BOARD OF FINANCE
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
40 OLD FARMS ROAD
WILLINGTON, CT ~06279
BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Members Present: Members Absent:
Jim Bulick, Chairman Robert Wiecenski
John Patton, Vice Chair
Elizabeth Treiber
Peter Tanaka
Barry Wallett
Annemarie Poole - Alternate
Geoff Prusak – Alternate
Also Present: Donna Latincsics, Business Mgr; Tish Ignatowicz, Treasurer; Suzanne Chapman and Christine Psathas, Registrars; Donna Hardie, Town Clerk; Andrew Marco, Planning & Zoning Chairman; Robert Shabot, Conservation Commission: Tom Treiber, Economic Development
Chairman Bulick called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M
SEATING OF ALTERNATES
Elizabeth Treiber motioned to seat Geoff Prusak for Robert Wiecenski, Peter Tanaka seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Elizabeth Treiber motioned to approve the Budget meeting minutes from February 25, 2016 as amended, Geoff Prusak seconded. All were in favor, motion carried. John Patton and Peter Tanaka abstained.
The following was added under New Business:
Revenue Presentation
Tish Ignatowicz, Treasurer presented the Revenue Budget Estimate in which she is forecasting an overall slight increase in revenue. She reviewed the projected changes with the Board which include the Building Fees and Permits going up substantially due to Button Hill and Fed-X renovation. The fire department abatement will take effect this year which means a decrease of $11,000 to the revenue. Discussion followed.
PRESENT TO SPEAK - no one
Board of Finance -2- March 3, 2016
NEW BUSINESS
Tolland-Mansfield Probate District
The request if for $3,404 which is an increase of $84 or 2.5%.
Registrar of Voters
Registrars Suzanne Chapman and Christine Psathas presented their request. The request is for $34,029 which is an increase of $2,433 or 7.7%. They explain that their request is based on the number of voting events anticipated for the year.
Board of Finance
The request is for $4,544 which is a decrease of $199 or -4.2%.
Treasurer
Tish Ignatowicz presented her request. The request is for $31,294 which is an increase of $882 or 2.9%.
Board of Assessment Appeals
The request is for $1,335 which is an increase of $34 or 2.6%.
Town Clerk
Donna Hardie, Town Clerk presented her budget request. The request is for $105,779 which is an increase of $2,363 or 2.3%.
Conservation Commission
Robert Shabot presented the request. The request is for $1,500 which is the same as last year.
Planning & Zoning
The request is for $129,379 which is an increase of $23,119 or 21.8%. The increase includes a new position of a Zoning Agent Asst.
Chairman Andrew Marco was not yet present so Ralph Tulis spoke in his stead about the need for the position and the future of the department with Susan Yorgensen retiring in the next couple of years. It would be good to get someone in here to learn the Town and the department.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The request is for $4,579 which is an increase of $97 or 2.2%.
Board of Finance -3- March 3, 2016
Inland Wetlands Commission
The request is for $2,000 which is the same as last year's request.
Economic Development Commission
Tom Treiber presented the request. The request is for $6,745 which is an increase of $3,470 or 106%. The increase includes a staff position for $5,700. Discussion was held.
Housing Authority
The request is for $2,067 which is an increase of $87 or 4.4 %.
Auditor
Donna Latincsics informed the Board that the contract is up with the Auditors. A Memo was handed out with their proposal to continue for another 3 years. Discussion was held. It was suggested that we see what other options there are before we commit for another 3 years.
Chairman Marco entered the meeting. He spoke about the department said to be unfriendly to business, unprecedented growth and this being a revenue department. He talked about the position being needed to help with efficient and effective operations for the department. Discussion followed.
OLD BUSINESS
CORESPONDENCE - none
GOOD & WELFARE
Chairman Bulick informed the Board that we will be discussing the Board of Education Budget, the CIP request and discussing the budget requests next week.
ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Lewis
Debra L. Lewis
BOF Recording Secretary
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