Board of Selectmen / Finance Committee
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Community Hall
6:30 p.m.
Present: Leroy C. Clark, Chairman; Joseph R. Becker and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary. Mr. Pantos arrived at 6:40 pm. Mr. Letsky and Ms. Dibb were absent.
Also present: Finance Committee members – Lyndon Nichols, Chairman; Matthew Hadley, Deb Kristoff, Karen Nahrwold, David Bigelow and Carlisle Bindoo. Scott Leonard was absent.
The Finance Committee opened its meeting at 6:30. Mr. Bindoo moved to accept the minutes of February 28, 2013 as presented. Ms. Narhwold seconded. Vote unanimous.
Fire Chief Weber presented a Reserve Fund Transfer for ambulance repairs for $3,345, account 231-5200. Some discussion. Mr. Bindoo moved to sign the transfer. Mrs. Kristoff seconded. Vote unanimous.
The Board of Selectmen opened its meeting at 6:40 pm.
DPW Superintendent Gary Kellaher presented the flow metering agreement for signature. Mr. Pantos moved to sign the agreement. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Some discussion on the Accounting Budget. Mr. Becker stated that the annual audit services should be increased from the request of $21,000 to $23,325. Total request for the Accounting Department is $55,259.
Mr. Becker stated that the Board of Selectmen’s budget should be adjusted to show the mid-year increase in salaries in FY 13. Some discussion on the MMA conference, lodging & mileage.
Insurance budget – Mr. Becker stated that Ms. O’Brien is still working with MIIA to work out a better number. Mr. Becker stated that after the adjustment at the special town meeting, the liability insurance total stands at $173,084; he would estimate $185,000 for FY 14 and will fine tune it when we get the actual number.
Karin Prucnal and Butch Nadeau presented the Board of Health budget. Short discussion, no questions.
Addison Redfield represented the Planning Board. He stated that he would like to restore stipends for Board members. Mr. Becker explained that a few years ago, all elected officials had their stipends cut by 50%.
Mr. Pantos stated that he attended the Recreation meeting last night and they have requested additional time to get their budget numbers together. They will be added to the March 28th agenda.
Meetings will be posted for March 21st and March 28th both at 6:30 in the Community Hall for additional budget discussion.
Mr. Pantos informed the Board that Bay Path approved the operational budget with a 2.95% increase.
Mr. Becker stated that the Rutland assessment at Wachusett has increased $640,000 and of that $640,000, $295,000 is our minimum local contribution. Every other district town’s minimum contribution has decreased except Rutland. Mr. Becker explained the formulas/calculations. Mr. Becker further stated that Julie Kelley from the School Committee has been working very hard behind the scenes to offset the increases to Rutland and wanted to commend her for her diligence.
IT services will be discussed on March 18th. Mr. Pantos suggested looking into outsourcing the Assessors’ department as other towns in the area have done. Mr. Becker reminded everyone that the Board of Assessors is an elected board – all the Selectmen can do is make a recommendation. Also on the 18th, tax title issues will be discussed and the Finance Committee invited to attend – Mrs. Hayden has also been invited. The Town is behind in collections.
Mr. Hadley moved to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting. Mrs. Kristoff seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Pantos moved to adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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