Wellfleet Finance Committee
Minutes of Meeting of August 1, 2012
Senior Center Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
Present: Sylvia Smith, Chair; Janet Loewenstein, Linda Pellegrino, Stephen Polowczyk, Thomas Reinhart, Ira Wood
Regrets: Liz Sorrell, Sam Bradford, Robert Wallace
Also Attending: Town Administrator Paul Sieloff, Assistant Town Administrator Timothy King
Chair Sylvia Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Presentation on Resident Tax Reduction
Manny Smith was present to explain his proposal and impact analysis1 on reducing property taxes for residents through a homestead exemption. Taxes for residents would be reduced, but the tax rate would be raised. The impact for the elderly and low income citizens would be beneficial, he said. Businesses would have to be taxed at the same rate, Mr. Smith said. He did not have data on commercial properties. Mr. Smith answered questions from FinCom members on other towns that use the resident tax reduction plan, tax relief for lower income, and the progressivity in the plan. Mr. Smith wanted to enlist the support of Finance Committee, either as an endorsement or by a neutral position
Steve Polowczyk moved to remain neutral on Mr. Smith’s plan because it is revenue neutral. Loewenstein seconded. The motion carried 6-0.
Draft Budget Message & Schedule
The Committee reviewed last year’s budget message by the Town Administrator and agreed that it is appropriate for Fiscal Year 2014. The Capital Budget message from Finance Committee from last year also can be repeated with some updated numbers. FinCom considered the memo from Selectman John Morrissey dated 7/27/12 regarding Wellfleet’s and the Nauset School District’s unfunded liabilities. 2 “Other Post Employment Benefits” (OPEB) were outlined in John Morrissey’s memo. Paul Sieloff said funds for OPEB could be a part of the Budget Message. He explained how he handles replacement of personnel while limiting benefits. Tom Reinhart and Tim King will work on the debt message for FY14. There were a few adjustments to the schedule of Budget
meetings, which begin in the fall.
Open Meeting Law Review
Several FinCom members reported that they had attended Town Counsel’s seminar on Open Meeting Law.
Recreation Dept. Follow-Up
Janet Loewenstein will invite the Recreation Director to a fall meeting.
New Hire
Paul Sieloff explained how the Assistant Health and Conservation Agent was hired.
Invitation to Marina Advisory Meeting on Dredging
Paul Sieloff said the Board of Selectmen would be holding the meeting on dredging the harbor. FinCom is invited to the meeting on September 11, 2012.
Liaison Report
Janet Loewenstein reported on Building Maintenance records being maintained by the DPW department.
Minutes of 7/11/12
Wood moved to approve the minutes of July 11, 2012. Loewenstein seconded, and the motion carried 6-0.
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Agenda for Next Meeting
Agenda for the September 26, 2012 meeting will include: OPEB, Recreation Dept. Follow-Up, the Capital Plan for Nauset Schools, liaison reports, minutes and mail.
Adjournment
Loewenstein moved to adjourn. Polowczyk seconded. The motion carried 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________ _________________________
Mary Rogers, Committee Secretary Sylvia Smith, Chair
__________________ (Date)
Finance Committee approved these minutes at the meeting held 9/12/12.
Public Records for Finance Committee Meeting of 8/1/12
1.) Impact Analysis of Resident Tax Reduction by Manny Smith
2.) Memo from John Morrissey dated 7/27/12
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