Town Office Building January 30, 2015
Selectmen’s Conference Room 10:30 A.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 10:30 A.M.with Selectmen Kowalyshyn & Blessington and Business Manager, Donna Latincsics
Donna presented the Selectmen’s budget which shows an increase of $217,884 – 7.1%. The General Government budget is at a 4.5% increase. Donna noted that she has added place holders for the Library and Fire Department; based on a 0% increase.
Page 1 of the budget shows an 8.3% increase based on increases for the following; CRCOG and CCM dues; the Willington Word and salary.
Page 7 shows an increase of $133,000 (12%) for Public Works (which includes the salt price increase and asphalt plan with equipment leases).
The CIP number has also been incorporated into the budget, and includes a 2% increase from last year.
The insurance line item shows an increase of 8.6% ($27,000). Donna clarified that number includes 2 place holders; one being for an additional new hire if requested by the Land Use Department for an Assistant Zoning Agent. Selectman Kowalyshyn added that the number could be decreased by $14,000 if that position is not filled. Selectman Blessington warned if that position is filled, it should have jurisdiction by the Selectmen. First Selectman Mailhos noted that if it is filled by Planning & Zoning, we won’t have authority because it would be funded by Land Use, unless we request to fund it under our budget.
The Transfer Station budget can be reduced by the requested increase, as the Public Works’ Director has negotiated a lower cost for trash and bulk removal.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she does not see where we will be able to make any cuts. Selectman Blessington stated that we tried to be flat for several years. We went up last year and at some point expenses increase and the pressure builds. First Selectman Mailhos agreed and stated that the expenses we have (dues, for example) have held flat through the hard times, and now the vendors and organizations feel it is time to raise their fees.
The Dog Warden budget was discussed. First Selectman Mailhos will contact the Town of Tolland to see if they have an offer for shared services, but she warned that we cannot spend more money than what we already spend.
First Selectman Mailhos asked the other Selectmen if we should go with this budget, or try to trim anything back. Using rough math, the current increase could equate to a ½ mil. She does not see how we can make a dent in this without cutting any services. Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested to move forward with the budget as is. The Selectmen will meet once again on February 9th to approve the budget and the numbers for electricity should be in as well as numbers from the library, and Fire Department. First Selectman Mailhos will have had a chance to talk to the Town of Tolland as well.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:27 AM
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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