Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 2/8/22 - 6pm

Minutes of the meeting of 2/8/22

Meeting Opened at: 6pm

Finance Committee Members Present: Michele Miller, Chair, Katrina Fitzpatrick

Finance Committee Members present remotely: Jon Sylbert

Also present: Don Coburn, Susan Cooper, Peter Murkett, Steve Weisz, Justin Makuc, Lauren Behrman, Jeff Zimmerman

Also present remotely: Frank Upton, Jon Sylbert, Janet Jensen

Michele Miller announce that this was a joint meeting of the Finance Committee and Select Board to review the FY23 budget requests.  Michele welcomed Lauren Behrman and stated she asked her to attend to observe the board interactions and suggest ways she may be able to help considering her experience with conflict resolution.  Michele also stated for the record that minutes would be prepared by Melissa Noe for both boards.

Budget items discussed:

1. Grant wages: Steve explained that it has been proposed to lower this based on the monies spent last year (below $10k) and since $0 has been spent to date.
2. Computers & software: Steve questioned whether the proposed $4k would be enough.  Justin suggested consulting with Tom Roy and stated he was in favor of spending more money to be proactive in keeping out technology up to date.
3. Clerk: Michele Miller stated that additional information and meetings are necessary as the Town Clerk’s requested increase is substantial and her initial presentation was incomplete.  Michele will be sending the Clerk of questions that will need to be answered prior to this request being considered.
4. Police: Melissa was asked to provide a summary of the proposed new staffing structure with the Chief’s retirement coming.  Questions were asked about the health insurance impacts, Melissa will get that information.
5. Fire: Melissa let everyone know that she and the Fire Chief met and the compensation has been lowered as requested with the caveat that if FY23 sees a large amount of calls above what was estimated there may be a need for additional monies.
6. Transfer station: This item is on hold until the new committee is formed and presents their staffing recommendations.
7. Library: It was explained that the library is requesting an additional 3.8% for staff for additional responsibilities due to COVID, more discussion will be had on this at a later date.  Mickey Jervas is requesting the town pay $100k on the loan which includes a pay down on principal.  Don Coburn suggested the boards consider using a substantial portion of free cash from the $340k error last year to pay down more of the loan.
8. Stabilization accounts: Conversations took place about whether 3 separate funds are necessary or should they be combined into one.  This discussion will continue to a future meeting.  DOR recommends that free cash should total about 3% of our budget and stabilization 3%.  Our auditor recommends a combined total of the 2 to be somewhere around 6-10% of our budget.
9. Shared Human Resources position: Steve explained that once someone has been hired the intent is to have this person begin doing evaluations so that a merit raise system can be instituted rather than giving everyone the same percentage across the board.
10. Cost of living adjustments (COLA):
    1. From FY13-21, 2% was given each year, last year was 3.5%.
    2. Steve noted that Monterey has never used a formula in determining what the COLA would be for that year.
    3. Discussion ensued about the 7% inflation rate for this year and larger than normal social security COLA.  Don Coburn pointed out that Monterey is not unionized and thus the Board can do whatever they want but he wouldn’t recommend that. Don also suggested that since Monterey has never adopted a merit raise system, he thinks the town is obligated to be more giving when considering COLA’s. Susan Cooper commented that cost of living never goes down, food shopping prices have risen dramatically as has fuel.
    4. Steve noted that while he would love to give everyone 10%, he doesn’t want to burden the taxpayers and suggested he would be comfortable in the 3.5-4% range.

A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 7:07pm

Submitted by:

Melissa Noe, Town Administrator

cc: Website (www.montereyma.gov)

Minutes Book

Town Clerk

Any documents used in the meeting are listed below and are available by request at town hall.

1. FY23 draft budget