BOARD OF FINANCE
MINUTES
July 26, 2004
I. CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Chamber, Town Hall, by Chairman Tom Harrison. Present were members Tom Gugliotti, Bill Hooper, Mike Monts, Jim Speich and Mark Zacchio.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge was led by Mr. Monts.
III. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE – None.
IV. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS – April 01, 07, 26, May 12, 17, 25, 27, June 07, 09, 17, 17 and 28.
On a motion made by Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mr. Gugliotti, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance accept the minutes of the twelve meetings, as listed above.
Messrs. Harrison, Gigliotti, Hooper, Monts, Speich and Zacchio voted in favor.
V. OLD BUSINESS – None.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
04-05/01 – Review & Discussion: FY05-06 Budget Process.
Chairman Harrison reported he requested this meeting to discuss how we should approach the next fiscal budget presentation. He stressed the importance of having the budget accepted at the first Referendum and he is interested in hearing suggestions from members. After having defeated three budgets this year, he does not want to see this become an annual problem. Two weeks ago, the Board of Education, Town Council and Board of Finance reviewed the system in place to set a budget. It was discussed having the three Boards work together and look to combining efforts on such matters as maintenance, accounting, etc. However, the Town Manager reported the Town Council is not considering pooling efforts because in most areas it would entail hiring more staff and therefore incurring
additional expenses. The Target issue was discussed in detail; how early should it be set; how do we assess necessary items that might exceed the target; how each Board should approach such a target with the other Boards.
The question of splitting the budget at Referenda arose, one Referendum for the Town Budget and one Referendum for the Board of Education budget. However, as this would take a Charter Revision, naming a Committee, and gathering necessary information, this could not be accomplished in time for the next budget.
The Town Manager reported on items that may arise in the coming year that will have a serious impact on the next budget; a second parcel next the Library is becoming available and the Town Council will vote on it at their August 5th meeting and it may be presented to the Board of Finance at the August 23rd meeting; the Avon High School Renovations/Building Committee will be looking to a Referendum in 2005; in 2007 we plan to combine projects for a bond issue and we will probably face another bond review at that time. Mr. Santos is concerned with the size of the surplus; he feels we do not have the right to add funds that should be used to offset spending.
The Board asked for information on budgets, going back probably three to five years to review what the Boards have submitted, what the town has accepted and how that information could be used to help in developing an acceptable budget. It was suggested that two separate levels of spending increases be considered, one for the Board of Education and one for the Town, based on the actual usage in the past. Each member voiced his opinion of what needs to be done and how this Board should approach the problem. Several requests were made for additional information from the staff.
Chairman Harrison asked that the members carefully consider all the items discussed tonight and try to reach some decisions on guidelines at the August meeting.
VI. MISCELLANEOUS – None.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS – None.
VIII. ADJOURN
On a motion made by Mr. Gugliotti, seconded by Mr. Zacchio, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Monts, Speich and Zacchio voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas A. Gugliotti, Secretary
Attest: Elinor Burns, Clerk
07-06-04 Minutes
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