Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes –
High School Library –
Members Present: Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Michael Feldman, Brian Fitzgerald,
Charles Goodman, Jonathan Hitter, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Gloria
Rose, Gregory Sydney (late), (Hamilton)
Absent: Kenneth Goldberg
1. This is the 18th meeting of FY’06. Barbra Nadler, Director, and Lynette Hardy, Assistant Director, were here from the Library to present their updated FY’07 budget.
2. Barbra Nadler reported on the status of the Children’s Room and hoped to have everything in place by the end of March. Regarding the budget, a number of errors were found in prior years’ budgets from different administrations and the budget will be more accurate in the future. They presented a level funded, plus 2 ½%, and plus 5% stating that a plus 5% is right on target to meet salary, State Aid, and the fuel line.
3. There was much discussion on this amount and why it was necessary for the Library.
4. There were a number of suggestions made to help reduce the costs if only 2 ½% were available such as reducing staff, filing a waiver, cutting staff hours, being open less hours, reduction in materials, and using volunteers.
5. There was much discussion on these suggestions and what the result would be to the Library. Also a question as to what the unions will allow regarding job positions and negotiations.
6. Barbra Nadler will get information regarding cutting hours from 51 to 50, people who take health insurance, whether the Library can spend State Aid on budget line, the possibility of a waiver, volunteers, where the union stands on volunteers, and will work on a 2 ½% budget.
7.
OTHER
BUSINESS
8. Chuck Goodman reported that he had received adjustments on the Conservation Commission budget. He will have information on other budgets prior to next meeting.
9. A
report was received from a company called STV Inc., who checked out the
10. Jon Hitter
questioned the
11. Discussion was held regarding a Finance Director. All sectors of Priorities want Finance Director and each one making a case for putting in their sector.
12. Chuck Goodman reported on the effect of reducing health insurance costs so the town would be aware of how much could be saved. Much discussion was held on this huge expense. There was discussion regarding a health consultant. If the Selectmen don’t hire someone by March 1, then the Finance Committee will do it.
13. Ira Miller reported on the schedule with the possibility of additional meetings besides the four for this next month. Need for recommendations in the Warrant.
14. The next meeting will be on March 6. Some of the smaller budgets will be discussed. The Town Clerk’s budget will be discussed in Executive Session.
15. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
16. VOTED: 10-0-0.
17. The meeting
was adjourned at