02/11/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda Packet

Home Browse Search

11 Board of Selectmen Minutes January 28, 2019 NEW BUSINESS Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Recommendations; Town Manager Rodney Cr ollins: Town Manager Rodney C, Collins presented his budget recommendations for fiseal year 2020, The $62,046,980 budget will maintain level services including the School Department budget With no anticipated override. Costs associated to the budget increased from$58,415,357 in FY19 include fixed costs,the increase in the Cape Cod Technical School assessment,debt associated to the Quashnet School construction project, an increase in salaries and in health insurance costs, The Board of Selectmen requested the Town Manager invite the Cape Cod Technical School Superintendent to an upcoming meeting to review the school budget and new construction project. The budget process was deemed a collaborative effort with productive discussions between the Town and Schools, The Town Manager's Financial Team is also comfortable with the resources available to meet the demands of the FY20 budget, All collective bargaining unit contracts have been finalized including FA,P, The Town is within the median in a budget that is affordable and sustainable The budget restores several positions previously unfunded in both the police and fire departments for public safety response, and includes an upgrade to a current position staffed at 32 hours to 40 hours per week in the Department of Natural Resources, Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated the Department Heads have been responsible and fiscally prudent doing more with less over the years, From a management perspective,there is no recommendation to reduce personnel,wages or benefits, In reviewing the budget and the cost of services that continue to rise,the Board of Selectmen requested additional information regarding the expected levy and future estimate projections. The possibility of new growth and new revenue enhancements were considered for sustainability, It was suggested the resources from the short-term rental excise and in retail marijuana sales be placed into a debt reserve to fund capital needs and sewerlwastewater. On the other side,the funds could be utilized to offset costs that increase and impact the budget each year in lieu of increasing the tax base. As the matter was debated, it was agreed the Financial Team would be consulted to offer different financial scenarios, The Town Manager, his Financial Team and the School Superintendent were commended for their cooperation and due diligence to bring forth a manageable budget while retaining the level of service provided by the Town of Maslhpee,