February 21, 2015
The February 21 meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Connor with all members in attendance. Mr. Connor stated the Board would be meeting with Fire, Police, and DPW; however, the Board would follow up with any department budget that members would like to review.
Mr. Fraine provided a brief overview stating the budget submitted to the Board can be funded by the anticipated revenues for FY16 assuming the $1,000,000 in the DPW for road construction is removed from their budget and the school transportation budget is reduced by $300,000. He went on to say the school budget is increased by $900,000 but will be offset by the resulting $300,000 reduction in transportation
Mr. Laviolette reviewed the debt schedule and the revenue projections for the coming year. He indicated last year’s projections are in sight and although no new State revenue is expected for FY16 local receipts will be increasing over FY15.
Mr. DiMartino presented his budget to the Board highlighting the recategorization of various line items within the Highway budget. Mr. Soter questioned whether capital funds generated by the water capital enterprise fund can be utilized this summer to repair water mains while providing full width paving at the site of the work. Mr. DiMartino explained the only way to do any of this work would be to authorize borrowing in May and then rescind the authorization in October and utilize Free Cash for the work. Mr. Soter suggested this process be pursued if at all possible in order to repair many of the Town’s substandard roads. Mr. Connor asked Mr. DiMartino to schedule the Road Committee for a meeting with the Board to review upcoming projects.
Chief Daigle appeared to present his budget. He explained the budget increase is minimal with the exception of 2 new officers who will start work January 1 if their academy training is completed. Mr. Connor asked if the hiring is consistent with the overall plan for police personnel which were approved last year. Chief Daigle indicted that the plan called for 2 officers in this year’s budget as well as 2 in next year’s budget. He went on to say that department staffing level will be where it was in 2003 once the plan is complete. Mr. Connor asked why the school resource officer salary couldn’t be shared with the schools. The Chief indicated that the Town has proposed this many times in the past however the School Committee has indicated they don’t have adequate funding
to support the position. Mr. Connor asked about holiday pay for administrative personnel and why it is included in the salary line item as well as the Quinn Bill. The Chief stated this has been the practice within the department historically as administrative personnel receive the same benefits as rank and file. Mr. Connor suggested this is an area that should be reviewed in the future with this time possibly being rolled into base salaries.
Minutes of February 21, 2015
Page 2
Chief Gentile appeared before the Board to present his budget he explained the greatest increase in this year’s budget is within the overtime line item. During the first few months of the current year, there have been several OJI and long term injuries which have put this year’s budget into deficit. He explained the South Station has been extremely beneficial; however, with only 2 firefighters stationed there it is a one for one replacement situation. Mr. Soter expressed his concern with regard to ambulance receipts as compared to the expenses incurred. Mr. Soter does not believe the Town ambulance collections are any way near the original projections. Chief Gentile acknowledged that Medicare does not reimburse anywhere near the Town charges.
Mr. Connor expressed his appreciation to Town Departments for the work they have done in putting together the 2nd year of 0 based budgets. He stated there are several budgets that need further review but overall he is very pleased with the results thus far. He suggested the Board consider reviewing the Library Trustee’s budget as there are several salary increases that may need to be discussed.
On a Mayhew/Soter motion the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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