1/25/2006 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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MASHPEE FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY,J NUA Y , 2006 Present: Gerald Umina, Chairman Chris Avis, Alison Bressi, Chuck Gasior, Desiree Hendricks-Moreno, Bob Hutchinson, Ken Patrick Guest: Joyce Mason, Town Manager 'AIT To ORDER Chairman Um.ina called-a meeting of the Finance Committee to order at 7:04 p.m. at Mashpee Town Hall. OLD BUSINESS FY27 Budget Town Manager Recommendation ■ IIs. Mason presented her recommended budget as balanced with a 4.96% increase. She noted health benefit costs increased %1 and budget reflects a 20% increase in energy costs. The-town also realized a 12% increase in insurance premiums. ■ Is. Mason outlined her plan to move funds from Finance Director Budget to the Selectmen Budget in order to find the Assistant Town Manager position..This resulted in an 18% increase to the Selectmen's budget. ■ Ms. Mason detailed the transfer of Buildings & Grounds monies to the DPW budget. ■ Ms. Mason noted the Cape Tech contribution amount is not yet finalized. Chairman Umina stated there is an expected 3.97% increased in these funds, mostly due to increased utilities and transportation costs. He noted Mashpee will send an additional 5 students to the Tech school in 2007. ■ Ms. Mason noted 10,000 reduction in state Chapter 70 funds. She indicated lottery and pilot funds will increase, which will be used to fund capital expenditures in October. She stated all capital expenditures are on hold until October except for police cruisers and DPW true payment. ■ Ms. Mason outlined her recommendation of a 4.5% increase in the school budget, over the .6%requested by the school. She observed the school department intends to hold firm to its requests. F ■ Ms. Mason noted Selectmen Myers asked for bonding to pay Capital Improvement Projects. Ms.Mason recommended against formula as it may harm town's bond ratiri . ■ Mr. Avis noted the lottery funds figure was not correct; IVIS. Mason clarified that the cap � was removed. ■ Chairman rrmin noted the town was 2 from the bottom in Chapter fundir . Ms. � g Mason agreed, observing that the Cape did not fare well under the Governor's budget proposal. ■ Ms. Mason stated she would be happy to meet with any Committee members to discuss concerns prior to finalizing budget. She stated the police budget'requests carne in higher than she could recommend. ■ Mr. Patrick discussed the options of transferring current responsibilities of Herring warden, Animal Control and Harbormaster into Police Department. Ms. Mason observed there are plumes that must be monitored. Mr. Avis confirmed that Herring runs are closed.