CHARLESTON — Charleston’s annual Town Meeting brought new meaning to the old cliché “short and sweet” Tuesday, as voters dispatched warned items swiftly and amicably in record time!  In spite of stumbling blocks presented by accounting errors in the school budget, which resulted in considerable confusion at the outset, neighbors worked together to sort out and problem-solve to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Perhaps it was the bright sunlight streaming into the Charleston school gym, where a smaller-than-average group came to exercise their civic responsibility.  Maybe the fact that it was the first day of March, and we were leaving the seemingly endless days of this February behind was enough to lift spirits.  Whatever the reason, moderator Jean Wilson skillfully led the voters through town and school warnings to successful completion of essential town business.

The school report certainly presented the greatest challenge, due to glitches created by mistakes mades in North Country Supervisory Union’s (NCSU’s) accounting office.  Richard Colburn set the ball rolling by making a motion not to hear and dispose of the school report, which could have forced postponement of the school budget vote until the discrepancy of $6,000 in the FY 2010 adjusted budget is rectified.

School auditor Jayson Benoit addressed the concern, pointing out that there is no suspicion of wrongdoing but that NCSU accounting practices allowed for some overlap in fiscal year spending that could not be sorted out before the budgets went to the printer.  Although the error has yet to be pinpointed and resolved, Mr. Benoit assured those present that further investigation by town and state auditors would surely identify the problem and settle the issue.  In the only call of the day for a paper ballot, voters accepted the school report 39-30.

Next, Jason Brueck, school board chairman, made the case for passage of the proposed school budget, which at $1,477,900 is down for the third year running.  He made the case for supporting the request, while acknowledging that there may be some present who would like to see further reductions. Mr. Brueck attempted to clarify that per pupil costs arrived at by the state formula, (for example factoring preschoolers as .46 student and high schoolers as 1.26 student) provide the erroneous impression that per pupil costs are up when in fact they are down from last year, due to an increase in student enrollment.

He said Charleston, along with all but one other school in our district, spends 25 percent less per pupil than the statewide average, and that NCSU schools’ spending cuts to meet the Challenge for Change initiative make up 10 percent of cuts to education spending in the state.

Concern for the unaccounted $6,000 lingered, however, resulting in the suggestion by Selectman Tom Jensen that the school board make procedural changes, including one that would provide for private audit of the school budget separate from accounting by NCSU central office.  Jason Brueck cautiously agreed that this discussion could occur at the next board meeting, but was quickly followed by NCUHS board rep Peter Moskovites who interjected that this proposal runs counter to the push from the state to take control of school accounting statewide.  The issue became clear — the state effort to consolidate at the district level means towns have less control over school financial issues.  Another caution to carefully consider independent auditing came from Nancy Tessier, former school director, who warned, “It’s a complicated process” to manage all federal and state and local funding streams.  “It’s not just any accountant who can handle the responsibility.” With that, the budget was put to a voice vote and passed unanimously.

The point of maximum confusion was reached in addressing the next line item, involving transfer of the fund balance from FY 2010 to the asset replacement fund.

In question was a separate request on the town warning for $10,000 to provide transportation for Charleston students to IROC for after-school and summer programs.  Peter Engels wondered why, with so much money in the school budget fund balance, there was any need to raise further money by taxes to support this programming.  Laurinda Maxwell rose to explain that these programs were not funded by the school, but by grants and private donations, which is why the separate request had been made.  An amendment was proposed, and then an amendment to that amendment, to shift dollars from the school’s fund balance to the recreation fund to cover transportation costs, with the remainder going to the asset replacement fund.

Dizzying as this discussion was to many, in the end the money needed to get students to IROC and other privately funded extracurricular enrichment programs passed with full support from voters.  Mr. Brueck wrapped up the school portion of the meeting by thanking Linda Studer, outgoing school director, for her service to the school board and for the Studers’ generous donation of IROC membership to all the students of Charleston, enabling them to participate fully in IROC programs throughout the year.  Ms. Studer will be replaced by Rosalie Bowen.

From that point on it was clear sailing.  All elected officers were reinstated unopposed, with the exception of Jean Wilson, school auditor, and Richard Colburn, tree warden, who declined to run again.  The select board will name replacements.  The due date for taxes was set for October 14 this year after an amendment calling for accepting postmarks on the due date was rejected.

The town budget of $659,488 ($55,000 less than last year due to the road foreman position that remains unfilled and unanticipated grant money from federal and state coffers) was passed.  Those windfall funds allowed for significant improvements to Class 2 roads on Church Hill and the West Echo Lake roads and will be followed up this year by a $35,000 grant from the state to fix the first 1,500 feet of the Dane Hill Road which notoriously washes out every summer.  Voters voiced approval for this grant proposal. Additional appropriations for the road equipment fund and road sign replacement also passed to the tune of $30,000, although some disgruntlement was expressed about the thieving vandals who steal road signs and the bumbling officials at the state and federal level who can’t seem to coordinate on 911 sign specifications.

The Charleston Volunteer Fire Department, whose request for $38,245 for operating expenses was up from previous years, was easily passed. Voters understood Dan Whipple’s explanation that increases are in response to requirements to replace equipment whose service life has expired and to update communications devices.  Duane Moulton added that the department is making available smoke detectors to the community and will underwrite the costs for all who are income eligible.  He added that the department is urging all residents to access 911 address signs from the CVFD, which will also be provided free.

These signs speed up response time, Mr. Moulton noted, adding, “Did you know a house fire doubles in size every minute?”

In addition to all of these wonderful community services, the fire department keeps the ice at the school skating rink in great shape and is also running a 50-50 Ice-out contest to benefit the Ken Frizzell memorial scholarship fund.  Contact Duane’s Auto Clinic for further information.

The remaining articles, all requests for charitable community organizations, passed with unanimous ayes in no time flat.  When the call for adjournment came at just about noon, those assembled seemed astonished by their efficiency.  Many stayed on to enjoy the luncheon provided by the parents of Charleston Home and School association.  It’s the first time in memory that the mealtime came after the meeting instead of as a break in the middle of the proceedings!