Simsbury, CT - Board of Finance-Special Meeting-03/09/04

The Special Meeting of the Board of Finance was called to order at 5:00 P.M. in the Amphitheater at the Simsbury High School. Mr. Henault said the purpose of this Special Meeting is to hear the Board of Selectmen ‘04 - ‘05 Budget presentation, which is pursuant to Section 906 of the Town Charter. The following members were present: Chairman Paul Henault, Peter Askham, Candace Fitzpatrick, Nicholas Mason, Kevin North and Michael Wade. Also present were First Selectman, Thomas Vincent, William Garrity, John Hampton, John Romano of the Board of Selectmen. Also present were Kevin Kane, Finance Director and Brandon Robertson, Assistant to First Selectman.

Mr. Henault said there will also be a Special Meeting at 6:00 P.M. to hear the Board of Education Presentation, followed by a Public Hearing for the Capital Projects at 7:30 P.M.

Mr. Vincent then presented the Operating Budget for Municipal Services for ‘04-’05. This budget, which comprises expenditures from the general fund represents a total spending plan of $14,910,340.00. This equates to an increase in the amount of $607,932.00 or 4.25% over the ‘03-’04 operating budget. This proposed operating budget is .25% or $35,676.00 below the 4.5% cap established by the Board of Finance at the outset of the budget process.

Mr. Vincent said on the revenue side, investments income will remain comparatively low. The noticeable increase in conveyance tax will expire on July 1, 2004. Mr. Vincent said on the expenditure side, fixed costs, most notably personnel related have increased.

Mr. Vincent said the Town Operating Budget reflects an increase of $607,932.00 or 4.25% over the ‘03- ‘04 budget. This increase includes salary and wages - $266,122, capital outlay- $172,800, employee group insurance - $61,048, pensions - $58,000, electricity, street lights and heating - $31,655, town road study - $22,000, Increase - $13, 947, gas and diesel fuel - $11,900, Police maintenance system - $10,000 and legal is $4,495.

Mr. Vincent said on the capital outlay the operating budget includes funding for the capital items including engineering printer for $18,000, GSI workstation and software for $4,800, building and grounds a truck plow for $5,500, miscellaneous building for $2,500, under highway a plow truck for $95,000, a building improvement for $6,500, and paving management $13,500, parks and open space $12,000, entertainment $10,000- $15,000. Those equal $172,800.

Mr. Vincent said the special revenue fund budgets, including sewer use fund, residential rental property fund, dog fund, and Simsbury Farms special revenue fund, require final approval at referendum. The special revenue funds are used to account for proceeds of several revenue sources that are restricted to expenditures for specific purposes. Mr. Vincent said all four of the special revenue funds adhere to the Board of Finance spending cap of 4.50%.

Mr. Vincent said in the capital non-recurring expenditure fund the Board of Selectmen has approved $446,373. The majority of these appropriations are charged back to the operating fund, general fund, or Simsbury Farms fund over a five year period. This appropriation approved funding for printing, plan and development, drainage improvements, dial-a-ride van, computers for the library.

Mr. Vincent said in conclusion of the proposed ‘04-’05 operating budget reflects a total spending plan of $14,910,340.00, which represents an increase of $607,932 or 4.25%.

Mr. Henault noted that on Monday evening there has been time set aside for another meeting to go over the operating budget and capital projects. Mr. Henault said the Board could ask questions on operating and capital budgets tonight.

Mr. Askham commended the Board of Selectmen for coming under their cap. Mr. Askham asked questions on pension. Mr. Kane said there is increase due to the market and normal contributions. Mr. Askham also asked capital non-recurring fund being reimbursed within a five year period and revenue funds. Mr. Kane explained this funding. Mr. Askham noted that overall they are budgeting $370,000 less in revenue type items. Mr. Kane said he is comfortable with the bottom line.

Mr. North asked about police vehicles fund, the cruiser replacement plan. Mr. Kane said a study was done and the replacement of vehicles is on track. There will be four vehicles for this year.

Mr. Henault asked about Simsbury Farms purchases and revenues. He asked where they would be at the end of the year with their balance budget and next year with respect to the

After further discussion in revenues and expenses, Mr. Henault asked for a motion to conclude the special meeting of the Board of Finance. He thanked everyone for working so hard on this budget. Mr. Wade made motion, Ms. Fitzpatrick seconded with all in favor. All were in favor.