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Budget_Committee_Meeting_Minutes_April_22_2026_DRAFT.pdf

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Budget Committee Meeting 4/22/2026 
 
 
Committee Members In Attendance: Karen Johnson, Michael Bomba, Ken Howe, Dennis 
Nadeau, Stephanie Carle, Dan Seymour, Alex Duso, Bill Nebelski, April Anderson (School 
Board Rep)  
 
Also in Attendance: Jane Fortson SAU Business Administrator 
 
Not in Attendance: Selectman Representative (It is unknown if they have elected one yet) 
 
Notes written by April Anderson 4/22/2026 
• 
Meeting Opened at 6:38pm by Dennis N. 
• 
Nominations for committee positions were considered 
 
Committee Chair - Alex D. nominates Dennis Nadeau 
Bill N. 2nds 
No other nominations, No discussion, vote: 8-0-1 (Dennis N. Abstains) 
 
Committee Vice Chair - Bill N. nominates Ken Howe 
Dan S. 2nds 
No other nominations, no discussion, vote: 8-0-1 (Ken H. Abstains) 
 
Committee Secretary - Mike B. nominates April Anderson 
Bill N. 2nds 
No other nominations, It was discussed if a person has to be on the Committee to be the 
secretary, It was decided it was not necessary, No other discussion, vote: 8-0-1 (April A. 
Abstains) 

 
Committee School Board Representative - Ken H. nominates Alex Duso 
Dennis N. 2nds 
Mike B. asks how long Alex has been representative? Alex says 2-3 years, no further 
discussion, vote: 8-0-1 (Alex D. Abstains) 
 
• 
Dennis N. introduces new committee member, Stephanie Carle 
 
• 
Approval of Minutes from 2/18/26 meeting 
Ken H. Makes motion to accept minutes from 2/18/26 
Alex D. 2nds 
No Changes or discussion, vote: 7-0-2 (Kathy J. & Bill N. Abstain) 
 
Dennis N. encourages people to speak when they want to or have questions, and to 
remember that the budget discussions are not to be taken personally.  
• 
No community was present at the meeting  
• 
Jane Fortson presents the committee with a budget report on the current budget 
from 7/1/25 thru 4/22/26. Gave updates and answered questions. Committee had 
discussions and asked questions: 
Dan S. asked about end of year surplus amounts. Jane F. stated accurate numbers will not 
be available until September-October but may have a close estimate in July.  
Ken H. asked about the line items on the report for transportation, electricity, Winchester 
tuition students, special education tuition, health insurance for special educators, and 
debt services. Jane F. and April A. provided explanations for those line items and updates 
on what still needs to come out of those lines.  
Alex D. asked about heating oil and uncollected food balances. Jane F. provided 
explanations and information about those line items. 
 
Bill N. expressed appreciation for the work that has been done by district and asked how 
some schools could be in a large deficit within their budgets? Jane F. explained that there 
could be several reasons, one being that several schools were hit with a large benefit bill 

 
from School Care as their pool did not have enough funds in it and needed to up rates. 
Hinsdale uses Health Trust and did not see a huge jump.  
 
Mike B. asked about the official police coverage line. Jane F. provides an explanation that is 
separate from the school officer, it’s for officials at sporting events. 
 
Karen J. asked about advisor stipends and technology salary. Jane F. provides information 
and that the technology salary is a shared position with Winchester. 
 
• 
Other Business 
 
Karen J. asked when the committee would be able to get reports from the town, due to their 
new system? No one from the town was present but Dan S. said they should be able to do 
that soon. Alex D. expressed he hopes that they can be digital and others stated they would 
like paper.  
 
Discussion when to have next meeting was had.  
                 Motion by Alex D. to have next meeting on July 15th, 2026 @ 6pm in the SAU 
Conference Room. 
                  2nd by Ken H. 
                   Vote 9-0-0 
• 
Adjournment 
Motion made by Mike B. to adjourn 
Ken H. 2nds 
No discussion, vote:9-0-0 
 
Meeting closed at 7:31pm