Simsbury, CT - Board of Finance Minutes

Paul Henault, Chairman, called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Candace Fitzpatrick, Peter Askham and James Belfiore. Mary Glassman arrived at 6:08 p.m. Also present were Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Anita Mielert, First Selectman, members of the BOS, and other interested parties.

Ms. Mielert reviewed her budget message included with the BOS 2001/2002 budget booklet. She noted that the budget increase is 4.53% and the .53% is covered by Police Department grants. Ms. Mielert stated that negotiated salaries and benefits, and energy and agricultural supplies comprise 108% of the 4% budget guideline. She noted that the budget includes: (1) upgrading the Senior Center Clerk from 30 hours to 35 hours per week, (2) providing computer cable connection upgrades, additional Sunday hours, and $18,000 for reference materials at the library, (3) and the purchase of environmental liability insurance.

Mr. Belfiore questioned the breakdown of cost for the environmental liability insurance. Mr. Kane stated the Town will be responsible for 90% of the $22,000 insurance policy cost, with the BOE paying the difference.

Ms. Mielert reviewed the CNR budget which includes: (1) police station improvements, (2) $75,000 for consultant studies and services for the Plan of Development, (3) a boiler, phone system, ice resurfacing machine and maintenance equipment at Simsbury Farms, (4) a partial roof replacement at Town Hall, and (5) stone wall structural repairs at Tunxis Street.

Mr. Askham reviewed the proposed revenues. He questioned how the Building Department fees were determined. Mr. Kane stated that the budget is based on a five year weighted average. Mr. Askham questioned whether the $250,000 in taxes is accurate. Mr. Kane stated that the amount is dependent upon the collection of back taxes. He distributed a revised schedule of anticipated revenue from school building grants. Ms. Glassman questioned whether there are any additional reimbursements which are due that have not been collected. Mr. Kane stated that the BOE would need to provide that information.

Chairman Henault why Police Department grants have been included in the BOS budget. Ms. Mielert noted that these particular grants are grants not usually received by the Town and if the budget had to absorb the $67,000 the BOS would be penalized for getting grants. Ms. Fitzpatrick noted that Chief Ingvertsen stated that he would absorb the costs associated with the grants in future years. Ms. Mielert stated that the funding appears in the Police Department budget, as well as any expenses outside of the grant.

Mr. Kane stated that he anticipates $1,000,000 in revenues from interest on investments. He noted that the reduction in police traffic tickets is based on historic data. Ms. Glassman questioned whether the proposed tax relief for fire fighters is included in the budget. Mr. Kane stated that the tax relief will be handled as an offset in revenue when the mill rate is set. Ms. Mielert stated that next week negotiations with three unions will begin and the salary increases are included in the un-negotiated salaries line item in the budget.

Chairman Henault questioned why the $75,000 for the Plan of Development has been included in the CNR budget. Mr. Kane noted that the CNR budget encompasses small capital purchases and non-recurring expenses. Mr. Askham questioned the amount of funding for revaluation. Mr. Kane stated that last year the appropriation was $150,000 from the General Fund to CNR.

Chairman Henault questioned why the Meadowood legal expenses are not included within the legal budget. Ms. Mielert stated that the Meadowood legal expenses are an extraordinary situation. Mr. Kane stated that the legal budget includes funding for usual expenses, nothing unusual. Ms. Glassman suggested that the Town determine the extent of the anticipated costs from Meadowood. Mr. Askham noted that there will be no increase in RESERVES this year with $1,000,000 collected and $1,000,000 spent. Ms. Mielert stated that if Meadowood expenses amount to $170,000, for the current fiscal year, the BOS will offset the expenditure with surplus budget funds.

Chairman Henault questioned the status of the snow removal budget for this year. Ms. Mielert stated that currently the overtime budget is more than $50,000 over budget. Ms. Glassman noted that the Town Forest budget was decreased by 100%. Ms. Mielert stated that they will not have a lifeguard at Town Forest this year. Ms. Glassman expressed her concern regarding the liability issue at the park. Ms. Mielert stated that it will be posted that there is no lifeguard.

Mr. Askham questioned the status of the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund. Mr. Kane stated that the subsidy from the General Fund this year is $35,309 and should be in the teens next year. Chairman Henault noted that Simsbury Farms expenses show an 11% increase. He expressed concern that it appears that revenue projections have been made to fit expenses. He stated that he hopes the actual projections are based on revenues and the BOF does not receive a request for funding from RESERVES for the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund. Mr. Kane stated that the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund currently has a $88,000 surplus. Mr. Askham urged the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee to set a goal of building RESERVES in the Special Revenue Fund to 10%.

Chairman Henault stated that the BOS CNR budget is $312,000. Mr. Kane stated that the BOE’s CNR budget is $414,198. Chairman Henault noted that a total of $725,000 was requested by the BOF. Mr. Kane stated that the BOS portion of that total is $312,000.

Chairman Henault requested that in the future grants be handled outside of the guideline. He stated that he would prefer the budget increase to be noted as 4.53% and include an explanation regarding the Police Department grants.

Chairman Henault requested that the BOF have further discussion regarding the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund RESERVE level. Ms. Glassman noted that the RESERVE level needs to be discussed with the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee.

Chairman Henault noted receipt of a letter from McGladly & Pullen. Ms. Glassman requested that a future BOF agenda include an item for discussion on hiring a firm to address the prioritization of capital projects.