01/07/2021 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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4 Finance Committee Minutes January 7, 2021 NEW BUSINESS Presentation from Town Manager: Town Manager Rodney C. Collins was present to review matters associated to the FY2021 budget with the Finance Committee. In the course of review, preliminary budget meetings have been conducted with Department Heads, with Finance Committee members attending budget sessions as respective departmental liaisons. The Town Manager requested comment from the Finance Committee with regards to budget assumptions. With the COVID emergency the Town Manager was asked how the Town is tightening its belt in terms of budget reductions. And, if it is plausible to freeze any upcoming negotiated personnel raises or expenses as this type of information is important to the public to ensure the Town is fiscally conservative. Town Manager Collins responded by stating the Town of Mashpee has had a fairly consistent history of maintaining conservative operations while focusing on critical needs. Therefore, the Town in general is fiscally conservative. The majority of operational costs derive from personnel in costs associated to salary, wages and overtime expenses. Due to contractual obligations it is not possible to freeze contractually scheduled pay adjustments which include contract negotiations, cost of living adjustments and step increases. This gives little discretion with respect to conserving essential expenses. The Town Manager inquired as to where and if the Finance Committee would like to make reductions to the budget. Currently, the Town of Mashpee is on target with anticipated revenues. It is hopeful there will be overall improvements soon with the lessening of the COVID-19 virus to bring back a sense of normalcy. There is caution in looking ahead to FY22 with respect to State Aid assistance, but there is no indication of a reduction in this category at this time. Although uncertainties may emerge Town Manager Collins indicated he remains optimistic. As a result of recent Town Meeting action it is anticipated that additional revenue is on the horizon. As discussion continued the consolidation of operations and the regional approach to the sharing of services was given consideration. Town Manager Collins noted the Town presently shares services in law enforcement and there are cost savings relative to staffing and operations as a result. Communities tend to maintain their own unique interests and needs, and at times there can be competing interests and needs that may create conflict when a servant is assuming a responsibility for both communities. Currently, there are no active conversations with neighboring towns regarding the regionalization of services, but the Town is receptive to any proposals including recommendations brought forth by the Finance Committee. Shared services if agreed upon would most likely be instituted through a memorandum of understanding.