2/6/2001 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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MASEFEE FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 6.2001 Present: Vice-Chairman Steve Cashman Jell'Arnold,Fred Blythe,Maryanne Gibbs,Carlton Meredith,Jaynes Morgan Absent: Dean Arden. CALL TQ ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Steve Cashman at T.03 p.m.,at the Mashpee'Town Hall, Meeting Room## ,on Tuesday,February 6,200 1. DISCUSSION OF THE POLICE BUDGET: Carlton Meredith handed out infonnation on the police budget. He said there would be some changes in the Police budget on Friday,after which he can give a report on it. If you look at the budget summary, salaries have decreased significantly. Discussion followed regarding what step level they are hiring on and Mr. Meredith said he would mi quir about the step level question. Also,discussed were the educational incentive budget and the expenses budget. rir.Meredith said he does not have the expenses budget as yet,he expects it by Friday. If they look at the overall budget and see that they come out essentially level funded;it looks like a pretty good plan to hire. The Chief is bringing in a part-time administrative clerk,part-time animal control officer,an additional dispatcher and a patrolnw and even with 4 new people,they are looking at a very good package. Fred Blythe brought up that all departments are looking at negotiations on contracts and it is not included yn their budgets, They have to figure a 4.5%increase. Carlton Meredith cornnented that they also have to add at least a 10%increase for utilities. Also,Fred Blythe noted that another %would be needed for cost of li ng money. DISCUSSION OF SCHOOL DDDR T: 'The Board members discussed the school budget. How much inose in the budget can they support? 'They took a vote at the last meeting that averaged a low of$900,400 to$1.1 million, The school's transportation costs should be a nen#r l item and should be out of the school budget. Fred Blythe commend that Blue Cross is not in them budget. Last year it cast one million dollars,and this year they are recommending that the town's o up another 0%, which is$1.5 million in media insurance that is not in the budget. Jim Morgan suggested that Board members independently review the school budget and come up with a number,and something substantial to base that number on,and come back to the Board with their position on the budget. Take out transportation,include Blue Cross and cone up with a most per student. The Board discussed coming up with a figure for all budgets. Jeff Arnold noted that Bob writenour mentioned a %figure. It may be a good idea to have the Finance Committee and Selectmen get together and cone up with a figure and say that is all we have,if you need more you will have to go for an override. Jing Morgan also suggested in conjunction with the Selectmen they put out a financial policy mission statement. CEP COMMITTEE: Fred Blythe discussed the make-up of the CI.P Committee and suggested having 2 Finance Committee members, Serer,'Town Adminish ator and Town Accountant. People who have the knowledge of the money available should be on the Committee. The'Town Meeting vote has to be rescinded,therefore,they have to submit ars article to change the make-up of the Con nu aw. A note has to be sent to the Selden by Monday to hold a slot for an article and the article must be submitted by March 28a. Fred Blythe made motion,to charge the make-up of the CiP Cottee as follows: 2 Finance Committee members,2 Selectmen,the Town Administrator and the'Town Accountant, seconded by Carlton Meredith.