03/21/2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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6 Finance Committee Minutes March 21, 2019 Continued Review&Approval of May 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: (continued) Potential opportunities include a $40,000 reduction is proposed in Human Resources. Analysis revealed an increase in expense spending from 2018 in actuals for physicals, tuitions and exams. Medical exams and similar expenses cannot be based upon actuals from a preceding year, but rather based on professional standards that are consistent with policies and practices of the Town. There are timing needs for exams and vacancies and other validated criteria. Under DPW, in reviewing potential opportunities, the sum $91,000 is recommended to be removed from the Town Manager's FY20 operating budget by deferring the Town Engineer position. This reduction would move various Town initiatives that are critical for identified priorities of the Board of Selectmen, and of regulatory boards and other committees and commissions. The Finance Committee working group was interested in the income/receipts for the Transfer Station, actuals and budget. Potential areas of opportunities to reduce the budget gave consideration for the Town Manager to consider reducing the Fire Department budget by $90,000 by removing $30,000 from peak hours and by funding one position instead of two. Additionally, as a suggested opportunity the Fire Expense budget be reduced by $35,000 as the Fire Department has only expended 80% of their budget. In response to the proposal it was disclosed that additional staffing is desperately needed to avoid overuse of mutual aid services for on call demand versus emergency staffing. The needs of the Fire Department have been fully vetted. The Town Manager, after attending the Fire Academy to review the training demands of EMS, stated it is critical for adequate staffing to send a Town ambulance to response and to transport patients, especially for those who require lifesaving support. With respect to the Finance Committee's working group analysis of potential opportunities it was suggested to fund one of the two Police Department positions. The proposal to reduce this line item by $53,000 would eliminate full time staffing at a time of critical need. The restored positions are necessary to meet the challenges of preserving the safety of the police and within the Mashpee community. The Board of Health line item proposes the creation of a new position to assist with the local option short-term rental tax. In their analysis of potential opportunities for the Town to consider, $56,000 was identified by the Finance Committee working group. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated there is concern for adequate staffing to ensure compliance. There would be a significant amount of revenue lost that is being relied upon for wastewater funding if this position is not filled.