BOARD OF FINANCE
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
40 OLD FARMS ROAD
WILLINGTON, CT 06279
BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Members Present: Members Absent:
Alan Ference, Chairman Annemarie Poole, Alternate
John Patton, Vice Chair
Elizabeth Treiber
Robert Wiecenski
Peter Latincsics
Jim Bulick
Geoff Prusak – Alternate
Also Present: Christina Mailhos, First Selectman; Donna Latincsics, Business Manager; Tish Ignatowicz, Treasurer; Tyler Millix, Willington FD #1; Dave Harding, Superintendent.
Chairman Alan Ference called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
SEATING OF ALTERNATES – not needed
PRESENT TO SPEAK - No one
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2014 was made by Elizabeth Treiber with the following amendments, Jim Bulick seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
Clarification of the Auditors visit:
John Bauer and Michael VanDeventer presented the Fiscal 2013 Audit Results. After reviewing the report questions were taken from the Board. Discussion was held concerning the pension asset for the Town Retirement being pay as you go instead of funded ahead of time. Discussion continued.
John Bauer and Michael VanDeventer presented the Fiscal 2013 Audit Results. After reviewing the report, questions were taken from the Board. Discussion was held concerning Note 11 – Other Post-Employment Benefits. There is currently a $938,912 net OPED obligation as of June 30, 2013. The total actuarial accrued liability is $2,331,404. The liability has to do with the Town’s obligation in regards to health insurance for retired teachers. In 2009 years the Board of Finance, the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen met for a joint meeting with a guest speaker from Lilliman. The town currently funds the post-employment benefits provided to the BOE retirees on a “pay as you go” basis instead of funded ahead of time. Many members discussed
establishing a trust to fund the liability for post-employment benefits and funding the liabilities annually as they occur and not wait until the future when the money needs to be paid. It was also recognized that this total liability will most likely decrease due to the recently approved contract which substantially changed the benefits so engaging an actuary would be the correct course of action.
Board of Finance -2- February 6, 2014
Amended wording:
John Patton motioned that the Board of Finance approve the appropriation from the Park and Recreation Capital and Nonrecurring Expense Fund of $3,500 for boundary location and marking and forestry plan at Fenton-Ruby Park. Elizabeth Treiber seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
Regarding the transfer request for funds to remove the stripes from the used bus that the Town purchased from WRTD for the seniors:
John Patton motioned to transfer $4,000 to line item $0503 Capital Projects from line item #0133 Auditor. Elizabeth Treiber seconded. Vote was taken, motion failed. Discussion followed. John Patton amended the motion to $1,500, Elizabeth Treiber seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
Page 3, under CIP Discussion – should read – guidance from the Board on ratio or local funding for the Plan. Funding that impacts Selectmen’s budget.
NEW BUSINESS
CCM
George Rafael, Senior Government Finance Analyst presented the Board with the CCM Public Policy & Advocacy Government Finance Update and answered questions from the Board. The following topics were discussed:
- Flat funding in most municipal grants
- Small increase in ECS
- New MRSA Municipal Projects grant
- MBR Overview
14-15 Revenue Budget Presentation
Tish Ignatowicz presented the Revenue Budget. Some of the numbers have changed because of the Governor’s Budget. The revenue is greater than the budgeted amount. Because the grand list has gone down due to the re-val, a mil increase might be needed.
Turnpike Road Update
Selectman Mailhos updated the Board on where the project stands. There are $346,633.10 in STEAP Funds remaining at the end of phase 1A. There’s expected to be $97 K left at the end of phase 2 which then can be used for phase 3, which is estimated to be about $300K. They have applied for a $500k STEAP Grant. The grant will complete phase 3 and part of phase 4.
Transfer Request – OTH Water Tank
Selectman Mailhos presented the request to replace the water tank at the Old Town Hall. Discussion followed. More information was needed from the Board so the request was tabled until the next meeting.
Board of Finance -3- February 6, 2014
14-15 BOE Budget Presentation
Superintendent Harding presented the Board of Education Budget to the Board. The request is for $7,917,165 which is a decrease of 92,452 or -1.15% from last year’s request. He went through the budget and explained the differences and then took questions from the Board. The following points were touched on:
- Cost of health insurance decreased
- Contract Services – no benefits
- Change to one building – show bigger savings
- Subscriptions added to category
- OPEB
OLD BUSINESS – none
CORRESPONDENCE – none
GOOD & WELFARE - none
Selectman Mailhos informed the Board that the snow budget is close to being over spent. Right now there is $15,000 left in the budget.
ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Lewis
BOF Recording Secretary
| 
