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MONSON FINANCE COMMITTEE MNUTES FEBRUAR
Y 8, 2010
Present: Peter Fimognari, Bob Finnegan, Gerry Brayton, Jim Pennington, Bob Margerison, Maureen O’Sullivan, William Dominquez, Christine Edwards, Brenda Payette (Administrative Assistant)
Also Present: Deb Mahar (Finance Director), Gretchen Neggers (Town Administrator)
The meeting was convened at 6:45pm
A motion was made to accept the minutes of the 1/25/2010 meeting as written; it was seconded and SO VOTED.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Memo to Department Heads dated 2/4/2010 from Gaylin Bingle RE: 2009 Town Report
- Expenditure Ledger dated January 31, 2010
- Beacon.
MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MEMBERS:
None
OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion on budgets:
Mr. Fimognari handed out a spreadsheet that he prepared with his thoughts and ideas on savings, cuts and priorities: Some of his ideas:
- Savings from 2011 Requests: level fund all salaries, cruiser purchase, 5% cut to Gen Hwy and Bridges, Fund School Transportation at 2009 level = Total $178,129.00
- Department Savings from 2011 budgets: Cemetery, COA, Library, P&R = Total $561,393.00
- Ms. O’Sullivan asked Mr. Fimognari about level funding salaries-if this was for contractual or department heads. Mr. Fimognari said it was for both.
- Mr. Brayton asked what would happen if the cruiser purchases weren’t funded? Ms. Neggers suggested speaking to Chief Kozloski, Chief of Police
- FinCom asked Ms. Mahar if the ambulance is self supporting. Ms. Mahar said the town pays for the ambulance benefits.
- Mr. Brayton suggested informing Department Heads that FinCom looked at budgets and mention the items that might be reduced. Ms. Neggers suggested inviting Department Heads in to discuss issues, get answers to questions and feedback from the Department Heads.
- Ms. Mahar asked FinCom if Mr. Fimognari’s suggestions were that of the entire committee. Mr. Fimognari replied that his suggestions were a starting point.
- Mr. Brayton made a motion to send a memo to Department Heads inviting them to come and discuss their budgets and to prepare them with the questions FinCom has before they come to the meeting; it was seconded and the following discussion took place:
- Mr. Fimognari suggested level fund salaries. Mr. Margerison asked what salaries, Mr. Fimognari replied all salaries.
- Mr. Dominquez asked if the Library had any place to cut or was their budget fixed. Ms. Neggers said the Library filed for waivers.
- Ms. Neggers said The Board of Selectmen is meeting regarding the Council on Aging lease on the building. She said it is difficult to look at cutting essential services to increase the COA budget.
- Mr. Dominquez asked what the stabilization fund is; Ms. Neggers said it is the town’s savings account to be used for unforeseen emergencies. It can be appropriated at town meeting. Mr. Brayton asked how the town stands with regards to other towns. Ms. Neggers said some towns have more and some have less.
- Discussion ended and it was SO VOTED to send memo inviting Department Heads to FinCom meetings to discuss their budget.
- Ms. Neggers said blanket insurance premiums are up $29,000.00. Newly appraised numbers $34 million up in value.
- Mr. Fimognari asked Mr. Harrison if he had anything to discuss with FinCom. Mr. Harrison said he has not looked at any numbers just yet.
- Ms. O’Sullivan asked Ms. Mahar if she was still waiting for anymore budget numbers to come in. Ms. Mahar said she is waiting on Pathfinder, Health Insurance and the School Budget.
On the agenda for the next meeting on February 22, 2010:
Craig Jalbert from Water and Sewer
The next scheduled meetings of the Finance Committee are:
Monday, February 22, 2010 at 6:45pm
Monday, March 1, 2010 at 6:45pm
Monday, March 8, 2010 at 6:45pm
Monday, March 15, 2010 at 6:45pm
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Monday, March 29, 2010 at 6:45pm
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda I. Payette
Administrative Assistant to the Finance Committee
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