Joint meeting of the Finance Committee and Select Board 1-17-23
Joint meeting of the Finance Committee and Select Board
Minutes of the meeting 1/17/23
Meeting Date: Tuesday January 17, 2023
Meeting Opened at 5:00 pm
Finance Committee Members present: Ilene Marcus, Frank Abbot, Michele Miller
Other individuals present: Laurie McArthur (Office Assistant), Don Turrico, Noel Wicke, Justin Makuc, Susan Cooper, Scott Jenssen
Other individuals present remotely: Melissa Noe
Meeting Opened at 5:00pm
Call to Order at 5:00pm
Agenda:
- Review Special Town Meeting Warrant
Justin presented two items that were listed on the Warrant that would also affect the FY 24 Budget. The Building Commissioner and a representative from the Conservation Commission will be here tonight to discuss added fees and rate increases in their said departments.
Don, the Building Commissioner, requested 3 additional hours per week due to an overage in hours worked. Don discussed the uptake in permits and the need for additional hours to be able to complete inspections. Don said that he has been averaging an additional 3 hours per week to complete his required duties. The Finance Committee requested information for the past 3 years in regards to permits.
The Finance Committee and Select Board discussed the organization of the Special Town Meeting Warrant and who would be explaining the various items listed on the Warrant.
The Conservation Commission request for a raise for their agent. Noel was present to discuss the request for an increase in wages for the Conservation Commission agent. Noel is requesting $4,000 as an increase for up to 400 hours annually to stay competitive. Noel said that the Conservation Commission has submitted a request to increase fees, and Justin informed her that it was found that the Conservation Commission is able to set their own fees.
Justin moved that the Select Board raise the Con Com’s rate from $25 to $35 per hour out of the revolving fund this week and assuming the article passes during the special town meeting. Scott seconded. Call a vote: Susan- yes, Scott- yes, and Justin- yes.
Michele made a motion that the Finance Committee support what the Select Board just requested. Frank Seconded. Call a vote: Ilene- yes, Frank- yes, and Michele- yes.
- Review Operating Budget Status: % Anticipated Spending Increases
The Finance Committee discussed their approach to the Operating Budget and timeframes for deadlines to have the project completed. The Finance Committee said that their goal is to have a final document on March 28, 2023. Justin discussed items on the Operating Budget list and areas where it would be beneficial to meet with the department heads. The Finance Committee provided an update of work completed on this list thus far, and future discussions they will have with department heads. The Finance Committee and Select Board discussed areas that may benefit from a financial increase, distinguishing between increasing pay rates and making large purchases for various departments. The Finance Committee and Select Board will meet on February 14th for a joint meeting. Susan suggested identifying the department heads requiring the most critical questions. On February 21st another joint meeting will be held, and department heads will be invited to attend. Melissa reviewed the policy created pertaining to the budget. Melissa suggested trying to meet another day prior to February 14th to continue with this process.
- Identify Requests that need more information
Justin presented a document outlining several FY24 budget requests deserving attention from the Select Board and the Finance Committee.
- Adopt Capital Policy and Review Capital Plan
Justin suggested the Finance Committee continue to work on the Capital Plan and Policy and report back to the Select Board when they are ready. The Select Board members and Finance Committee members reviewed the list.
- Additional Topics as required
The next joint meeting will be February 1st at 12pm at which the Select Board and Finance Committee will continue their discussion on the Operating Budget. Frank suggested breaking the list down by departments.
Ilene brought up the SBVA. Justin said that this is on the Select Board Agenda, and provided an update of how they are requesting $50,000 towards a new ambulance. The Finance Committee and the Select Board discussed this in terms of the budget and call volume in Monterey, agreeing to reassess their figures in order to come up with a more realistic figure. Melissa suggested meeting with other small towns to see what they are paying towards the ambulance.
Michele made a motion to adjourn the Finance Committee at 6:17pm
Call a vote: Ilene- yes, Frank- yes, Michele- yes
Documents used at the meeting
- Email from the Town Administrator
- FY24 Budget Requests deserving attention