FY17 Budget Meeting Minutes
Board of Selectman and Finance Committee
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Rutland Town Library
7:00 PM
Present: Finance Committee: Lyndon Nichols, Thomas Ruchala, Karen Nahrwold, and Deborah Kristoff
Board of Selectmen: Leroy Clark, Sheila Dibb
Others: Margaret Nartowicz, Town Administrator and Abby Benoit, Administrative Secretary
Absent: Finance Committee: David Bigelow, Matthew Hadley and Carlisle Bindoo
Board of Selectmen: Wayne Walker, Stephanie Bacon, Michael Pantos
Opening of Finance Committee Meeting: Mr. Nichols called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The Board of Selectmen did not have a quorum present.
Acceptance of Minutes: Mr. Ruchala moved to accept the minutes from the January 21, 2016 meeting. Ms. Kristoff 2nd. Motion passed.
Appointments:
Town Clerk- Anita Carlson
There is a proposal for a supplies increase of $40.00 to reflect an increase in the cost of dog tags and applications. The Town Clerk salary is proposed to be a 40 hour work week grade 4 step 2. One third of the grade increase was already allotted at the Special Town Meeting. The proposed increase is for the full allotted amount. The Town Clerk salary is under review by consultant Don Jacobs. There is a request for an increase in the Assistant Town Clerk Salary with an increase of 2.5 hours per week to the existing work schedule. There is also a proposed increase election budget. There will be 3 elections in FY 17 versus 2 elections FY 16.
Assessors- Justine Votruba.
Contracted services have increased for the FY 17 budget. The proposed increased is for $1,200.00.
Treasurer/Collector – Rebecca Tuttle
Ms. Tuttle requested a transfer for $2000.00 from the reserve fund for postage supplies. There has been an increase in mailings that were not originally included in the budget.
Motion made by Deborah Kristoff to discuss transfer from reserve fund.
Motion made by Debora Kristoff to approve transfer of $2,000.00 from reserve fund for postage. Motion 2nd by Thomas Ruchala. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Tuttle presented the Treasurer/Collector budget proposal. The Treasurer salary is contracted, there is an added stipend of $1,000.00 for certification. There is a proposed salary increase for the Assistant Treasurer Salary to step 3. The secretary position will remain a 16 hour work week position and be moved to a step 3. Purchase services will increase as a result of software support and payroll service increased. There is a proposed increase for postage and paper supplies. The Worcester Country Assessment has increased $30,000. Health Insurance is also predicting an 8.5% increase for health insurance and 3% increase for dental insurance. There is an estimated increase of 3% for Medicare based on average salary increases.
Accountant - Daniel Haynes
The proposed increase for the accountant’s budget is $83.00 for supplies and material.
Board of Selectmen & Administrator – Margaret Nartowicz
Select board salaries are currently remaining the same. Purchased services are increasing due to additional legal advertisements and an increase in cost per add. The Selectmen Secretary position is budgeted at 16 hours per week reduced from 19 hours per week.
Town Administrator – Margaret Nartowicz
Network purchases services are expected to be slightly reduced attributed to the shared IT director. There is a proposed new account for Town Network Supplies that would cover repairs and replacement for IT. The total budget would decrease $3,500.00. It is also proposed to decrease Veterans supplies and purchased services. Ms. Nartowicz is proposing that Fire Department insurance be absorbed into the town liability insurance.
The town of Rutland received a loss prevention award due to handling of claims as well as an award for $10,000 from MIAA for HR audits. Rutland was awarded the full $10,000 amount.
There are projections from the School District for an increase of 5.2 %.
ADJOURN:
Deborah Kristoff made motion to adjourn at 8:39 p.m. Thomas Ruchala 2nd. Vote Unanimous
Prepared by:
Abby Benoit
Administrative Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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