HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINCOM01102013 Town of Mansfield
Finance Committee
Minutes of January 10, 2013 � r-(J EVVED
10 , 1S OFFICE
Present: Members James Bazinet, Liz Christo, Michael O'Brien, Steve o4r$e281, 9ot$' FIe6Iy and
Chairman Walter Wilk. Others present included Town Manager, William Ross. A¢ ELT')
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Absent: Yogen Chemburkar
Call to Order: Chairman Wilk called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
Department present budgets over the month of January/February
I Approval of-Minutes 1
Chairman Wilk asked if there were any suggested changes to the minutes, and there were none.
Minutes of October 22, 2012:
Motion: To approve the minutes of June 28, 2012 (Feely/Bazinet)
Roll call vote: Christo aye, Bazinet aye, O'Brien aye, Schoonveld aye, Feely aye, Chairman Wilk aye.
I Presentation of Town Budget Review I
Bill Ross has distributed each Finance Committee Members with copies of the Budget. Budget has been
filed with Town Clerk. The municipal portion of the budget does not provide for any additional personnel.
The budget proposes adding$500,000 to the budget stabilization fund, $500,000 to the capital
improvements stabilization fund, utilizing$1,500,000 for capital improvements and adding$400,000 to the
employee retirement health care fund. We are using cash and not borrowing any money.
The School Department has submitted their budget with significant needs. We will work closely with
Finance Committee on budget. Most of the increases are in the school budget.
There are not any major contract negotiations in the future. Department Heads have worked very hard
especially John Stanbrook, Town Accountant. I am very proud of what we have produced and feel
confident on moving forward with budget.
Bill Ross will be attending the MMA Conference on January 25 & 26, 2013. At this conference, the
Governor will provide information to towns on their allotment of Chapter 70 money.
Bill Ross received the final report on updating the telephone system for the Town and Schools. The amount
is slightly under$400,000 to do everything.
Labor agreements are mostly in place for another year. Water and waste water budgets are balanced and
both have return investments. Long-term plan has been to gradually increase rates yearly.
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Health insurance is estimated at 8%. Bill Ross received the results for insurance costs will be no greater
than 5.1. Hopefully insurance will be at 2.6%. Will also see decline in cost for retirees through Medex.
Electric budget is done and will go to the Electric Commission in February. Electric Commissioners have
overall say with budget.
CIP Business.Update&Unanticipated Discussion
New DPW Facility is about $8 million. The new facility would store vehicles and machines. Discussion on
expanding facility to include MEMA, Fire, Police, and DPW in the new facility.
DPW has spent about$1 million a year on road.
After long discussion, Finance Committee would like to see more detailed in formation on DPW facility and
other capital projects. Also would like to invite Shawn Burke, Planning, to a meeting.
Finance Committee would like to see a 5-year capital plan.
Updated Business.
I
Town Budget Meeting: Saturday, February 2"d 9am-12pm; with Bill Ross and Department Heads. Finance
Committee would like full details for each department with comparison of other years.
School Budget Meeting: Saturday, February 9th 9am-12pm; with Brenda Hodges, Ed Vozzella and School
Committee. Finance Committee would like to receive the School Budget (similar in detail to Town Budget)
in advance to review prior to meeting.
Regular Finance Committee Meeting: Thursday, January 24th -
Liz Christo suggested putting together a press release on what the Finance Committee is working on. Also,
put together two workshops on Saturdays in March for the public. Communication is a main goal of the
Finance Committee.
�r 5ctooi Up��
Ask for complete detailed report similar to what Bill Ross produced. Details must be very specific with
payroll, supplies, etc. Many things need to be clarified. Finance Committee needs more information on
where all the money is being spent.
What are revolving accounts used for? Need more information on what is state mandated. What is
certification?
What are revolving accounts used for? Want to figure out what to do with all money. Finance Committee
would like to better understanding of school improvement plan. Need more information on state
mandates.
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Closing
Finance Committee will give the School Department a target number possibly 4.6; then they can prioritize.
School Department had twice historical free cash spending last year.
Give information to School Department and get information back from School Department.
-Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn at 9:47pm (Shoonveld/Feely)
Roll call vote: Christo aye, Bazinet aye, O'Brien aye, Schoonveld aye, Feely aye, Chairman Wilk aye.
ZJz113
Signa re of Clerk Date of Approval
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