 |
Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 2/20/18
Meeting Opened at: 5pm
Select Board Members Present: Steve Weisz, Chairperson, Carol Edelman and Kenneth Basler (had to leave at 6:15pm)
Also in attendance: BJ Johnson, Jon Sylbert, George Cain
The Board met with the Finance Committee to discuss the following:
- Preliminary budget estimates from the school district were reviewed. This is a contract negotiation year with the staff so salary increases are unknown.
- Printouts of the preliminary financing plan for the library were distributed. The first payment will be due in FY19 for approximately $125,150.
- New line item: Administrative Assistant expense line item which will cover education, training and related travel expenses.
- Stabilization: Kenn provided an opinion from one of the banks we use with regards to our fiscal standing. We have been told that we are in very good shape with the current $854,000 balance. George provided research he did with regards to the historical changes to the mill rate and money in and out of stabilization, free cash and the reserve fund. It was agreed to put a minimum of $75,000 into stabilization and $30k into the roads, bridges and culverts stabilization each year.
- The Finance Committee had questions on whether the loader and fire hoses needed to be replaced right now; the loader which is used heavily needs a lot of work and we can actually get a decent trade in now toward a new one with an attachment that will allow the highway to roadside mow instead of hiring a contractor. The hoses are almost 15 years old and should be replaced every 10 12 years. The Finance Committee recommended borrowing if the interest rates are still favorable for the loader.
- An average family tax values chart that Jon prepared was reviewed. There were disagreements about whether or not the home value had an impact on the tax bill or if it was just spending.
- Town Administrator: Jon argued that by accepting MGL Chapter 41 Section 23A at town meeting several years ago we are obligated to have a “town administrator form of government”. The Board disagrees and understands the article passed as the town gave the Board the authority to hire and, if necessary, fire a town administrator. M. Noe will check with counsel. Jon also disagreed that the Select Board can recommend a proposed budget of $1. Another opinion from counsel and DOR was read confirming that there is no law that states you cannot propose to drop a line item to $1.
- Jon also argues that the warrant is the Finance Committee’s, not the Select Board’s, and doesn’t agree with the way the Board is planning to present the proposed budget. An email that was sent to town counsel with opinions from both counsel and DOR was read confirming that the Finance Committee presents a budget to the Select Board for the warrant, but the Select Board may alter anything to be placed on their warrant. If the Board were to do this they would do so in a way that represents the Finance Committee’s recommendations.
- The Board will discuss tomorrow whether or not the 2 added columns “Select Board Recommends” and “Finance Committee Recommends” would be added to the warrant or if just a cover page with written summaries of their recommendations would be included with the printed warrant.
Miscellaneous Items Reviewed:
- Warrants were signed.
- Minutes from 2/7/18 were approved.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 6:34pm
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Administrative Assistant
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
Town Clerk
| |
