Simsbury, CT - Board of Finance Minutes

Paul Henault, Chairman, called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Lower Conference Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Candace Fitzpatrick, Michael Wade, Peter Askham and James Belfiore. Mary Glassman arrived at 6:10 p.m. Mr. Wade departed at 6:50 p.m. Also present were Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Anita Mielert, First Selectman, Joseph Townsley, Superintendent of Schools, David Holden, Business Manager, and other interested parties.

Chairman Henault noted receipt of Ms. Mielert’s memo requesting the appropriation of $8,750 for the purchase of an Intoxilyzer Breath Test Instrument which will be reimbursed in full through a DOT program.

Mr. Kane stated that this appropriation will not effect the 1% available through the Charter. He stated that he expects to receive reimbursement for this program near the end of the year.

Ms. Fitzpatrick moved to establish the “Underage Drinking Program Grant” Special Revenue Fund as outlined in Ms. Mielert’s January 22, 2001 memo. The motion was seconded by Mr. Wade.

Mr. Kane stated that six communities are participating in this program and each will provide $12,500 of funding under the grant. He noted that there will be no cost to the Town for this program.

Mr. Kane reviewed the Expenditure Report. He noted that the Meadowood legal expense of $160,000 is the reason for the deficit in the General Government account. He stated that he expects the overall deficit for the year to be approximately $121,505. Mr. Askham noted that the $120,000 will have to come from the 1% allowed in the Charter and if the Town needs to appropriate more than the 1% they need to hold a Special Town Meeting to obtain authorization. Chairman Henault questioned the budget for snow removal. Mr. Kane stated that the budget has expended $108,000 of the $112,000 budgeted.

Mr. Kane reviewed the Revenue Report. He stated that if there is a 99% collection rate $500,000 would be added to the revenues. He noted that land use and permit fee collections have increased.

Mr. Kane addressed the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund. He stated that it is possible that this fund will require an additional appropriation of $15,000-$30,000. He noted that this fund is demonstrating expenditures which are greater than the budget. Mr. Kane expressed his concern with the revenue side of this fund. He noted that currently 40% of the revenues have been received and last year at this time 60% of the revenues had been received. He stated that the decreased revenues are attributed to a bad golf season. He suggested that the BOF review this fund monthly.

Mr. Askham questioned the status of the Simsbury Farms ice rink. Mr. Kane stated that on the revenue side $220,000 was budgeted and $210,000 is anticipated. He stated that the difference in the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund depends upon the golf season.

Members of the BOF requested that Gerry Toner attend the next BOF meeting. They requested that he provide a report prior to the meeting. Ms. Glassman questioned the contingency plan if there is a shortfall in the fund.

Dr. Townsley stated that the projected $293,000 deficit in the BOE budget is due to Special Education and the volume of students. He stated that some accounts have been frozen and the $100,000 available from the freeze is being used to pay 3 substitutes who are filling in for teachers with illnesses. He stated that $25,000-$30,000 is being saved by limiting the amount of art, athletic and custodial supplies purchased. Dr. Townsley stated that he will be presenting the budget analysis to the BOE and anticipates that they will be going before the BOS for an appropriation in the spring. He stated that the school system is labor intensive and the only way to reduce the budget further would be to layoff staff.

Mr. Askham expressed his concern that the deficit could continue to grow. Mr. Holden stated that the deficit could potentially grow depending on storms, cold temperatures, and the health of the staff. Mr. Askham noted that the under the Charter there is only $560,000 available to transfer. Mr. Kane stated that based on the information presented tonight $415,000-$420,000 in appropriations may be requested. He noted that the BOF had discussed allocating funds towards revaluation.

Dr. Townsley suggested that the BOE present a report monthly to the BOF. He noted that special education situations are difficult to predict. Dr. Townsley stated that he is not optimistic that state education funding will be increased. Chairman Henault requested that a contingency plan be presented by the BOF to explain how the deficit would be paid.

Dr. Townsley stated that his budget includes a 10.9% increase over last year and will be presented to the BOE tonight. He stated that the budget increase is due to staffing and special education programs. He noted that there is only one new program, which is a special education program, included in the budget. Chairman Henault suggested that the BOE look at future projections and decide what choices need to be made.

Mr. Kane stated that nine bids were received for the ten year bond and the range of bids was 3.94% - 3.87%. He noted that the projects included in the bond are the joint maintenance facility, the Henry James addition, the Tootin’ Hills School addition, the Simsbury Farms Clubhouse renovation, athletic fields, the Henry James roof, the Latimer Lane playscape and open space/development rights funding. He stated that the previous two bond issues were at rates of 4.79% and 4.89%.

Mr. Askham reported on the CCM conference regarding school building. He stated that he attended with Chairman Henault and Mr. Kane. Mr. Askham stated that the conference was very informative and he noted the speakers for the event. Mr. Askham stated that he is meeting with Gilman, a project management firm, to discuss how they handled the school projects in New Haven. Ms. Glassman suggested that members of the Public Building Committee attend these types of conferences in the future.

Chairman Henault reported that the subcommittee discussing the tax abatement program for residents who participate in the Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Association will be forwarding a draft ordinance to the BOS.

Chairman Henault reported that he met with Ms. Mielert, Mr. Kane and representatives of the WPCA regarding the plant renovation. He stated that he anticipates further discussions on this topic and a strategy to be formed within the next couple of weeks. Mr. Askham questioned whether the WPCA project will be included in the BOS capital projects presentation on March 1st. Ms. Glassman noted that the project was previously included in the 5 year capital improvement plan. Ms. Mielert stated that the WPCA project may be addressed in two parts. Chairman Henault stated that it may be better to do the entire project at one time so that taxpayers know the full amount of the project.