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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCMeetingMinutes_05.01.03 . FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES May 1,2003 Attendance: The following members were present: Bernice Fink,Vice Chairman,Mike Batsimm, Melinda Coppa, Steve Dawe, Mark Nichols, and Paul Stewart. Al Perry and Chuck Ormsby, School Committee members and Joyce Bradshaw,Town Clerk were also present. CALL TO ORDER "B"Fink called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. "B" stated that the group prefers not to vote on anything tonight,but wait until next meeting. OLD BUSINESS The Finance Committee resumed discussions from the previous meeting on the FY03 and FY04 budgets. All expressed concern about the $474,000 shortfall in the Special Education line item. Steve noted that every year the School Committee finds the money. The members agreed that they still do not have enough information to make decisions needed before Town Meeting. Steve urged the group to reconsider raising the new growth estimate from $600,000 to$750,000 to$800,000. Paul noted that Jack would like all three boards to be comfortable supporting the decision. Mark Nichols noted that estimates on the expense side as well as the revenue side could be questionable. The group also noted concern that there is an additional expense of$150,000 in the health insurance for FY03. Al Perry then distributed revised/additional information that the FinCom requested concerning the Foster Farm Article. He noted the rewording of the fourth paragraph of Article 14, which will be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen at Town Meeting. Chuck then went over the information prepared for the FinCom. He emphasized that the SBA grant will go forward with or without the triggers. The triggers are a concern only to the Town. If the triggers aren't met, the Board of Selectmen can opt for a Special Town Meeting to do an override. The group thanked Al and Chuck for coming. Paul reiterated Steve's suggestion of increasing the new growth figure by$100,000,increasing the trash revenues by $100,000 and decreasing the health insurance figure by$100,000. Mark noted that there is a lot of dart throwing in Manager's budget. Melinda noted that the tip fee for trash could increase revenues by $100,000 because NESWC and Wheelabrator are now in contract negotiations. The group then decided to go over figures they just discussed. Those figures were as follows: Trash $100,000 Growth 100,000 Police 122,000 Elected Official Salaries/Benefits 52,550 Health Insurance 222.500 Total $624,050 Remove Police 122.000 Total $502,050 The group then participated in a workshop discussion by tossing figures around and then noting the impact these figures would have on the budget. Paul then asked about the value of Section 5A, Senior Volunteers. He said that in a bad year, the FinCom should consider the value of the program noting it costs$10,000. Joyce Bradshaw said the program is very good. Melinda suggested that seniors could be used in school libraries or other areas where the budget cuts occurred. ADJOURN Mark.Nichols MOTIONED and Mike seconded to adjourn the meeting. The vote was unanimous and the meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.