CITY OF BERLIN
New Hampshire
Minutes of Council Budget Work Session of 3/19/14
Council Conference Room
6:30 pm
Members:
Mayor Grenier
Councilor Theberge
Councilor Otis
Councilor Morgan-Allain
Councilor Benski
Councilor Remillard
Councilor Rozek
Councilor Nelson
Staff:
James Wheeler, City Manager
Patty Chase, Finance Director
Police Department Personnel:
Commissioner Tony Urban
Commissioner Jerry Nault
Chief Pete Morency
Deputy Chief Brian Valerino
Lt./Prosecutor Dan Buteau
Lt./Lead Investigator Richard Plourde
Lt. Steve Arsenault
Officer Joshua White
Detectives’ Secretary JoAnn Therriault
Dispatch Supervisor Jenn Cloutier
Lisa Arguin, Administrative Assistant
Dispatcher, Pauline Suiter
Maintenance Don Valliere
Mayor Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
Chief Peter Morency distributed a commission request report and proceeded to explain the changes between the FY14 Budget and the FY15 Budget. Chief Morency noted that a flat line budget would cause the loss of an officer and of grant funds.
There is a $2,400.00 change in the Salaries Crossing Guards account and the Crossing Guards Expense account at the request of Finance Director, Patty Chase. This change was requested to aid in better reporting methods between the City payroll and general ledger module. The net change is the same as the previous year.
There is a reduction in the Salaries-Dispatchers/Clerk line item of $1,430.00. A senior dispatcher was replaced with a dispatcher paid at a lower rate.
There were changes within the salary accounts with some of it attributed to positional changes. The Patrolman Grade 3 line item reflected the City’s obligation to fund the position for one year after receiving a COPS Hiring Program Grant for three consecutive years.
There is a $250.00 training salaries request which would allow for a stipend.
Salary for animal control and animal control expense net zero at the request of the Finance Director to separate salaries and payable expenses. The same request was made regarding the clothing allowance.
The Holiday Pay expense item was reduced by $180.00 and Longevity lowered by $130.00 due to loss of senior personnel. The gasoline and oil line item was lowered by $3,940.00.
The total operating budget request is 1.8% higher than last year at $2,011,150.00.
Chief Morency proceeded to review the benefits portion of the budget noting that these line items are beyond their control. The total benefit request is $1,010,750.00 and include health insurance, Life/AD&D/A&S Insurance, Workers Compensation, Dental Insurance, Retirement, Social Security and Unemployment Compensation.
The department tried to flat line the budget. The Chief noted that there were some positive strides this year with the reduction of 2,000 nuisance calls and higher prosecution rates.
The operations of this department is 60% salaries, 30% benefits and 10% other costs. The chief explained that there is not much room to cut the operational costs.
Mayor asked if we received an AG grant. The Chief confirmed that they did and it was budgeted in Fund 30 (Grant Fund). At one time the City did receive two $30,000 grants and an additional $10,000. The AG board reduced it to a flat $30,000.00.
The Mayor inquired about outside detail and hopes there will be additional revenue available with all the construction expected this summer. Mayor Grenier stated he would like a change of $100,000, perhaps with additional revenue and lower expenses.
The Mayor asked about the two vehicle replacements and explained that this should be the odd year when following the 2-2-1 pattern that the City has been following. The 2 cruisers have a cost of $63,000.00 but should be reduced to one if following the historical pattern. Aside from vehicle replacement the other capital requests include radio consoles, PD portable monitoring system $15,000, leather gear $9,000, air conditioner $7,500 and a UTV $15,000.
Mayor Grenier asked about the current fleet and mileage. Chief Morency will forward that information to Mayor and Council.
Councilor Rozek asked about computers and support and if there was room for any potential savings. Chief Morency said those are fixed state fees and the $14,000 is an upgrade for records and a data base, which reports to the FBI.
Councilor Pete HIggbee inquired about the FY14 utilities expense noting it seemed low and why? It was explained that the coldest months had not hit when the report was generated.
Councilor Theberge asked about the portable cameras request. Chief would like to have a system where they can have portable cameras to help watch problem areas.
Commissioner Nault explained that the Police Department has saved thousands of dollars in training costs by the way they recruit new officers. The Mayor thanked the Chief, Commissioners and Personnel for the outstanding service they provide to the community.
Mayor thanked everyone for attending and participating.
City Manager, Jim Wheeler explained that the Ambulance budget was up for review. The City has a signed contract so the amount budgeted was per the contract at $317,000.00. Councilor Theberge asked if the ambulance service could become part of the City and the Mayor explained that the cost would be much higher. The Mayor agreed that a study could be completed.
The meeting adjorned at 7:25 p.m.
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