2/13/2020 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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4 Finance Committee Minutes February 13, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Town Manager Rodney C. Collins: Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Recommendation: (continued) The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Expense Account has increased to support the purchase of an upweller, a pump system to sustain young shellfish seedlings. An article is being considered for the Special Town Meeting to purchase the upweller unit in May for use during the upcoming growing season. Figures are being determined for this expenditure. Currently it is estimated to cost $33,000. If the project moves forward, the operational budget would thus be reduced. The $132,840 budget also includes the purchase of surveillance cameras. There have been identified violations that warrant further enforcement action and protection of the Town's investment in the aquaculture remediation program. The Building Expense Budget has also increased due to the cost of Weights & Measures, a service required by M.G.L. The Town is engaged in a contract for this service with the Town of Barnstable. In the past the Town of Barnstable paid for the services with the monies collected. The formula has been adjusted, and the alternative is more expensive. In reviewing the options, the function provided by the Town or Barnstable still represents a cost savings to Mashpee. Due to the need for beach nourishment,the continuation of the road maintenance plan adopted by the Board of Selectmen, drainage projects and the pavement study the DPW Expense Budget has increased by 20.3%. It was noted the Town Engineer position; $91,000 is now identified as a Sewer Commission Salary Expense line item. As the Town moves forward with wastewater it is better suited to maintain the Engineer position under the Sewer Commission to serve as a technical resource. The position was previously placed under the DPW as an Assistant DPW Director and Town Engineer position. with the change of focus it is the intention of the Town to employ an Engineer with direct experience in wastewater for effectiveness and to maintain fiscal responsibility. The new job description will reflect the position modification. The Transfer Station is also showing a significant increase due to the contract adjustment for the hauling of solid waste. The Finance Committee Reserve Fund; $100,000 has an appearance of a 146.7% increase due to the recent transfer of funds to offset the Transfer Station solid waste contract. The Veterans membership budget, an increase of 12.5% is based on prior year estimates. Proposed salaries and expenses are inflated just under 1%. The increase does not include any contract settlements at this time.