BOARD OF FINANCE
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
40 OLD FARMS ROAD
WILLINGTON, CT 06279
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Members Present: Members Absent:
Ken Schoppmann, Chairman Elizabeth Treiber - Alternate
Ann Marie Brown, Vice-Chair
Alan Ference, Secretary
Peter Latincsics
Robert Wiecenski
Elizabeth Marco
Annemarie Poole – Alternate
Also Present: Donna Latincsics, Business Manager; Tish Ignatowicz, Treasurer; Christina Mailhos, 1st Selectman; John Patton, Chairman CIP; Lynn Nicholls, Public Works Director; members of the public.
Chairman Ken Schoppmann called the meeting to order at 7:10 P.M.
SEATING OF ALTERNATES – not needed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2013 Special Meeting was made by Alan Ference, Robert Wiecenski seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
PRESENT TO SPEAK – no one
NEW BUSINESS
Transfers
Donna Latincsics presented the Board with a transfer request from the Historic District Commission. They would like to purchase 4 signs to mark the entrance to the Historic District. Discussion followed.
Alan Ference motioned to transfer $420.00 from line item #0831 Employee Insurance to line item #0111 Selectmen. Ken Schoppmann seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
Board of Finance -2- February 21, 2013
Capital Improvement Plan
John Patton, CIP Chairman summarized the proposed plan for the Board. He explained to the Board that the CIP is a five year plan. The request for the FY 2013/2014 is for $522,073. They whittled the five year plan down to 9.3 million. This years plan pays down old debt, replaces equipment, includes road work and a small amount of work on the schools. The following impacts the General Fund:
2006 Library Bond $230,250
1980 Mortgage Fire Station 13 10,144
2011 Lease for PW Dump & Pickup 24,179
2014 Lease for PW Sweeper & Backhoe 17,500
WHFD 5” Hose replacement 5,000
CES Replace Doors 12,000
General Reserve Fund (04) 223,000
TOTAL $522,073
Selectman’s Budget
First Selectman Christina Mailhos presented the budget request. The request is for $2,970,416 which reflects an increase of $240,141 or 8.80%. The biggest change is the increase in spending of $86,000, an increase in health insurance of $35,000 over last year and a 2% salary increase for all employees. The following were also part of the increase:
- Asphalt for shimming vs. chip sealing
- $13,000 increase on IT line for new computers
- $10,000 increase in Workers Comp & General Liability
The following was discussed by the Board:
- Salt and sand usage – considering the amount that was carried over from last year, why has the budget not been reduced?
- Salary increases that are more than 2% – due to longevity & increase to hours
- Tree removal service – the budget amount continues to increase. Is the budget in anticipation of a continuation of more severe storms or is there a specific plan to be more proactive.
- Increase in asphalt vs. chip sealing – talked specifically about Mirtl Rd and the shimming required. It means less money for chip sealing and fewer miles. Should roads requiring that amount of work be part of CIP?
- Computer expense – need to replace old equipment to be able to run the latest versions of software.
Purchase services
- Health insurance – includes one placeholder and a provision for insurance for the proposed hire in the Planning and Zoning office.
- Lease expense understated – budget does not include new leases in the CIP plan for the PW sweeper and backhoe.
Catch basins
- Equipment rentals
- Fire Dept. consolidation
- 2012/13 Budget – appears to be on track.
Board of Finance -3- February 21, 2013
Budget Discussions
Chairman Schoppmann updated the Board with a quick summary. The possible adjustments needed in the budget so far are $30,000 in Emergency Services, Selectman’s Budget Lease expense ($17,500), and the Region 19 budget we thought there would be a $395, 000 favorable, it is now reduced to $375,000 favorable in the latest version. With everything we’ve heard so far it’s approximately a ball park figure of a .67 mil increase.
Chairman Schoppmann asked Selectman Mailhos what she thought of that number. She said it would be irresponsible of us to try for a zero increase because there are things that need to be taken care of. But she hopes we can do better than a .67 mil increase.
Chairman Schoppmann said until we find a way to generate more revenues this will be a tough discussion every year.
Selectman Mailhos informed the Board that they took the resident State Trooper out of the budget and have decided to add it as a referendum question to see what the public says. Chairman Schoppmann asked that an approximate dollar amount be added with what it will cost each homeowner.
OLD BUSINESS - none
CORRESPONDENCE – none
GOOD & WELFARE - none
ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Lewis
BOF Recording Secretary
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