Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3/18/22

Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3/18/22

Meeting Opened at: 5pm

Finance Committee Members Present Remotely: Michele Miller, Chair, Jon Sylbert

Finance Committee Members absent: Katrina Fitzpatrick

Select Board Members Present Remotely: Steve Weisz, Chair, Justin Makuc

Select Board Members absent: John Weingold

Also present remotely: Mickey Jervas, Public

FY23 budget review

1. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): Michele proposed a 3.5% COLA for all employees with the exception of changes already agreed up for the highway laborers and noted that this increase would be the only one for the library, she was not recommending the additional 3.8% they have requested. Justin Makuc recused himself from any part of the conversation that involved library wages. Mickey Jervas explained that the Library Trustees feel the library staff deserves both as they have added duties (not hours) due to COVID.  Michele could appreciate that but noted that all employees in town have seen an increase to their duties/responsibilities and it sends a bad signal to distinguish some employees and not all.  Steve understood where Mickey was coming from as well and noted that COVID has presented challenges for all and each is unique.  Steve supports one rate for all otherwise we are going to see all departments requesting an additional 3.8% on top of COLA as well.  Michele made a motion to give a 3.8% COLA for all employees with the exception of changes already agreed up for the highway laborers and noted that this increase would be the only one for the library, she was not recommending the additional 3.8% they have requested.  Jon Sylbert would not second the motion as he said he was not prepared to discuss COLA until the rest of the budget was complete.
2. Jon Sylbert stated he only wants to see a 2.5% increase to the operating budget and suggests that, with the exception of the school and fuel, all budgets should be cut by 5%.  Jon still insists that several departments have continually been over budgeting for years although when pressed would not specifically state what departments were guilty in his opinion.  Justin responded that he thought the primary reason for turn backs in recent history was unfilled staff positions. Steve thought a generalized statement to cut all budgets by 5% wasn’t possible especially when Jon himself approved proposals by the highway and police departments just last week that include increases.  Michele noted that a 7.5% operational increase was not out of the realm of reality seeing as inflation is at 7.5%.  She stated that a 5% cut across the board is not the best way to use a scalpel and suggested that everyone come to the next meeting with specific suggestions/areas to make cuts.  Jon noted that he will not give specifics and he will vote against the budget as proposed.
3. All present agreed to lower litigation fees and expenses to $2,500.
4. Both the Finance Committee and Select Board discussed options for paying for the proposed F550 truck.  Jon made a motion to borrow the monies for the truck.  The motion was seconded and approved 2 – 0 by the Finance Committee. Steve made a motion to borrow the monies for the truck.  The motion was seconded and approved 2 – 0 by the Select Board.
5. Michele noted that she would like the Finance Committee and all departments to begin review of the proposed capital plan after town meeting to evaluate and see if there is room to make any adjustments.  All agreed this sounded reasonable.
6. All present discussed using ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for some of the proposed special articles.  Justin is opposed to using ARPA funds for some of the items suggested as he feels that they do not address the purpose of the ARPA funds and some are expenses that are recurring. Steve explained that using the ARPA monies on the proposed items is a legal way to offset some of the expenses for FY23.  Jon made a motion to remove from the proposed special articles the electronic voting, fire department hose, town hall cameras, milfoil and any additional monies that may be needed for the community center lighting and to have the Select Board approve using ARPA monies to pay for them.  The motion was seconded and approved 2 – 0 by the Finance Committee.
7. Jon suggested using an additional $50k to lower the tax levy.
8. The Finance Committee set the tentative date and time of 6pm on March 29^th for the public hearing on the budget.

A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 6:16pm

Submitted by:

Melissa Noe, Town Administrator

Approved by:

Monterey Select Board

cc: Website (www.montereyma.gov)

Select Board Members

Minutes Book

Town Clerk

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

1. none