Board of Selectmen / Finance Committee
February 28, 2013
Community Hall
6:30 pm
Present: Leroy C. Clark, Chairman; Peter J Letsky, Vice-Chairman; Joseph R. Becker, Sheila H. Dibb.
Also present: Members of the Finance Committee
6:30 pm – Gary Ward, Recreation Director
.25/hr increase to Safe Place. Possible Summer Fun / Pool increase, no increase in three years, however, looking to reduce charges. Katelyn Wojnarowicz, full-time, took on more hours to do budget & other administrative duties. Increase programs – many were outsourced with low return; no longer outsourcing. Gary Ward is running programs.
Pool is a big expense – increased monitoring of passes, increase sales; Pool Masters helped correct inefficiencies. Need adult there at all times – would like to hire a “Pool Coordinator”. Figures will be looked at to set rates for Summer Fun next week. Mr. Nichols questioned the availability of projections & budget for next year. Pool liner can be repaired; replacement is 4 to 5 years out. Committee is considering fundraisers for the pool.
Mr. Becker questioned the Director on reserves. Big expense coming from ski club ($12,000), but not all payments are in. Explained concern over rapidly depleting reserve in 53E ½. Mr. Ward responded that expenses are too high – need to look at salaries. Full-time recreation director is paid out of Safe Place - - state mandated salaries. Safe Place rates have been raised based on recommendation of town acct. Making the director’s position part time helped the bottom line. Mr. Letsky questioned when rates are effective to which Mr. Ward responded, immediately. Mr. Bindoo questioned negative trending and suggested critical analysis, particularly noted trending of 53E ½. Mr. Ward stated that many people haven’t paid for last quarter of Safe
Place.
Ms. Dibb questioned how they will afford a pool coordinator to which Mr. Ward answered that the pool is a “money pit” and no one wants to run it. Mr. Nichols stated that it’s difficult to have this conversation without the projections in front of us. Mr. Ward believes the pool revenues will show significant increase – all pool filters have been restored. Mr. Bindoo stated that 53D needs to show $50,000 in revenue by June 30th. Mr. Ward explained the need to adjust season and day passes.
Mr. Ward mentioned that the recreation director needs to be available after school. Maybe a part-time recreation director could be supplemented using extra full-time hours of Safe Place (would require increase to 37-38 hours). Ms. Wojnarowicz has been preparing bills, salary sheets and Mr. Ward has been overseeing bills, salary & programs. We will not need the head lifeguard person in charge of snack bar if pool coordinator is there / combining jobs. Recreation director from 40 to 20 hours and Ms. Wojnarowicz up 10 hours.
Mr. Bindoo stated that year to date $10,000 in the red is a concern and asked if Mr. Ward could use assistance/financial planning resources. Mr. Ward was shocked at the budget and has questions. Mr. Becker suggested a follow-up meeting with prepared financials with Ms. Wojnarowicz and Recreation Chairman present. Thursday, March 21st at 6:30
7:30 pm – Peter Rock, Veterans’ Agent
Mr. Rock explained the process and numbers. He also provided budget and printout of sample (anonymous) benefits. Rutland has been losing veterans, down to 4 people for 2014 (have gone as high as 11). He further explained the 75% reimbursement of town funds, compared with town lack of funds being supplemented at the state level with Chapter 70 money and no reimbursement.
New challenges: Women in combat, leaving children behind. Mother returns to challenge of supporting and caring for children with low-wage jobs.
Went through the budget line items – recommended adding flags (75% reimbursement by state) unless legion is buying privately. He gets private funding often for heating and holiday baskets. Ms. Dibb asked if he was certain he didn’t want more of a buffer. Mr. Rock responded if the Finance Committee and the town is confident that free cash would be available, then it might not be needed on the tax rate. Mr. Becker and Mr. Clark suggested level funding to avoid possible shortage and Mr. Rock agreed.
8:00 pm – Brad Weber, Fire Chief
Chief Weber presented a paper budget. He is concerned that the part-time firefighters are not being paid for training - FLSA violation. Reviewed line by line increase requests – total increase request 15.29%. Chief Weber wants the insurance to come out of the Fire Department budget and be put in the general budget. Explained putting gear into regular budget for annual cyclical replacement. He commented on equipment missing off high priority list because it is being covered by federal grant, written by a firefighter, and overseen by Seth Knipe. Hydraulic reels – currently have none, need 2, asked for 3 sets. Currently have three ram units for Jaws of Life, but basically just one good one, asking for one new one.
Rutland ambulance currently down and in DPW for repair. It is four years old, $80,000 miles, has been in for repairs 5 times since December. Currently using Holden for transport tonight. Not abnormal for it to need repair, is strongly recommending a second ambulance. Finance Committee member questioned the price of a van style ambulance. Chief Weber stated that it doesn’t have enough room to handle equipment, is less comfortable for patient and is not as good in rough weather. Reviewed attached lost revenue from missed ambulance calls / transports. Total in 2012 missed revenue was $54,935 (billing collections - $46,694.75). The Finance Committee is looking for revenues projections. Also questioned if there was enough personnel available for a second ambulance. Two full-time, 40 total on roster (probably 30 EMTs). Fire Chief is also an EMT, will be paramedic by June. The grant was for portable radios, exhaust removal.
Ms. Dibb asked for revenues for ambulance grant items to be added to equipment line item with percentage match money required, questioned $5,000 decrease to fire 5200 account. Reviewed 24 hour ambulance coverage – approved at annual town meeting of 2006, but never funded. Citizen complaints could negate state EMS waiver. Explained opinion of how high a priority this is for town. Might be able to get additional $20,000 in revenue from more aggressive revenue collection.
Chief Weber highlighted per capita fire spending. Would like to be closer to median and understands that police per capita spending is higher than fire. Mr. Bindoo asked the Chief if he had preventive maintenance strategy to which Chief Weber responded that it was just put in place last year by Acting Chief Knipe.
Adjourn: Mr. Becker moved to adjourn. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila H. Dibb
Board of Selectmen
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