Finance Committee Minutes 11/9/2020

Finance Committee Meeting Minutes  11-9-20 @ 5PM via zoom

Finance Committee Members Present

Rebecca Wolin

Jon Sylbert

Michele Miller  - left early 5:45

Others Present – 4 unknown participants

The agenda was to discuss the capital plan, budget procedure, Dons’ letter, Fire Company financial records

JS started by describing for Michele that the selectboard budget sheets are very confusing as they do not have current spend, or prior year spend,

We need to take a good look at the special articles and insure when we speak about budget increases we include the articles.

It was noted that this year there will not be a large free cash amount to apply to the budget as the dpw used half of it in February for their 2 trucks.  We need to take a look and try and put off large purchases this year.

JS – reminded everyone that the finance committee is a citizens committee, we are elected and do not receive any stipends

Michele left after this discussion

JS and RW spoke about salary.  Last year salaries increased 3% when cpi was 1.1%.  This year the cpi is .3%.  It was agreed we would keep salaries either level funded or 1%   Due to covid many people were furloughed or had no raises, we need to respect our residents.

JS requested that the  fire company release their tax records for the past 10 years.  They refused.  We can see on the state website that the incorrect 990’s were filed in the past.

The need for airpacks came up.  The fire company will not be pursuing any grants but would like the town to fund the entire amount.

We spoke about the not needing new computers every 3 years.  Out IT person Tom Roy can upgrade at a fraction of the cost. 

The meeting adjourned at 5:51