Present: Peter Fimognari, Paul Desmond, Christine Edwards, Joel Keller, Bob Margerison, Maureen O’Sullivan, Pete Ross, Ann Lee (FinCom Admin. Asst.)
Also Present: Deb Mahar (Town Accountant), Craig Sweitzer (Planning Board), Hope Bodwell (Library), Glenn Peck (President, Library Board of Directors), Dot Jenkins (Town Collector), Ed Harrison (Selectman), William Donovan (ZBA)
Absent: Tina Augustin, Chris Carlin, John Goodrich, Jim Pennington
The meeting was convened at 6:35 p.m.
A motion was made, and seconded, to accept the minutes of the 1-30-05 minutes as written. Mr. Pennington’s name will be added to the “absent” list. It was seconded and SO VOTED, unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter from Dr. Frank Ameruoso, Interim Superintendent of Schools, dated January 27, was received. A FinCom representative for the Superintendent Search Committee is needed. Ms. Lee will write Dr. Ameruoso a letter explaining Pete Ross will serve as FinCom Representative.
A letter from Cameron Crossman and Anthony Mercieri, Quarry Hill third grade students in Mrs. Knight’s class, dated December 20, was received. A FinCom member is invited to speak to and be interviewed by the class. A FinCom member will be chosen at the next meeting.
The Expenditure Variance for period ending 12-31-05 was reviewed.
ealth HH
OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS
February 13 Department Head Meetings: The Highway Department, Police Department and Council on Aging are scheduled.
Highway: The Highway department submitted a budget with a salary for the Highway Surveyor that is 2.9% above the salary grid increase for FY07. Mr. Harrison confirmed the grid increase for FY07 is 2%.
Police: The AFSCME contract was settled at 0%, 2%, and 2.5% raises. The committee can expect to see the budget by Friday, 2-11.
Council on Aging: The Director is due a step raise in FY07.
Department Head Meetings: The Planning Board, Town Collector, Library, and Zoning Board of Appeals met with FinCom.
Planning Board: Craig Sweitzer addressed the committee. The odd expense in FY06 was an interpreter, which is not anticipated again. The single biggest expense if for legal ads. The Board advertises each hearing twice. The cost is reimbursed into the General Fund. In FY06, advertising costs were $1,200 as of November. The Planning Board will need additional funds to cover advertising costs in FY06.
Collector: Dot Jenkins addressed the committee. She explained new accounts receivable software for Parking Fines will be purchased in the FY08 budget. Usually less than $900 is collected annually. The Collector’s budget increase in salary is a result of the AFSCME (2%) and the grid (2%) increases. Also, cuts to Tax liens and Conferences and Meetings lines of $1,215 in FY06 are being restored in the FY07 budget.
Mr. Ross asked if the amount in Computer Supplies covers hardware, as he believes the best way to handle capital costs is to include them in departmental budgets. Ms. Jenkins explained she has a revolving fund (which captures research fees charged to banks) that allows her to purchase the bigger ticket items.
Mr. Margerison asked about the possibility of auctioning town-owned land. Ms. Jenkins explained she is working with a new attorney and would like to see town-owned properties auctioned and returned to the tax rolls. She added that collection boxes have been placed at Woodbine’s, the Police Department and the Library, to make it easier for people to make tax payments.
Library: Ms. Bodwell addressed the committee. She drew attention to the deficit on the expense sheet, explaining that FinCom requested a realistic budget and this proposal gave that. The Library Board does not feel it is fair to ask the town for additional funds, but is prepared to use its own money to make up the difference. Mr. Keller noted that administration expenses increased over the last 2 years. Ms. Bodwell explained that account covers many things besides salary. Ms. O’Sullivan asked if the Board is willing to use more of its own funds in coming years. Mr. Margerison asked what the Youth Services Librarian does during the school day. Ms. Bodwell explained the many programs and services supported by the Youth Services Librarian, adding those functions could not be provided by only one
librarian in the building. Mr. Ross asked if the approximately $10,000 the Board is willing to spend will affect future MAR determinations. Ms. Bodwell explained the number is calculated by taking the average of the last 3 years MAR plus an additional 1.025% increase. Mr. Fimognari asked if any towns received waivers for FY06. Ms. Bodwell explained 28 applied and all received it, but that does not always happen. Mr. Peck added that in order to receive a waiver, a library must prove cuts are proportional across a town. Mr. Keller noted salary is up 5%, expenses are up 4%, but resources are only up 1.5%, and asked what is envisioned for the future. Ms. Bodwell said the Library Board would be willing to pay for anticipated capital repairs. She pointed out the schools use the library services a great deal, and noted the $14,000 Youth Services budget, adding the schools spend approximately $12,000 for its 3 libraries.
Zoning Board of Appeals: William Donovan addressed the committee. He explained the ZBA had 15 petitions last year and 4 court cases. Mr. Fimognari asked if advertising expenses are reimbursed. Mr. Donovan explained the petitioner’s cost is $250, of which approximately $100 is legal ads fee. He does not know yet if the ZBA will need additional funds for legal ads for FY06.
The next scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee is February 13, 2005 at 6:30.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Lee, Administrative Assistant to the Finance Committee
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