MINUTES
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
January 28, 2009
Attendees:
Members: J. Bayne, S. Beyle, J. Dowman, B. Eastman, J. Knox, W. Krum, N. Newell, R. Smith
Administration: S. Vanderhoef
The meeting was called to order at 5:03 PM by the Chair.
Agenda:
S. Vanderhoef reported the Selectmen have been reviewing budgets with department heads; a number of cost savings have been adopted: not filling one police position and an assistant town administrator position, cuts at Hemenway, deleting call firemen, and deferring police car purchases. We will be in a deficit position this year for bulk fuel oil, and property insurance will need to be increased. The state budget is still in flux and we expect state revenue to be decreased. Further work is planned for next Monday, targeting a 2-1/2% increase without the school numbers.
The school budgets were reviewed, and it appears that our input of a desired maximum 2% increase was ignored by the administration. By the time we get to Town Meeting we have no effective input to the regional schools, We would like to coordinate with the budget committees of all four region towns to provide stringer guidance. B. Eastman moved we provide input to the administration in advance of the next Wednesday budget presentations that in today's environment, with state cuts, and town employees doing with less, we will not recommend Town Meeting approval of any school budget with greater than a 2% increase in expenses, seconded by S. Beyle and voted 6-2-0.
The Barnstable County co-op wind turbine presentation indicated that if Eastham joins the co-op, they will fund turbines, pay the Town for land use, and provide low cost or no cost electricity for municipal use. Aline item has been added to the five year capital plan for wind turbines. The largest risk is the currently proposed zoning ordinance.
Town investment policy was discussed, and research into town charter issues and state statutes is needed.
The Library Trustees stated there will be no money articles this year, and the plans are being re-visited for cost savings, rethinking building size and need for a copper roof; the drinking water test well is proceeding; off-budget fund raising has started.
A water management capital item is planned for the warrant.
The Eastham/Orleans discussions to combine police activities will complete a report by the end of February.
The next meeting will be February 11th at 5:00 PM. We will also join the Board of Selectmen at their February 4th meeting at 4:30 PM to discuss school budgets.
B. Eastman made a motion to adjourn at 6:54 PM, seconded by J. Bayne and voted unanimously..
Respectfully submitted,
Brian G. Eastman
Clerk/Secretary
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