Present: Peter Fimognari, Chris Carlin, Christine Edwards, John Goodrich, Bob Margerison, Maureen O’Sullivan, Pete Ross, Ann Lee (FinCom Admin. Asst.)
Also Present: Deb Mahar (Town Accountant), Dot Jenkins (Town Collector), John Morrell (Surveyor), Chief Steve Kozloski (Police), Judy White (Council on Aging)
Absent: Tina Augustin, Paul Desmond, Joel Keller, Jim Pennington
The meeting was convened at 6:35 p.m.
A motion was made, and seconded, to accept the minutes of the 2-6-05 minutes as written. It was noted a library salary figure given was incorrect; therefore the fourth sentence of the “Library” paragraph on page 2 will be corrected. It will read “Mr. Keller noted that administration expenses increased over the last 2 years” instead of “increased 12% in 2 years”. It was seconded and SO VOTED, unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
none
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OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS
Highway Department Snow and Ice Removal: The Snow and Ice Removal account had $11,000 before the storm of 2-12-06, and needs additional funds. Mr. Carlin motioned to allow the Highway Department to deficit spend for $100,000, it was seconded and SO APPROVED, unanimously. Ms. Mahar’s records indicate the average yearly cost for the last 5 years was $229,000. The highest year was 2005, when $311,000.
February 27 Department Head Meetings: The Fire Department, Water and Sewer Department, Building Department, Park and Rec. Department, and Cemetery Department are scheduled.
Fire: The submitted budget includes a request for 2 additional EMT’s. Mr. Ross agreed the coverage is needed, but is concerned about funding. Ms. Mahar explained last year was the first year the ambulance was subsidized with General Fund money. When the February receipts are determined she will be able to calculate the subsidy needed for the ambulance for FY07. The committee discussed the ambulance fee and the ambulance subscription service. The concern is that as General Fund subsidizing increases, community members will opt to not pay the subscription fee.
Mr. Margerison asked about sick time. Ms. Mahar explained that if an employee does not use sick time for one quarter, they receive 1 additional day. If they do not use sick time for 4 quarters (one year) they receive the 4 additional days plus 1 more additional day (5 total). An employee who has the maximum allowable sick time of 180 days can no longer accrue time, but instead receives the cash equivalent.
Water and Sewer: Ms. Mahar explained that each department has its own Free Cash, and operates on its revolving fund. The salary increase is for a step raise.
Park and Rec.: Mr. Fimognari asked if the additional money requested for school grounds maintenance would be paid for by the school. Ms. Mahar explained it would.
Cemetery: The budget aims to reinstate a full time position that has been vacant.
Department Head Meetings: The Highway Department, Police Department, and Council on Aging met with FinCom.
Highway Department: John Morrell addressed the committee. The FY07 budget includes a Surveyor’s salary increase of $3,011, approximately 5%. Mr. Morrell explained that last year he received no increase, and this year the Selectmen propose a 2% increase for Department Heads, but as an elected official, he does not work for the Selectmen. He explained he arrived at that figure by calculating the amount he feels should have been the increase for FY06 and adding in the 2% suggested increase for FY07. He mentioned the salary grid (in place since 2001) and noted the grid document’s recommendation to keep pace with the CPI. He explained he has good arguments to take to the town floor, if he has to, e.g. approximately $21 million in grant money he brought in over his 24 years as Surveyor. He
added he does not receive benefits Department Heads receive, such as longevity pay, sick time and overtime. Ms. Mahar clarified that Mr. Morrell does not have to account for his time. Mr. Carlin asked how many elections Mr. Morrell has run, and how many were opposed. Mr. Morrell has run in eight elections and was opposed in the first. Mr. Ross qualified Mr. Morrell is seeking an increase above 2% because in FY06 he received no increase, and asked Mr. Morrell if he anticipates seeking 5% yearly in the future. Mr. Morrell explained he hopes the Selectmen will follow the index (CPI) in the future.
Mr. Margerison stated he feels two words are important – “elected official” – and that once at the highest salary step, Mr. Morrell’s increases should be in line with the union contracts. Mr. Fimognari noted that the salary grid was originally requested because FinCom did not want to have to determine employees’ salaries, and now Mr. Morrell is asking FinCom to go against that decision. Mr. Carlin asked if the Selectmen are mandated to suggest increases based on the CPI. Mr. Morrell read the portion of the document that states it is a recommendation.
Mr. Morrell went on to explain the budget seeks to reinstate some accounts that have been underfunded or unfunded in recent years. Stone sealing helps to preserve roads and prevent deterioration. Paving dirt roads results in lower maintenance costs. The Downtown Streets account was progressively cut to $0 in recent years and needs to be funded.
Mr. Morrell explained the budget request for a computer can be erased. The Highway department is getting one from the technology budget and one from Chapter 90 money that the state approved to run a pavement management program. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is making a presentation on the program to the Selectmen on 2-28-06.
Capital needs include two new trucks. A one ton dump truck will cost approximately $35,000. Mr. Morrell explained the $20,000 bond for the loader is complete, and a replacement program would be started.
The Snow and Ice budget is increased to a more realistic figure.
Police: Chief Steve Kozloski addressed the committee. The proposed budget includes additional salary funds of approximately $6,100 to promote one officer to Sergeant in order to cover a vacancy on the day shift. This would provide one Sergeant for each of the three shifts. Currently, Chief Kozloski must fill that void on the day shift. For the recent promotional process, the Selectmen approved $3,600 from “Gifts to the Town” to have an outside firm establish an eligibility list. The two-tier process included a written exam and an assessment center. In agreement with the union, the list identified the most recently promoted officer as well as one additional candidate. The recommendation is good for one year. An additional Sergeant would bring staffing levels to the same as
that in 1986, with call volume increased 200%, and arrests/complaints increased over 300% since then.
Mr. Ross asked about the $5,000 increase in the Cruiser Maintenance account. Chief Kozloski explained the money has been being taken from other accounts. As for vehicles, the department’s 10 year old Tahoe needs to be replaced. Recycling some old equipment may allow enough money to purchase two sedans and one SUV. Chief Kozloski spoke to the Selectmen about replacing the Tahoe in this manner, or as a capital expenditure.
Ms. O’Sullivan asked about the increase in Dispatcher’s salaries and for clarification of the uniform account. The salary increase is to provide coverage. The uniform account is a contractual benefit, maintained internally. Purchases must be approved by the Chief. Full time officers’ benefit is $700 yearly; part time officers’ benefit is $350 annually.
A contract for generator maintenance is estimated to be $800 yearly. Chief Kozloski hopes to defray unexpected repair costs for the ten-year-old generator.
Council on Aging: Ms. White addressed the committee. The salary increase re-establishes the van drivers’ hours that were cut. Expenses are level funded to FY05 amounts prior to the $1,547 cut last year.
Ms. White presented a “Food for Thought” overview.
The COA does not use the town’s money for capital expenditures
The town pays $143,555 of a total $179,096 salary expense
The town contributes $6,370 to a nutrition program that generates approximately $68,000
Vans were purchased through grants in which the town pays 20% of the purchase price
The COA uses no town money for programming and activities at the Senior Center
Ms. White explained she is having difficulty filling a vacancy open since last June. The position is funded by a grant, and because of grant stipulations every applicant has been over income. Ms. White noted she would likely put this position on the payroll for FY08.
The next scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee is February 28, 2005 at 6:30.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Lee, Administrative Assistant to the Finance Committee
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