A meeting convened at 7:32 PM in Town Hall.
Members in attendance: Bothwick, Carr, Herbster, Kenney, Martin, Putnam, and Smith
Members absent: Croft
Others present: Town Accountant, Town Administrator
Mr. Bothwick presided.
F’10 BUDGET OVERVIEW
A capital plan was distributed as well as the Accountant’s budget cover sheet which includes unexpected uncontrollable costs. Energy costs are up $225,000; Health Insurance is $150-180,000; and pensions are increased.
The $150,000 for a water emergency fund was removed and the Crown Victoria for the Fire Dept. cost was reduced to $23,000. The wastewater initiatives are imperative.
If the Town wants to do capital items they will need to consider either a debt or capital exclusion.
The school has suggested having a budget sub committee including a member of the FinCom. There will be additional maintenance at the new school facility. If the School budget request is an 8% increase, the Town will have to override the operating budget.
Energy costs for general government are locked in for four years. Bids will go out in October for the fueling facility.
The Town received a $10,000 grant to join GIC. Once the Town joins GIC the employees give up the right to negotiate plans and deductibles. If the Town goes forward with this plan there will be savings. The plan costs less money because there are a lot of out of pocket costs. The Town will make a contribution to supplement the retiree plan; they will pay a portion of Medicare. There are no savings from GIC in F’09. Once the BOS vote and the retirees vote, bargaining will need to be done with coalition groups and hammer out an agreement. If the vote to join is positive, membership will take place in July, and the numbers will change significantly. It may be important to create an Insurance Advisory Committee to review the plan design. 70% of the vote is necessary
to take it to bargaining unions.
Based on F’08 the levy limit may be increased due to the growth amount.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE – Mr. Swanson may stay on this Committee. There is an amendment proposed to the by-law to allow for alternative membership.
FIRE DEPARTMENT STUDY – The study will begin in October and will be complete in time for Town Meeting. The study does not include facilities, or the value of paramedics vs. EMT’s. It is believed that the study will look at the cost benefit of ALS.
WATER/SEWER PLANT – Capital expenses related to water are on the water rate. Capital expenses for sewer are on the sewer rate at 75% and on the tax rate at 25%. How can the Town get more property owners on Town sewer? The plant can accommodate more people. How to allocate the sewer/water main issue needs to be resolved.
TOWN AUDIT – The F’08 audit is expected to be complete later in the week. The Treasurer’s cash is $4,000 more than the general ledger through June 30. The Town Administrator will provide a written report on the Treasurer’s office.
2007 MANAGEMENT LETTER – Copies were distributed. An ongoing investigation is being conducted regarding the transfer of funds from the Library Trust to the Library Foundation, Inc. There is question whether this is a legal transaction. The Town Counsel is working with them.
MINUTES – The minutes of 9/9/08 were unanimously adopted as amended.
The meeting adjourned at 9:24PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Judi Sabella, Clerk
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