01/13/2022 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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Finance Committee Minutes January 13, 2022 COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE None OLD BUSINESS 1) Discussion of Finance Committee’s decision regarding the Town Audit contract on December 22, 2021 with the Town Manager Town Manager stated that the communication with the Finance Director regarding the extension of the town audit contract was interrupted due to the pandemic and that he will have an update soon. NEW BUSINESS 1) Town Manager Updates Town Manager stated that they have gone through the department reviews and had a preliminary review with a setback due to the pandemic. He stated that he anticipates getting recommendations to th the Finance Committee on February 10, 2022. Town Manager stated that he met with Cape Cod Managers and Administrators regarding health insurance. Could be an increase of 5 to 6 percent. 15% was budgeted. Mr. Miller made a general comment stating that there is not a lot of incentive given to personnel and department heads to be mindful of operating costs and that it might be beneficial to educate in the merits of finding cost saving opportunities. Town Manager responded that 80 to 85 percent of the cost is wages and personnel for any Municipality. Operating costs are not as large. Recruitment and retention for key positions right now are tough. The Fire Department is seeking to add 8 additional firefighters based on call volume. Call volume is up. Town Manager requested the call break down and it appears as though the high call volume is between the hours of 7am and 7pm. Additional ambulances aren’t going out because it can’t be staffed. Town Manager is looking into adding 4 additional firefighters. There is currently more study being put into a 3 year grant covering cost of wages and health insurance.