2/4/2016 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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6 Finance Committee Minutes February 4, 2016 NEW BUSINESS Town Manager's Recommended O eratin Budget for FYI 7: The Town Manager's recommended Operating Budget for fiscal year 2017 was distributed to members of the Finance Committee. It was disclosed the Town Manager's recommendation is in concert with the School Committee's request for FYI 7. Town Manager Collins publically expressed appreciation to the School Committee for making a cohesive team effort to support the Town of Mashpee in continuing at a level service budget. Mr. Collins indicated there are many challenges the Town is facing. This includes the matter of wastewater/clean water,the formation of a Natural Resources Department which is related to wastewater/clean water and other adjustments that will impact the Town budget. Mr. Collins indicated that without the cooperation of the School Department,the Town of Mashpee would not have met the numbers that are projected. This budget will give the Town the ability to make the bottom line work without having cut-backs. Mr. Collins explained that a reduction in an expanded level of service is not considered a cut-back. Mr. Collins informed the Finance Committee that some departments will now have an overtime account. To conform to legal requirements and to prevent an unfunded liability this is a necessary component when an employee is required to perform a fiinction after normal business hours. The departments with an overtime account include the Police Department,Fire Department,and Board of Health Department. To avoid negligence claims,there is a special line item for professional development. Budget assumptions include the additional new position;Director of Natural Resources to the Police Department, but ultimately transferred to the Natural Resources Department if the department and position is thus created by a vote of the May 2016 Town Meeting. Two full-time positions have been reduced, one at the Police and the other at the Fire Department. In addition,the budget contains a new line item to fund contractual obligations including sick buy-back. Mr. Collins indicated he does not want this matter to be underfunded. It was explained sick buy-back would be tracked. Unused funds would be returned, and would not to be utilized for overtime. All employee's eligible for sick buy-back will be included in this process. Mr. Collins again made reference of gratitude to the School Department for granting the Town some flexibility. Without this support,the Town would not have the ability to maintain level services, contractual obligations and funding the DNR. The Finance Committee expressed appreciation as well. Mr. Collins also complimented the assistance of his Finance Team in the budget process.