02/07/2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

4 Finance Committee Minutes February 7, 2019 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Town Manager—FY2020 Omnibus Budget Review/Capital Improvement Program: (continued) New growth is estimated at $500,000 down from $1.1 million last year. The target excess levy capacity is approximately $800,000 for disaster or emergency situations. In reviewing the line items of the FY20 budget it was noted the Council on Aging Expense budget has increased by 19.23%. The COA tends to budget on the higher side with the premise that grant funds would not be received. Generally, the Town receives grant reimbursement, however, the actual grant amount is not known at the time of budgeting. Salaries comprise a large portion of the operating budget, 25% or $15,408,607 on the Town side and 30% or$18,248,518 for School Department salaries and wages. There was concern regarding the increases which encompass 55% of the overall budget as the town may suffer a breaking point in the future. In response to the concern regarding salary increases, it was revealed the Town of Mashpee expects a certain level of services. The budget has not supported any significant personnel for a number of years. The public safety positions included in the FY20 budget are not new positions, but existing positions that were unfunded. It is the responsibility of the Town to advocate to retain the current level of services. With adjustments to PAP, non-union and personnel contracts as well as collective bargaining, Mashpee is within the median on Cape Cod. By being competitive and within the median in terms of salary and wages,the Town is able to retain quality personnel. It was suggested that data be reviewed regarding the average Cape employment rates and the typical turnover of personnel. It was recommended that regionalization be considered to offset costs. In contemplating comparative costs, it was noted that all Cape towns do not have the same revenue and income as the Town of Mashpee. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins in support of his recommendations indicated that all factors are taken into consideration in the budget process. If there is turnover, the Town would save money, but in several instances such as retirement, there are no represented savings. The Town of Mashpee staff members are dedicated, hard- working professionals who deserve to be treated as such.