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` Finance Committee Minutes <br /> February 5, 1991 <br /> Page 3. <br /> Kevin stated that it was his premise that even though there is insufficient <br /> revenue, it is not wise to eliminate-whole departments or services. He has <br /> recommended reductions in every department and a numberof reductions in <br /> personnel. He stressed that most of the cost to the. town is in personnel. <br /> In the past programs have been eliminated and now there is only one place to <br /> cut and that is personnel. Keven noted that his recommendations have been <br /> forwarded to the departments and departments are responding with impact <br /> statements. He is still working with the Leisure Service Department regarding <br /> the recommendations. <br /> Kevin stressed his support of a Capital/Maintenance Program and in order <br /> to fund this the town would have had to make further reductions in personnel. <br /> There is currently 'a'bial'ance in two capital accounts, The Transfer Station <br /> and the Middle School. These two capital accounts have a balance of $250,000. <br /> Bylaws require that this money be used for a program of a similar nature. <br /> Kevin noted that an addition to the Senior Center would be -such a program. <br /> Kevin noted that the balanced budget he was presenting represented a <br /> reduction in personnel and in service and no new initiatives. The budget <br /> presented does not reflect the reeds of the community but it does provide <br /> necessary reductions. Kevin informed the Committee he has not as yet <br /> calculated the accrued benefits of people who will be laid off as a result <br /> of the personnel reductions. The Building Dept. and the Board of Health will <br /> also have to move back to the town hall building and the lease will be <br /> terminated with Deer Crossing. <br /> Charirman Vaccaro stated that the Finance Committee anticipates having <br /> a preliminary budget completed by the last Tuesday in February and would like <br /> to meet with the Selectmen at that time to discuss recommendations. At the <br /> next Finance Committee meeting members will present the subcommittee reports <br /> on the DPW, Fire and Leisure Services Departments. <br /> Deirdre addressed the committee stating that she would like to see all <br /> elected officials earn one flat rate. She feels that they all should earn <br /> $500 and this would represent a savings of $16,000 to the town. ' It was the <br /> consensus of all members present that there should be a reduction in the <br /> salary of all elected board officials. Tony Gallo thought a figure of $1000 <br /> would be more appropriate, while Jim favored a figure of $1500. Jim noted <br /> that a salary of $1500 would save the town $5000, however it is also his <br /> belief that there needs to be a differential between the salary of the Board <br /> of Selectmen and the Assessors. Members agreed to put this issue on hold <br /> until the full membership was present. <br /> The Finance Committee members addressed the Legal and Engineering <br /> Expense. Kevin has recommended a cut of $1300. Chairman Vaccaro would like <br /> to see even more of a cut. He noted that he had spoken to Town Counsel, <br /> Reardon regarding this matter. It was Reardonrs opinion that the town could <br /> exercise more control over specialized consultants and further reduce this <br /> expense. Jim recommended that the Legal/Engineering/Consultant budget be <br /> reduced to $150,000 and members concurred with this recommendation. .. <br /> The Selectmen had recommended $35,000 for Utilities/Street Lighting, <br /> however Jim noted that after careful review of this budget $39,000 was really <br /> required. It was the consensus of the Committee that Street Lighting should <br /> be left at $39,000. <br />