03/14/2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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3 Finance Committee Minutes March 14, 2019 Town Manager—Continued Review of FY2020 Budget: Town Manager Rodney C. Collins met with the Finance Committee for the purpose of reviewing the FY 2020 budget and articles proposed for the Special and Annual Town Meeting warrant. Mr. Collins stood by his level service budget recommendation deemed necessary to meet the needs of the Town of Mashpee. With the Cape Cod Technical School building project and Quashnet School construction project, funded by debt exclusions, the budget recommendation would have been less than the recommended 4.25% increase. Discussion followed with regards to the four unfunded public safety positions recommended for funding is fiscal year 2020. For clarification,the police and fire positions previously existed, but were not filled. In considering budgetary constraints it was suggested the funding of the police and fire positions be reduced and considered for funding the following year. There has been an increase in the demand for public safety response which has resulted in numerous calls for mutual aid. With reduced staffing levels there is a perceived appearance of taking advantage of mutual aid services. It has been determined there is a clear need for paramedics to meet the critical needs of the Fire Department. As a result, two paramedic positions are proposed to be reinstated. Although the town would require continued mutual aid services in normal course, the hiring of additional paramedics would show the good faith effort the town is making to address an identified problem. The new full-time Waterways Assistant position would function as an Assistant Harbormaster and Deputy Shellfish Constable for enforcement purposes. This is a position upgrade from 30 hours per week(with benefits already funded)to 40 hours per week under the Department of Natural Resources. The position would also provide assistance to support the shellfish component of the Comprehensive Watershed Nitrogen Management Plan. An additional new position within the Board of Health creates a full-time staff member; 40 hours per week to assist with the implementation of the proposed short-term rental properties bylaw and other Board of Health duties. It was noted the Sewer Administrator position has been reduced to Sewer Consultant services. Town Counsel is rendering an opinion with respect to this regard, and the Board of Selectmen is expected to vote on March 25, 2019 to add an article to the warrant to cover consulting expenses. With the approved debt exclusions for the schools, and the hiring of additional personnel, it was suggested the Town Manager consider holding back, and stepping the positions. In discussing the phasing approach, it was recommended the positions be supported,but staggered in terms of funding. This scenario would potentially reduce the 4.25%budget increase to possibly 3%.