Joint Meeting
Town of North Stonington
Board of Selectmen Board of Education Board of Finance
North Stonington Elementary Library
February 4, 2009
6:00 PM
Call to Order-Meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM with Selectmen
Mullane and Ricker present. Also present were Board of Finance members
Mark Donahue, Larry Southwick, Emil Pavlovics, Tom Oswald, Elwin
Bresette, and Gary Herbert. Board of Education members present were
Darren Robert, David McCord, Bill Briscoe, Bob Testa, John Keene, Ellie
Banker, Mary Ann Ricker, Superintendent Natalie Pukas, and Business
Manager Chuck McCarthy. Also present were Darryl DelGrosso, Assessor,
and Robin Roohr, Treasurer.
Board of Selectmen
1. Current Year Revenues Estimates v. Actual
2. Projected Revenues Fiscal Year 2009-2010
3. Budget Projections Fiscal Year 2009-2010
Operating
Capital
Long Term Capital Projects
First Selectman Mullane gave and overview of the new Governor's proposed
budget and the Town's current and projected budgets for this year and
next. He noted that revenues are down for this year of approximately
$140,000 and the Governor's budget proposes $122,947 less in revenues.
He also stated that the State government is encouraging towns and cities
to regionalize services and implement a Smart Growth Philosophy in order
to save money.
Board of Education
1. Current Year Performance to Budget
2. Grant Revenues and Outlook
3. Post Employment Benefits' Liability
4. Budget Projections Fiscal Year 2009-2010
Operating
Capital
Chairman Robert spoke about the current year's budget projection of an
$18,000 shortfall, but stated that the Board was not concerned at this
time as long as fuel and other costs remain consistent the shortfall
should be absorbed. Projections for next year's grants are about even
with this year. The Board is reviewing the teacher's retirement
liability and will keep the Board of Finance informed. Bob Carlson, the
new Ad Hoc Building Committee Chairman was in the audience and spoke to
the Boards about the new Committee's progress in reviewing building
proposals and stated he expected to be able to give a report to the
Board of Finance in about six months on recommendations for school
facilities projects. The next meeting for the Ad Hoc Committee is
February 9th.
Board of Finance
1. Grand List 2008
Anticipated Changes
Current and Future Years
2. Budget Expectations for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
Caps for Budget Submittals
3. Financial Status for the Town
4. Communication Policy
Darryl DelGrosso, Assessor gave a brief presentation on the new
2008 Grand List. There is an approximate one percent in crease before
the Board of Assessment Appeals review. The new State regulations on
vehicles over 20 years old being assessed at a maximum of $500 had a big
impact on the grand list along with the slow economy and low building
rates. Robin Roohr, Treasurer answered questions on the Town's
investment status and future interest rates for the Town's surplus
funds.
Mark Donahue spoke about the serious situation with the current economic
situation in the town, state and country. He stated that the Board of
Finance will review budgets line by line again this year and asked that
mandated items be flagged and that each Board identify program pluses
and minuses for easy review. He encouraged combination of services and
looking for better ways to complete tasks. He asked that budget levels
be maintained at the current year.
After general discussion it was decided to continue Chairman to Chairman
contact for the upcoming budget season.
Public Comments and Questions
Adjournment-7:25 PM
| 