1/25/2006 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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Overall Budget.Issues ■ Mr. Hutchinson commended Ms. Mason on her efforts on the budget process. He asked what the effect of her budget will be upon the tax rate. IIs. Mason noted the budget will have no effect and the rate will stay the samc. ■ Mr. Patrick questioned what would occur if Ms. Mason's efforts were stonewalled. Ms. Mason stated she has the Building& Grounds initiative slated for the fall and intends t persevere in her efforts. Mr. Patrick suggested this plan should be addressed on town meeting floor to get the school to support the plan. Mr. Hutchinson-suggested the sooner the issue can be raised, the better. He asked whether an article is needed to accomplish the Building& Grounds initiative. Ms..Mason confirmed she will have to go to Town Meeting to create director position. Committee suggested it would be helpful to show its supportof-plan. ■ Mr. Hutchinson suggested placing the town's Medicare reimbursement funds in general account, picking up insurance increase. He suggested it would be wise not to earmark funds so the local government determines its use. ■ Mr. Patrick asked for offsets to revenue generating areas to provide net budget. Ms. Mason agreed to provide infuriation. 11r. Patrick also requested details on the town debt level; Ibis. Mason agreed to provide. ■ Mr. Avis asked ed if the salary and wage increases in are in lira with contracts. FIs. Mason e nfirtned increases had been verified by personnel. ■ Mr. Avis expressed his concern with fire and police department increases, noting the 4 subsequent FY 2005 requests will be based on this increase. iris. Mason noted the department chiefs are not aware ofcuts until she presents tomorrow,but sloe sloes'n t anticipate adverse reaction from Police Chief as,he understands the to is attempting correct inadequate funding slowly. ■ Mr. Avis suggested reviewing contract for shellfish to pick up burden of shellfish and eliminate the department. Chairman Umina suggested reviewing bigger issues first. ■ Mr. Avis asked if the Snow &ice budget will be lower than usual. Ms. Mason noted sanding expenditures still high, but confirmed any excess goes into general fund. ■ Chairman Umina observed the Finance Committee budget is up 24%. He noted he met with the Cape Tech Committee, and he reviewed agreement and formulas discussions. ■ lith. Avis discussed the stags of street lighting repair outstanding for over a-year. lis. Urian reviewed the process for repair and funding. ■ Mr. Patrick discussed the recent structure changes made to the Bourne Department of y Natural Resources and suggested similar efforts be made in Mashpee, moving Animal Control to Police Department and Harbormaster responsibilities to Town Manager. Mr. Avis discussed the neves it r of a 12 mirth Harbormaster position. Mr. Patrick noted the total budget amounts involved warrant a review of the suggested. ■ Chairman Umina confirmed Animal Control already in the Police Department. Mr. Patrick reiterated his thought that the Harbormaster duties should be taken on by Police Department. Mr. Avis suggested such an initiative should be reviewed on a town by town basis. • + Chairman Umina will obtain a schedule for meetings and deadlines by the enol of February. ■ Mr. Patrick expressed his concern with the philosophy of business as usual and recommended the committee become agents ofchange as far as department consolidations, excess spending, etc. Mr. Patrick suggested the Committee review the number of teachers r gained. Mr. Hutchinson agreed mindsets need to change, by rated investments in impr vernent rimy also be required. .11 ■ Chairman mina noted each member has assigned departments and asked that each come up with suggests.