02/11/2021 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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4 Finance Committee Minutes February 11, 2021 Discussion of Wastewater Project: (continued) GHD, Inc. the project engineer is expected to bring forth 75% design schematics and cost presumptions for Phase I by March 15, 2021. Thereafter,cost estimations would be developed in multiple offerings for the Town and taxpayer to finance the project. Some residents may opt to pay their obligation in its entirety, others may choose the payoff over a 20-year span. There has been no preview of the Town Meeting warrant and of the wastewater articles planned for adoption by the Select Board. It was noted that Selectman Andrew R. Gottlieb made a presentational video which is airing on Mashpee TV and on YouTube regarding the Wastewater project. It was agreed this is a positive step in the right direction for the Town of Mashpee. The recommendation to employ the services of a Communications Consultant was highly regarded, and it is hopeful that all aspects pertaining to the wastewater initiative would be fully promoted. In closing, a brief discussion followed with regards to funding and how much forgiveness the Town may receive from governmental loans. The initiative to contact legislators for regional support was re-assessed positively. Review of Town Manager's Budget Request: The Finance Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the Town Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2022. The $64,924,643 level funded expense budget represents an increase of 4.89% from last year to maintain salary/wage adjustment obligations. Each line item was reviewed highlighting the following line items; In reviewing the Human Resources budget of$501,179 which is reflective of a$2,910 decrease in the departmental request, there was concern regarding the increase in expenses from $45,562 in FY19 to $113,519 in FY22 and of subsequent escalation costs in future years. For justification, it was noted the increase may be as a result of training and examinations required for certain personnel. In the past three years, the salary and wage budgets of the Fire, Police and DPW have increased by $1.7 million. The budget of Department of Natural Resources is also trending at a more aggressive rate from $545,283 in FY19 to $776,772 in FY22. Wages and salaries have increased by 11% however, the DNR is operating more efficiently while maintaining a more rigorous maintenance plan with little change in expenses. On the downside, propagation remains underfunded.