3/14/2005 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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k r Mr. Patrick asked if the school is able to move money within its budget arbitrarily. Ms. Mason affirmed they are able to do so. Ms. Hunter noted questions can be asked and accountability demanded of department, although this has not been done to date. ■ Mr. Patrick suggested school not be allowed to prepay SPED until high school parking fees are eliminated. IIs. Mason noted fees are charged but there is no revolving account in place for the funds. Ms. Mason will examine where funds are currently credited. ■ Mr. Avis proposed that the majority of voters at the previous town meeting believed they voted to abolish fees, when the actual article requested only to establish a revolving account for the fees. Ms. Mason confirmed the vote was only to create the account. Ms. Hendricks- Moreno agreed that many believed the fees were not implemented. 2 Ms. Hunter noted Finance Committee can require School Committee to forfeit,budget control to the town. ShellfishHarborrrasterHerrin Warden ■ Mr. Long suggested Henning Warden, Harbormaster& Shellfish Warden responsibilities be consolidated into one position. fir. Avis agreed to pursue the consideration, with action probably not to be taken until next fiscal year. Ms. Hunter noted there are statutes governing shellfish maintenance. Ms. Mason also noted union discussions need to be considered. ■ W. Patrick questioned whether positions can simply be eliminated. Ms. Mason pointed out that the work involved still needs to be performed. ■ Mr. Avis questioned whether tasks are truly year-round or seasonal, and whether vehicles are necessary to department. Ms. Hunter noted job descriptions are available from Personnel. Finance Committee Recommendation Mr. Avis asked if there are enough fonds for all recommendations in consideration of increased Snow& Ice costs. Ms. Mason indicated she recommended a balanced budget, but Snow& Ice will take a large portion out of free cash. Mr. Long asked if town will get some reimbursement from the State. Ms. Mason stated there will be a partial reimbursement but not in time to use this year. Mr. Avis asked if department beads will work within budget recommendations. Ms. Mason affirmed that they will do so. Mr. Patrick questioned hove much free cash will remain if budget is approved. Ms. Mason estimated $400,000 will remain, but noted stabilization funds contains a different amount. She suggested $250,000 be returned to stabilization fund to ensure adequate balance. ■ Mr. Avis detailed his concern that the return of surplus to free cash was due to employment issues that Will not re-occur. He suggested some departments may have to further trim spending. Mr. Long noted departments still need to request additional funding from Finance Committee. 1&. Avis agreed departments should not need further funding other 5 than for extraordinary, unforeseen expenses. ■ ]Vis. Mason noted a recommendation for the Town Clerk salary, based upon the salary review, will be available shortly. She noted this decision will be finalized at next Selectmen's meeting. Ms. Mason will email Committee members her recommendation. ■ Mr. Patrick questioned whether budgets must always increase, gather than ensuring consistent cost-cutting efforts. Ms. Mason stated that a 3.8% increase is reasonable. Mr. Avis agreed this is a valid concern, and that the goal should be effective financial management. ibis. Mason stated that the town's growth rate warrants spending increases. ■ Mr. Long made a notion to recommend budget as presented to Selectmen, pending Town Clerk's salary adjustment. Mr. Patrick and Mr. Avis seconded the motion; approved unanimously.