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5 <br /> Finance Committee <br /> Minutes <br /> February 8, 2018 <br /> Town Manager-—FYI 9 Budget Review: (continued) <br /> The long term financial plan of the Town was revisited. In the ten-year forecast nine funding <br /> scenarios are presented from 2018 through 2027. The scenarios begin with no wastewater <br /> assumptions and continue with wastewater assumptions at different interest rates and phases. <br /> The financial comparison was obtained with the use of averages and figures from the prior three <br /> years. <br /> In the regular budget process, revenue available for appropriation (formerly free cash, an <br /> estimated $7.8 million) is used to offset the budget. Last year, $1 million was used to <br /> supplement the FY18 budget. In FYI 9,the sum of$1,550,000 is assigned to the operating <br /> budget. Additional revenue available for appropriation/free cash; $1.1 million in FYI will also <br /> be earmarked to the Capital Stabilization Account, Free cash will also be added to the capital <br /> program in ensuing years. <br /> The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget recommendation is $1,423,700. This include <br /> obligated lease/purchase agreements with the Police and Fire Departments, the replacement of <br /> various equipment to the DPW, a boat for the Harbormaster, and Planning & Construction <br /> improvements which includes flooring replacement at the schools and a DPW storage garage <br /> with related parking improvements. The Fire Engine/Tanker and purchase of an ambulance, and <br /> an ADA compliant van is included in this budget assumption. The CIP Public Hearing, a joint <br /> meeting with the Board of Selectmen will be held on February 26, 2018. <br /> To avoid spikes in the budget, it was recommended the School Department incorporate their <br /> projects in the Capital Improvement Program plan. <br /> Ina cooperative effort, $2,583,526.32 was received in FYI Department Turn-backs. This <br /> figure also includes principal and interest payments in addition to county retirement and <br /> insurance overages. All turn-backs revert to revenue available for appropriation/free cash. <br /> Highlights of the budget include the addition of the Local Meals tax adding $350,000 to the <br /> Local Estimated Receipts budget projection. The Quashnet School Window/Door/Roof project <br /> and Cape Cod Technical High School construction project are considered as debt exclusions. All <br /> debt obligations relative to the CPC (formerly Land Bank) will expire in 2027. <br /> With regards to the potential for unsustainability due to salary escalations, county-wide <br /> regionalization was considered. It was noted the majority of fiscal increases result in payroll <br /> obligations which are driven by collective bargaining agreements, and expenditures such as <br /> county retirement cannot be controlled. To remain competitive and to retain quality personnel, <br /> the Town has preference to continue its practice to derive within the median level in terms of <br /> rates and benefits. To maintain a competitive balance,the Town reviews its personnel structure <br /> on a ten-year basis. <br />