11/21/2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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3 Finance Committee Minutes November 21, 2019 NEW BUSINESS Mr. McKelvey present via remote participation. Review of Budget Process Trend Analysis Turn-Backs & Schedule: Review of FY2021 Department Budget Requests: Members of the Finance Committee met with Town Manager Rodney C. Collins and Assistant Town Manager Wayne E. Taylor to review specifics regarding the FY 2021 Budget submittals. In process, the deadline for the submission of all department operating budgets including Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests is October 4, 2019. Department heads are required to submit a budget request based on mission critical and operational needs in order to provide essential services. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated the preliminary FY2021 budget submittals are reflective of a 3.45% increase in schools and a 3.2% increase with the town. The figures are preliminary as the budget review process with the Schools and Town Departments has not begun. The tentative budget meeting schedule is anticipated to begin on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 and Thursday, December 19, 2019. Finance Committee members and respective liaisons are invited to attend the budget meetings. It is anticipated the Town Manager would supply the Finance Committee with a recommended budget after February 15, 2020. Articles proposed for the May 2020 warrant are due February 10, 2020. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins invited questions from the Finance Committee regarding the budget. It was suggested that a priority list be compiled by the Finance Chair copying all committee members, the Town Manager,Assistant Town Manager, and Administrative Assistant for transparency and to allow for the compilation of supportive documentation and adequate response regarding requested information. The Finance Committee in reviewing the timeline for the Public Hearing and the requirements for the publishing of the warrant noted there may be a challenge in addressing recommended deadlines. The schedule will be further reviewed, but it was noted the process is consistent with past practices and the decision making process tends to advance quickly in an organized manner to adhere to the mandates of the Town Charter. It was agreed the Finance Committee would meet jointly with the Board of Selectmen to review the FY2021 budget at a suitable date and time recommended by the Town Manager.