03/21/2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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10 Minutes March 21, 2019 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing—Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget submitted by Town Manager: (continued) Michael Evaul, Mashpee Permanent Firefighters Association Local 2519 President welcomed the Finance Committee to the Fire Department to see their operations. Mr. Evaul conveyed the importance of the Firefighter/Paramedic positions, a dual role of cross trained professionals. It was noted Town Manager Collins attended the Fire Academy to review the activities and requirements for training. At a time of need with the call volume over 4,000, it is daunting to vet the Fire Department's salary and expense budget. Being no further comment, the Finance Committee took the following action. Motion made by Mr. Richardson to close the Public Hearing. Motion seconded by Mr. Avis. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Roll Call Vote: Mr. Richardson,yes Mr. Pettengill,yes Mr. Avis,yes Mr. McKelvey,yes Mrs. Furbush,yes Opposed, none Finance Committee member McKelvey indicated in closing there is no objection to the Finance Committee working group document becoming a public document. The more transparency the better. The Finance Committee is charged with making recommendations. In his opinion,the additional personnel for public safety are a no brainer, and the positions should be filled. The Town Engineer position may be more suitable for an ensuing year. With respect to wastewater, there are a lot of unanswered questions. And,the Town should not hold a debt exclusion budget against the Town Manager. The Finance Director reaffirmed her position in support of the Town Manager's recommended FY2020 budget. In accordance with the requirements of the Department of Revenue (DOR), the Town of Mashpee is smart budgeting, and it is highly regarded to build free cash for the following year. With respect to the document provided by the working group, there is an issue with the message that may be conveyed to the public regarding the budget. It is felt that $9 million may be excessive in funds available for appropriation(free cash). In support of the budget and its processes, the Finance Director indicated that 3-5% of funds available for appropriation are required for minimum reserves. The DOR is impressed with the Town of Mashpee in its fiscal conservatism. Available funds support the CIP and allow the Town to continue to commit to the Capital Stabilization Fund (15% committed per policy).