At an additional meeting held Jan­uary 24, the Chelsea Selectboard ap­proved the 2012 budget. The board will ask town voters to approve a $641,929.18 budget, representing a 10% increase over last year’s budget.

During their next meeting on Feb­ruary 6, the board planned to ask Ashley Luct, of the Agency of Natu­ral Resources Water Supply Divi­sion, to the February 28 meeting to take the next steps in changing the rate structure for the water system.

The board signed off on the recer­tification of road mileage, which had no changes from the previous year.

Members of the board reiterated their thoughts on the First Branch Ambulance situation, mentioning that reporters from various media have been calling them at home. Jack Johnson and Carol Olsen, who were both contacted, stated that they felt the selectboard does not have a role in this, and that it should go back to the board of directors of First Branch Ambulance.

The board approved Heidi Allen Goodrich’s request for permission from the town to use the North Common on Friday afternoons this summer for the Farmers’ Mar­ket. She also asked to leave two picnic tables that were purchased with grant money last year out on the common all summer long. The board will talk to the park commit­tee about the tables.

Town Treasurer Jane Cushman asked the board for clarification on unused vacation time. An employee asked for his unused vacation time to be paid to him in his paycheck. Cushman said the policy says that the time can’t be carried forward, and employees are encouraged to use their time, but the policy does not address cashing in this time if unused.

After discussing putting all em­ployees on a fiscal calendar (despite when they start their job), as well as how comp time works, the board decided to pay the employee for the vacation time, and take some time to consider this policy and whether the personnel policy needs to be updated.

Board Chair Erik Anderson men­tioned an email he received from Zoning Administrator Preston Bris­tow about the flashing stop light in use at The Pines. He has emailed and spoken to the owners about ap­plying for a permit with no results, and has now sent them a certified letter.

The board reviewed a power bill for the electricity at the skating rink and discussed whether the Rec Committee should be responsible for the bill. It was decided to cover the $30 per month (for 3-4 months of the year), and add it into the operat­ing budget of the selectboard.