09/05/2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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3 Finance Committee Minutes September 5, 2019 Review& Action on Draft#5 October 21 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: The Finance Committee reviewed and took action on the following articles contained in Draft#1 of the Finance Committee Report. Article 9: To create a full time Code Compliance Inspector This article proposes to create and fund a full-time Code Compliance Inspector within the Health Department. The position is necessary to enforce new health regulations, the enforcement of existing codes, bylaws, policies, rules and regulations. Glen Harrington, Board of Health Agent was in attendance to review the justification of this article with members of the Finance Committee. Mr. Harrington indicated the Code Compliance Inspector will register and inspect housing units covered and inspected by the Town of Mashpee. Realizing the compliance component will generate significant income to the Town, Mr. Harrington was asked if the revenue has been fully determined. The Board of Health estimates 400 short term rentals in Mashpee. However,the estimate has now been increased to 600 short term rentals. In considering cost assumptions, it was noted the average cost breakdown for 400 rental units is $2,000 per week. With a 6% lodging tax, 25% of the 6% is set aside for operations. The average cost per rental is $350 to $400 per night. Registration and inspection fees could also generate an estimated $37,600 at the rate of$100 for a single unit. There are very few articles with positions that generate income and offset salaries. Remaining funds would be deposited into the Town's General Fund. It was noted that funding in the State Excise program adopted at the end of 2018 became effective July 1st. Under the State Excise List, 75 properties have signed on. Mr. Harrington indicated the figure revealed from the current Rental Excise List is now at 699 properties. The figure may further increase as the upcoming rental season nears. Three bids have been received for Code Compliance Officer, but the dollar amount in the article needs to be verified and may also be prorated. A brief discussion followed with respect to the passage of Article 8 the Rental Property Bylaw proposed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of rental housing units and the general public, and to main the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. The bylaw will assist the Town in the enforcement of state and local health and safety laws and regulations and correct violations when conditions require immediate attention.