General Government - Town of Meredith

Report from the Town Manager
Executive Summary
2012 began with the budget process which entailed working
with Department Heads and the Board of Selectmen to
develop a budget that attempted to retain current service
levels, which is a reduction in service delivery from the prior
years, due to prior budgets that did not increase the total
amount raised by taxation. The budget adopted by Town
Meeting was proposed to increase the total amount raised by
taxation by a conservative amount.
Consistent with the goal set by the Selectmen, when the final
tax rate was set it did include a conservative increase in the
amount raised by taxation above the 2008 level, allowing for
an adequate fund balance to be retained and maintaining
services. This goal was possible through the cooperation and
assistance of both department heads and employees. Both this
office and the Select Board recognize that, in coming years,
significant action needs to be taken relative to funding for
capital improvements, to ensure the long term sustainability of
capital assets.
All departments continue to provide a level service that the
residents should continue to be proud of. While there have been
reductions in staff, programs and services, the majority of these reductions do not result in a “visible”
reduction in service and our staff is working harder to provide the level of service that residents have
come to expect, and should be applauded for it.
As this report is written, I have served the Town of Meredith for approximately three years. I have found
that there are many residents, employees and elected officials that care deeply for the continued success
of the town, and their actions demonstrate their commitment from actively serving on committees,
participating in local events and participating in the political process, making Meredith the special
community that it is.
Respectfully submitted,
Phillip L. Warren, Jr.
Town Manager
Phil Warren
Town Manager
10
Town of Meredith