Board of Selectmen / Finance Committee
February 10, 2011
Community Hall Annex – Budget Meeting
6:30 pm
Meeting opened at 6:38 p.m.
Board of Selectmen present: Sheila H. Dibb – Chairman, Joseph R. Becker – Vice Chairman and Leroy C. Clark. Michael S. Pantos and Cherilyn A. Bulger absent.
Finance Committee present: Clealand Blair, Charles Patterson, Helene Irish, Carl Bindoo. Mr. Blair moved to instate Deb Kristoff. Mr. Bindoo seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to ratify the Finance Committee vote to instate Deb Kristoff. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Sally M. Hayden, Town Clerk, performed oath at 7:49 p.m.
Total of 21 computers including two in dispatch. Paul McKenzie (CMGeeks) stated the public safety building needs seven computers (some 9-10 years old and some 5-6 years old). $9,800 hardware costs; software worked in. $2,600 labor; IMC mobile situation $6,200 to straighten out. Got mobiles in 2007 on grant, didn’t use so stopped paying. Paul worked on getting them up and running; didn’t know there would be no licensing. If dispatch brings in another town, we would need $4,000 – probably be under grant, right now on old server for Oakham and Hubbardston has their own server.
Mrs. Hayden presented FY 12 debt budget. Health insurance is a mystery. 6 – 16% increase, maybe 9% for Rutland. MIIA feels no action would be required in 2012. Not sure if GIC will require proof. By 2017, will have to offer seven items without copays. If the Town feels Rutland should be grandfathered, must prove – could not answer exactly when number will be available. May increase premiums. MIIA rep is willing to come out. Mr. Becker questioned enrollment changes - five additional individuals. He also questioned when employees turn 65 are they required to get on Medicare – answer, yes A & B. Mrs. Dibb questioned progress on dental to which Mrs. Hayden informed the Board that she met with Delta Dental yesterday. Two good plans,
but the increase would probably be too much $64.76 going to $88 or $105. Some discussion. Mr. Becker asked if different groups could pay different premiums – Mrs. Hayden stated that she didn’t think that would be possible. Mr. Patterson suggested checking with labor counsel as there was an issue years ago with teachers. Mr. Blair asked about new hires and Mrs. Hayden stated “maybe”.
Debt: Mrs. Dibb stated that we need to consider whether we will ballot any debt. Mr. Becker questions at what point will three new issues hit as he doesn’t want a problem with the recap. Mrs. Hayden explained that money could be borrowed temporarily.
Rescheduled Mrs. Hayden for February 24th for Treasurer/Collector and Town Clerk budget discussion.
7:15 Horace Moody – Labor about $14,000. Hardware – need one new server for DPW / Community Hall / Annex. $5,700 includes software and tape drive and he would like two new work stations (Asst. Town Clerk & DPW Admin.). Mr. Becker questioned whether Asst. Town Clerk got one in 2009 and Horace stated that he believes the Asst. Town Treasurer got it instead. Computers in Annex from 2003 are highly used. Town is currently using Office 2002 which was purchased for all machines. Wants to upgrade to 2007 or 2010. Mrs. Dibb questioned why anyone would want 2007? $332/machine to upgrade all machines. 15 copies = about $5,000. Wants server first, then work stations, then software. Some free upgrades already done. Mrs. Dibb questioned other bulk
license availability to which Horace stated there are some but they do not suit our purpose. Some discussion on office suites and Council on Aging which has two older work stations from 2004 (Director and Outreach Worker). Mr. Becker questioned the Library and Horace said that it seems separate and that Kerry Remington, Library Director, must speak to that but they do need work stations, but have been getting donations. The Administrator computers seem satisfactory and Mr. Becker asked whether the Director’s computer got replaced to which Mr. Moody stated that he did not think so. Mrs. Dibb would like an audit of 2010 purchased machines. Mr. Becker ($14,000 capital plan total machines). Mr. Moody feels the server is top priority.
7:30 Sharon Berndt (COA Director) - Worked in year two of wage implementation. Elder services maintained price for 2012 despite serving many more meals. Mr. Patterson questioned the “Friends” fundraising to which Mrs. Berndt explained that it “limps along” – there are a lot of new programs.
7:40 Donald Haapakoski (Police Chief) – Level funded – discussed narrative and need for more officers. Feels one officer on eight shifts is dangerous. IMC $4,900 of IMC is police. Police academy – Officer McCauley. Video system for cruiser. Discussion of cruiser and financing by Devereux.
Mr. Clark moved to adjourn. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila H. Dibb, chairman
Board of Selectmen
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