6/13/2013 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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(NEW BUSINESS, ont'd that the choice has to be made as to what the percentage increase should be over the next years. 1r. DiBuono stated his feeling that the Town Manager and her staff are doing a wonderful job with the budget, and it seems that the Finance Committee is ripping at the edges of her proposed budget after it is presented for review by the Finance Committee. Christopher Avis suggested working out a couple of budget scenarios, using a -1, 03 +1. Ms. Mason said this would involve some additional work, but it could be done. Mr. Di u enc asked what input lolls. Mason would like from the Finance Committee prior to her budget instructions to the various departments. Ms. Mason stated that she must look at the fixed costs and the fixed income before going out to the departments with a recommended budget. Mr. DiBuono recommended mended that the Finance Committee be consulted prior to ills. Mason contacting the departments with her budget requests. Mr. Gasior commented that according to the Charter, the budget is the Town tanager's budget; we as a committee are answerable to the legislative branch of government (the taxpayers). If the committee appears to be working in conjunction with the Town Manager, it could conceivably be construed as a collaborative effort. Theresa Cook repeated that the Charter states it is the Town Manager's budget, and it is the role of the Finance Committee to review the Town Manager's proposed budget. Ms. Cook stated that to her opinion, Ms. Mason has worked very well over the past years with the Finance Committee with a give-and-take approach to finalizing the budget. Ms. Cook agreed with Charles Gasior that we reed to maintain a separation between the Town Manager and the Finance Committee, in order to adhere to the intent of the Charter. Mark Davinj suggested that the Finance Committee work up a budget goal as a useful tool t compare to the Town Manager's proposed budget, thereby working together while keeping both entities separate. Joyce Mason could then review the Finance Committee ideas to determine how far apart we are. George Schmidt stated that in this scenario, it would become increasingly important for the Finance Committee department liaisons to work closely with their assigned departments to ensure a clear understanding of the departmental needs. It was agreed by the Committee to attempt a -year forecast by using the date of June 30, 2013 as the start data; the 2014 budget already has been approved, thus 2015 will be the first forecast year, with years 2016 and 2017 to follow. • Finance Commi tee Annual Reorganization George Schmidt expressed his thanks to the entire committee and the recording secretary for their help and support during the year. Charles Gash was especially thanked for doing a wonderful job in getting out the annual report. George Schmidt made a motion to nominate Mark Davini as the new Chairman. Christopher Avis seconded the motion. Mr. Davini accepted the nomination. The motion was unanimously passed.