MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF FINANCE
June 1, 2015
A SPECIAL MEETING was held by the Board of Finance in the City Hall Auditorium on Monday, June 1, 2015.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, Board of Finance members Bill Lamoin, Laurene Pesce, Mark Bushka, Thomas Scoville, Frank Rubino and Joshua Ferreira. Comptroller Alice Proulx, Board of Education member Fiona Cappabianca, Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Kloczko and Atty. Charles Roraback were also present.
Mayor Carbone opened the meeting at 7:54 p.m.
BUDGETS
Mayor Carbone explained that the Grand List adjustment this year left a starting mill rate of 44.80. The latest cuts, adjustments and changes were presented to the Board and Mayor Carbone noted that everyone is concerned about the impact that this will have on the taxpayers, significantly in the personal property tax. She proposed that the additional mill rate increase be kept to less than one mill, which would require another $400,000 in budget cuts. Mayor Carbone suggested the cuts be shared proportionately by the City and the Board of Education, and noted that state revenue determinations have not been finalized.
State revenue projections and reductions were discussed by Mr. Rubino, Mrs. Kloczko, Mrs. Cappabianca, Ms. Proulx and Mayor Carbone.
Mayor Carbone said that based on information presented on May 19, 2015 and revenue and abatement adjustments made, the additional mill rate increase would be 1.15 mill, with the City at .68 and the Board of Education at .48, net of revenue. She said the proposed $400,000 in budget cuts would bring the additional mill rate increase to .94 and suggested the City bear 60% or $240,000 and the Board of Education be asked to find $160,000 in cuts.
Mr. Lamoin recommended that City Council consider reevaluating the amount of money the City is spending on Education in total, and how it is being spent. He said his review over the last two years has indicated that money is spent aggressively towards the end of the fiscal year and on the City side, the labor unions need to understand that the City cannot continue on the path it is on. He cautioned that unless things change, services will have to be cut at some point.
Mayor Carbone added that the City really needs to grow its Grand List, and pledged to report monthly on what businesses are being brought in to the community.
Mr. Scoville said our land use needs to be more business friendly by reexamining our zoning laws, and encouraging commercial growth in deteriorating areas. He commended the Mayor for the deliberative budget process.
Mayor Carbone thanked the Budget Subcommittee for their work.
CITY BUDGET 2015/2016
On a motion by Mr. Bushka, seconded by Mr. Ferreira, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote to adopt the 2015 - 2016 City Budget of $53,322,426.
BRD. OF EDUCATION CAPITAL BUDGET 2015/2016
On a motion by Mr. Scoville, seconded by Mr. Rubino, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote to adopt the 2015 - 2016 Board of Education Capital Budget of $1,807,017.
BRD. OF EDUCATION OPERATIONAL BUDGET 2015/2016
On a motion by Mr. Rubino, seconded by Mrs. Pesce, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote to adopt the 2015 - 2016 Board of Education Operational Budget of $70,561,467.
MILL RATE
On a motion by Mr. Ferreira, seconded by Mr. Scoville, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote to
set a mill rate of 45.75.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Scoville, seconded by Mr. Bushka, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:37 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC CITY CLERK
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Carol L. Anderson, MCTC, CMC Asst. City Clerk
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