BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Special Meeting Minutes
Town Office Building January 10, 2011
Selectmen’s Conference Room 1:00 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 1:03 P.M with the following in attendance: Selectman Millix & Blessington with Donna Latinscics, Lynn Nicholls and Residents.
Donna has put in the changes that were discussed at the last meeting as well as proxy numbers in all of the gray areas (non Board of Selectmen) to bring the budget to a more realistic number per First Selectman Mailhos’ request.
Considering all the proposed cuts so far, the Board of Selectmen budget has been decreased by $34,040 from last year’s budget resulting in a -1.3%.
First Selectman Mailhos said that the Town of Columbia is in discussions with Region 19 to tuition in a portion of their students. It could be to our benefit, and could happen as early as this September.
Selectman Millix says that he believes the Board of Selectmen should provide a budget with what we think we need to run the Town efficiently. We should then prepare for the worst case scenario. There are a few more things that can be decreased, but would be nickel and dime but it won’t make a dent in what needs to be cut. The three of us are going to have to agree or disagree on what we feel comfortable bringing to the voters. He said he believes that they have created a responsible budget for the most part to run the town. There is no other way around decreasing the budget by 7% other than looking at labor. His opinion is to maintain what we have. Anything we reduce will be noticed, and it will hurt.
Selectman Millix suggested to only use two contractors next year (for winter storms) instead of four. Discussion was held on how the work would be distributed among the remaining plow drivers. Lynn is to cut down to two contractors for winter storms, cutting an additional $30,000.
First Selectman Mailhos said we can go to the Board of Finance with the cuts we have already made. If and when the Board of Finance asks for additional cuts to get to -7%, we will need to cut an additional $106,000. That is at least two staff positions.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has contacted the Department heads to set up meetings to discuss what the realities are and what they need for staff support. She is looking for input from the managers before cutting anyone’s hours or jobs.
Selectman Millix has asked the cost savings if we privatized the Transfer Station. First Selectman Mailhos said she will look into outsourcing but has been told that it would likely cost more than we are already paying.
Resident Jim Poole asked if there is anything being done to enforce the State rules for how long we keep dogs at the pound. We keep dogs sometimes for six to eight months – even longer. He said the State Statues says after 90 days they should be dispatched. First Selectman Mailhos said that people donate food and people volunteer time up there so she doesn’t agree that there is a vast savings to be realized. The line item is mostly salary ($16,000; the rest - $2,080 goes to propane and electricity). The Town spends less than $100 on dog food. The rest is donated. Mr. Poole said if we have process and procedures that are not enforced, they should be modified. First Selectman Mailhos said that she is looking into regionalization with our neighboring Towns, but it takes more than one Town and
can’t be done over night.
He then said as a taxpayer, he is disappointed that the Board of Selectmen did not come in at the 7% reduction that was asked for by the Board of Finance. He is also sorely disappointed that the Board of Finance didn’t ask for a real tax cut in the neighborhood of 20%. You need to take a hard look at the people who are suffering. Even with the 99% recovery; gas is over $3.30 per gallon and heating oil is over $3.29 per gallon, sales and income tax are increasing, yet this Board and the Board of Finance does not see the need for substantial cuts to help people get through these difficult times. We are going into year 3 of a recession and there does not appear to be any signs to be improving. The unemployment numbers have gone from 9.8% to 9.4%. The number is creeping higher. First Selectman
Mailhos said we are at 6.9% unemployment rate in Willington and we won’t know what the Town is willing to support until we give them a chance to vote at referendum. Selectman Blessington said recently we had a referendum and 80% supported to maintain the Teacher’s contract.
First Selectman Mailhos said that the Board of Finance has requested to come in with a realistic budget to maintain services and ideas on how to get to a 7% decrease and that is what we are doing. Selectman Millix said they are doing exactly what was asked of them.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:22 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
| 
