Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – March 2, 2009

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room – 7:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Maria Anderson, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman (late), Joel

                               Lessard, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Brian Fitzgerald, Donald Gilligan, Jonathan Hitter, Josh Kiernan,

                               Edward Philips

1. The first item on the agenda was the review of the Board of Health budget.

2. Linda Rosen, Administrator; Stan Rosen, Chair; Sheila Miller, Public Health Nurse; Andy Stead, Member of Board of Health were present.

3. Linda Rosen presented the budget, one level funded, one minus 5%.  No cost of living increase for employees.  There was $1,809 difference from FY’09 to cover four employees who were not at maximum step.  $1,000 for legal was eliminated.  Also amounts deducted from office supplies, printing, and postage line item.  Minus 5% would be unworkable.  This would eliminate all line items.

4. There was considerable discussion on this budget regarding health inspections for any retail establishment involving food, septic variance monitoring, use of Revolving Fund, and donations for flu shots.  It was mentioned that the current Health Inspector, Dr. Lapuck, was retiring and that Sheila Miller fills in when he’s not available.

5. The next item on the agenda was to continue the budget review of the Selectmen’s sector.

6. The Recreation Department Director, Brett MacGowan, presented the primary budget.  There was an increase in Recreation salaries.  A new Assistant Recreation Director was hired.  He explained that more brochures would be going out at a cost of $7,000, medical supplies and dues for conferences went up.  There was also a need for replacement equipment and a server for the computer.

7. There was much discussion regarding the programming, adding a camp program, Revolving Funds, and collaborating with Community Education, Council on Aging, and Library to try to avoid duplicating the same programs.  There was some discussion regarding the use of a town owned vehicle.  Also rentals on the ballroom were increasing and making a profit to use to maintain the building.

8. The next item on the agenda was the Library budget.

9. Barbra Nadler, Library Director, presented the budget.  The salary line included 2% capacity placeholder.  The budget meets materials requirement to get State Aid and Certification.  There were two capital projects to be done.  When elevator is done, renovating High Street foyer.  Insurance needs fireproof book drop.  There is need for a boiler.  Septic system pumped annually.  The DPW does not maintain the library.

10. There was some discussion on the Library budget.  There was a discrepancy in a figure of the FY’10 column that was to be investigated and would be reported back to the Committee.

11. There was considerable discussion on the 3% for FY’09 for contracts not settled plus 2% placeholder for FY’10.

12. Maria Anderson questioned that given current economic conditions and many towns’ libraries being de-certified, then why are we anticipating a 2% placeholder?  This topic to be discussed at a future meeting.

13. Bill Fowler stated that the Accountant, IT Director, and Assessor were not present due to inclement weather.

14. The next budget was the Accountant presented by Bill Fowler.  Savings in salary because of changes in positions.  Accountant, Assistant Accountant, full time clerical, 2/3 clerical vacancy will be filled.

15. There was much discussion on this budget and how money could be saved by having in-house personnel instead of outside consultants.  Accountant’s salary increase was 2%.

16. The next item on the agenda was the Assessors budget.

17. Bill Fowler indicated the salary was a 2% placeholder.  A long term employee retiring shortly.

18. There was some discussion on this budget.

19. The next budget reviewed was the Treasurer.

20. Bill Fowler stated there were no position moves in this budget.  Funded in FY’09, funded in FY’10, same 2% placeholders.  Everybody in FY’09 is 3% in all of them.  Assistant Collector charged off to Water.

21. There was some discussion on this budget and the change of doing quarterly bills.  There may be new billing system for the Water Department.

22. The next budget reviewed was Law.

23. Ben Puritz stated that they have been able to avoid big law costs and were not anticipating a Reserve Fund Transfer for this year.  3.5% increase.

24. There was discussion on this budget.

25. Laura Nelson left the meeting at 10:45 p.m.

26. The next budget was IT.

27. Bill Fowler stated it was the same 2% placeholder.  The capital investment was the Recreation Director’s server.

28. There was some discussion regarding a suggestion that having all municipal buildings connected to the same server and phone system would save the town money after initial upfront money.  Could be for Capital request next year.

29. The next budget was the Council on Aging.

30. Ben Puritz stated they are budgeting 4% because of increase in programming and adult participation.  There wasn’t anything else in the budget particularly outstanding in meaningful change.

31. Ben Puritz reported updated information on health insurance program of a projected increase of 5%.  Level funded to zero increase for FY’10.  $275,000 savings that is the change in the FY’10 budget request.

32. There was some discussion on the health insurance information to be discussed further at a future meeting.

33. Ira Miller announced that next week we will have School Committee and Superintendent to review the School budget.

34. The next meeting will be March 9, 2009.

35. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

36. VOTED:  5-0-0.

37. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.