Town of Rutland Accepted 1/26/16 L. S. Nichols
Joint Finance Committee & Board of Selectmen Meeting
Meeting Minutes: 1/21/16
Finance Committee Meeting Opened: 7:06 pm
Finance Committee Attendance: Lyndon Nichols, Karen Nahrwold, Debbie Kristoff, Carl Bindoo and Tom Ruchala
Finance Committee Absent: Matt Hadley and David Bigelow
Board of Selectmen present: Skip Clark, Stephanie Bacon, Wayne Walker
Board of Selectmen absent: Mike Pantos & Sheila Dibb
Margaret Nartowicz, Town Administrator, was also present for the discussions.
Board of Health was the first department to come before the boards to discuss their budget. Karen from the Board of Health was present to discuss. She informed all present that the BOH brings about $20,000 of revenue into the town annually.
Karen was inquiring as to why the landfill is still on the BOH budget and not on the DPW. Annual inspections are handled through there. Karen told us that they level funded the budget.
Margaret will be working on recommendations for salary increases. She asked departments to submit with no increases. Some departments complied others did not. Preliminary budget she has given to Finance Committee and the BOS reflects what the departments requested.
Gary Kellaher, Lester Grace and William Cassanelli were all present to discuss their corresponding budgets.
Building Department: Clerical staff was budgeted up a step on MTP. Capital Outlay budget will be used for purchase of code books. These were to be purchased in May. $200 - $300 each and at least 2 books will be needed.
Other charges are budgeted for training and travel.
Sealer of Weights and Measures is paid out of this department. This position has been budgeted to the increased amount of $1,450. Edward Seiler is a contracted individual who works for several towns. Originally it was stated that this individual was paid out of the Alternates line (paid on a 1099). Debbie questioned as to why this position was paid on a 1099 rather than through payroll. It was determined that this position is paid in June and December through payroll.
Electrical Department: Lester is already at the top step. Budgeted an increase in alternates. Purchased services are for dues, subscriptions and association memberships.
Plumbing & Gas Department: Budgeted salaries up a step on MTP for salaries.
Fees for all the inspection departments were last set in 2005. All inspectors are in agreement, and have looked at towns around us to find out where we stand. It was found that Rutland is the lowest.
DPW: contract negotiations are not known as of yet. Gary budgeted 2% increase for his guys on contract. Gary’s salary is budgeted 25% water enterprise, 25% sewer enterprise and 50% highway. Secretary is budgeted at 9 hours for DPW, 6 hours water enterprise and 3 hours sewer. Administrative Assistant is budgeted 14 hours DPW, 20 hours water enterprise and 6 hours sewer enterprise.
Storm Water Management is a new budget line, and is for dues to be part of the collaborative.
Gary has budgeted a new full time mechanic and ½ time custodian. Town currently has 43 motorized vehicles and 12 trailers, with only 1 mechanic to handle all the repairs and maintenance.
Gary budgeted 3% increase on most expenses. Fuel costs are decreasing. Currently the budget is carrying $91,100 for fuel.
Purchased services for the public buildings is for all maintenance, insect control, electricity, water and sewer.
Sewer Enterprise: 8.1% increase in treatment and transportation
Gary is looking for 3 full time persons. Very important to get 1 ½ persons
Healthcare for the town is increasing by 8%.
Carl made the motion to accept the minutes from 1/7/16 meeting. Debbie seconded the motion. Tom Ruchala noted that a correction needed to be made. The fire insurance should be written as Fireman’s accident and medical insurance. Unanimously accepted with correction.
Questions from last meeting for answers from Margaret:
Workers’ Comp claims are paid to the town and then paid to the employees through payroll. Questioned by Debbie as to why this is occurring. Workers’ comp claims are usually not taxed to the employee, however, by putting it through payroll this means taxes are charged to the employee. Also by putting this payment through payroll, the town is paying the employer portion of the payroll taxes on these payments.
Shared IT position should be on board for the end of January/beginning of February. 1/3 of cost is Rutland’s, 1/3 of cost if Barre’s and the remaining third is to Regional Dispatch. Contracted services would still be needed during this positon’s time off.
Listing of AR going into tax title as of 12/31/15 was requested by Debbie.
Financial policies was emailed by Margaret to the Finance Committee this afternoon.
Motion to adjourn was made by Karen and seconded by Carl. Unanimously agreed to adjourn at 8:39 p.m.
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