HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-15 Finance Committee Minutes Finance Committee 3/15/88 -
Present: Allen Catalfemo, Haskell, MCMeniman, Lynch, Greene, Harrison,
Burditt
Absent: Mucci
Call to Orden 7:40
The first order of business was a request form the Selectmen,
represented by Mr. Nigro, to reconsider the previously taken vote on the
Law Division budget
The Town Manger gave an overview of the Town Counsel's responsibilities
and past year budgets; stated that an evaluation of both Town Counsel
and Labor counsel is planned this year per request of the Selectmen.
Selectmen Nigro made remarks in support of the proposed budget increase
and suggested that it was important to maintain the integrity of both
the personnel/evaluation system and the budgetary process. "' -
Town Counsel, Mr. Cohen made remarks outlining the hourly breakdown and
the fact they are lower than regular rates and referenced the saving
which the town has enjoyed because of the legal work on tWire engine
bond issues, special education cases and a varity of lawsuits. - The
committee asked for the rationale for a 6% increase over the previous
year.
The manager responded that town counsel provides all legal advice to the
town and schools (except Light Dept. and Labor work) and he has found _
him very accessible.
The committee asked about comparability of costs with other towns. Both .,
Town Manager and Town Counsel responded that each community mangages
these costs differently and that costs are not always comparable
The committees voted to reconsider its prior vote 8-0-1 and then
approved an amended amount of $90, 000 by a vote of 5-3-0.
Article 28 - The town manager found that this article will have limited
financed impact for the town. The committee approved the subject matter
7-0-1
Northeast Met. Rea. Voc. High School budget review. The total budget is
$8,900, 000 representing a 6% increase. The Reading portion is $209,645.
Since no representative of the Northeast Met Reg. Vob. High School was
in attendance to review budget and respond to questions the committee
voted to table it 5-3-0
Unemployment Compensation was voted at $20, 000 (level - funded) 8-0-0
Medicare was voted in the amount of $50,000 ($12, 000 over last FY) 8-0-0
Workmens Compensation was voted at $102, 634 (1& increase) 8-0-0. The
committee suggested that the Town Manager review whether we should move
to an insurance carrier (because of current decrease in rates) or
continue to self insure for these costs.
Group Health and Life Insurance was approved for $1,436,000 by a vote of
7-1-0. The committee discussed with the Manager the importance of a
careful review of our health insurance program and the potential for
change to a less costly but potentially more comprehensive program.
The Capital Outlay Plan (Article 6) approved by vote of 8-0-0. The
Manager gave an overview of the plan; he expects very few encumbrances
on capital projects throughout the fiscal year. Member Harrison
recommended a compact summary sheet of expenditures.
The Chairman reviewed his discussion about the Pearl St. School with the,
School Superintendent. Dr. Munnelly felt that a decision by the
committee would probably not be able to be made before Town meeting.
They would need more time to assess their needs and enrollment figures.
There was a motion to reconsider the school budget for a potential -
reduction in personal costs. Motion failed 5-2-1.
The Chairman then reviewed with thecommitteethe Fin Com comments to be
included on the Warrant Articles. Member Greene noted an objection to
the unforunate characterization of town official's use of encumbrances
as noted in the minority report Dw +k4 "ar.
The Town Manger brought information to the committee on the proposed
utility costs for new DPW garage. The entire building is heated with _
gas at minimal levels. Electric heat was installed in seleted areas to
supplement the gas heat. This is primarly in areas where work is more
constant. Because of the high cost of electric heat Semeber Haskell
objected to the this arrangement and suggested all electric heating
equipment be removed. Another motion to reconsider the school budget
was made. Passed 5-1-1 This was to reduce the budget due to a $15,000
error. Haskell motion to amend to 13,385,925 to reflect anticipated
revenues. Fails 3-3-1.
School Dept budget amended in the amount of $13, 657,842 4-2-1
Finance Committee budget was approved in the amount of
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$2000 Personal 7-0-0
$38,350 Non Personal 7-0-0
$150,000 Reserve Fund 7-0-0
The Town Manager reminded the committee of potential requests to the
Reserve Fund for Casualty Insurance and the DPW utility expense
A motion was made and approved to reconsider the Fire Dept. Capital
account (4-1-2) (Harrison)
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4 A motion to amend the amount to $25,500 was made and approved 5-2-0
Meeting adjourned at 11 p.m.
146, �e
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