BOARD OF FINANCE
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
June 16, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Harrison called the meeting to order at 9:40 p.m. in a room at the Avon Senior Center. Members present: Margaret Bratton, Catherine Durdan, Tom Gugliotti, Bill Hooper, Tom Harrison, Brett Eisenlohr and James Speich.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Harrison stated that they would dispense with the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE
There was none.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
06/07-21 Review and Discussion: FY 08/09 Budget
Chairman Harrison asked if the Board wanted to make any changes to the budget or keep it as is.
On a motion by Ms. Bratton, seconded by Ms. Durdan, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance reduce the 3.84% property tax increase to 3.5%.
Ms. Bratton stated that because the first two votes were so strong, along with comments tonight at the public hearing, she is concerned that if it gets voted down again and goes to the Town Council, she does not feel that that would be desirable.
Mr. Hooper disagreed with Ms. Bratton. He stated that there is not much of a difference between 3.84% and 3.5%. He feels that if they change the increase to 3.5% now, and it is still defeated by the voters, this would leave the Town Council in a quandary. They would have no room to move. He stated that 3.84% is the lowest he wanted to go.
Ms. Durdan stated that she feels that 3.5% is more acceptable to the voters. She would like to see the Board of Finance make the proposal that will pass and not have to have the Town Council make the final decision.
Mr. Gugliotti feels that 3.5% begins to boarder on irresponsibility. The increase is attributed to inflation, the high school etc.; it is 2.9% prior to taking these items into account. He feels that the Board of Finance should start to demonstrate some leadership and that they should stay at 3.84%.
Mr. Speich stated that he would also stay with 3.84% because it is a rational number.
Mr. Eisenlohr stated that he agrees with Mr. Hooper and would like the increase to stay at 3.84%.
Chairman Harrison stated that at the last meeting, he supported a 3.5% increase. He feels that the difference between the 3.5% and the 3.84% is not significant. He stated that there have been reductions totaling $2.2 million from the budgets that were submitted in March, which is a significant reduction. He also feels that it will be easier, if needed, for the Town Council to work from 3.84% rather than 3.5%.
Mmes. Bratton and Durdan voted in favor of the motion. Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Eisenlohr were opposed.
On a motion by Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mr. Speich, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance vote to pass the adopted recommended budget with a tax increase of 3.84%.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Eisenlohr voted in favor of the motion. Mmes. Bratton and Durdan were opposed.
V. ADJOURN
On a motion by Mr. Hooper, seconded by Ms. Bratton, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance adjourn at 9:51 p.m.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Eisenlohr and Mmes. Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas A. Gugliotti, Secretary
Attest: Alison Sturgeon, Clerk
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