitted a town meeting warrant article with a request for a $2,000 donation to assist in field maintenance. He said the money would be used to “dress up the dirt infields.”

The project, according to Gwarjanski’s estimate, probably will cost between $4,000 and $6,000, with the association picking up the remainder of the costs.

Saunders also said nomination papers for town elections March 7, 2014, will be available Dec. 15.

The terms of Julie Rioux and Scott Tiner on RSU 16’s board of directors and of Selectman Eda Tripp expire next year.

After listening to town treasurer Holly Packard’s analysis of customer traffic at the Town Office, selectmen approved suggestions for adjusting office hours.

Beginning Jan. 1, the Town Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays; and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays.

Packard noted that the total hours of operation, which are comparable to those in the 20 towns with populations similar to Minot she examined, remain unchanged.

Selectmen agreed to go forward with Packard’s suggestions, at least for winter months, and determine if hours might be adjusted for seasonal changes in demand.

Tripp thanked residents who donated to the 19 Thanksgiving baskets she prepared and said she is already collecting for families for Christmas.

Selectman Dean Campbell announced that this year’s community Christmas tree lighting will be held 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, in front of the Town Office. Campbell said he expects Santa will arrive on a firetruck and invited everyone to give him a warm welcome.