Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 3/22/22

Meeting called to order at 6:15pm.

Attendees:

M Miller Chair (In Person), K Fitzpatrick (Remote) Finance, S Wiesz (Remote)and J Makuc (In Person) Selects, M Jervas ( In Person), D Coburn and M Noe ( remote).

Absent: J Sylbert Finance, J Weingold Selects

AGENDA:FINALIZE BUDGET READY FOR COUNSEL REVIEW AND PRINTING

The use of ARPA funds (Pandemic Grant of $275,000)  was debated between Miller, Weisz and Makuc, with Weisz favoring the use to fund Special Articles and keeping the TAX Rate in check. Weisz stated that parameters for use may change over time and Counsel has written extensively on what permitted uses are. Makuc felt strongly that ARPA funds should be reserved for Capital expenses rather than to reduce the Tax Levy through funding of Special Articles.

Miller in spite of having voted with Fitzpatrick to support use of ARPA funds previously, moved that they should only be used for one time expenses rather than recurring expenses that belong in the operating budget every year: Milfoil and e-voting. Finance voted 2-0 in favor of amending.

The Special Article for Milfoil has been entered as a citizens' petition at $50,000, a $20,000 increase over past request due to additional measures which will be taken to combat the spread.

A quick review of the decision to borrow over 4 yrs for the F550.

Treasurer would like to borrow a lump sum to cover Library Loan, Truck etc. for a better rate for one year.

The question of the best use of Free Cash was discussed. The amount of Free Cash is available until June 30, available balance rolling over to next year.

Previously a figure of $475,000 was used in updating the budget although Free Cash could also be used to lower operating expenses.

Makuc questioned whether this was"hiding" true cost of operations.

Weisz remarked on the difficulty small towns have in maintaining consistent budgeting from year to year. "Growth costs money". Miller questioned the need for growth.

COLA rate was discussed and consensus appeared to favor 3.8%. Finance voted 2-0 in favor, stipulating the exclusion of previously votes on Highway Pay Scales.

Select Board deferred vote due to confusion on updated posting of time for meeting to be sure of a legal meeting.

A public hearing is planned, set tentatively for March 29. Fitzpatrick unavailable. Meeting date TBD.

Motion to adjourn.

Chair invited Coburn comments.  He spoke in favor of 5.5% COLA but stated that he would make his case at Town Meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:57pm