These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes contact either the Town Clerk's office or the First Selectman's office.

Budget Workshop

February 17, 2000

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell, John Romano, Madeleine Gilkey and Thomas Vincent. Also present were: Mickey Lecours-Beck, Social Services Director, Ricki Bergquist, Senior Center, and Kevin Kane, Finance Director.

2. SOCIAL SERVICES

Ms. Lecours-Beck stated that moving the Social Services Department to Eno Hall has increased their programs. She noted the addition of the Medical Assistance Program and the Medical Transportation Program. She stated that participation is up 38% and revenues are up 63% at the Senior Center. Ms. Lecours-Beck reviewed her budget changes (Addendum 1). She noted that the Senior Center Clerk position was 17.5 hours and was increased to 30 hours in December. She stated that the budget reflects this increase which is due to increased participation at the Senior Center.

3. INSURANCE/FRINGE BENEFITS

Mr. Kane stated that social security and FICA are increased 3.49%. He noted the decrease in workmen's compensation insurance and stated that their general liability insurance should only increase 2%. Mr. Kane stated the insurance deductibles, for claims against the Town, is $15,000 based on past experience.

Mr. Kane addressed the health insurance. He stated that this year they budgeted 2 premium holidays and last year took 1 premium holiday. He noted that next year they need to fund 12 months because this year heir expenses are at 12 months and their rates are increasing. Mr. Kane stated that there are minor changes in life insurance and disability. He noted that the unemployment reserve is being reduced by $4,000.

Mr. Kane stated that the police pension plan is decreasing. He pointed out that the Town in is negotiations with the unions regarding pensions, so they do not have a true number to budget for pensions. He stated that the Town's pension plan is 115% funded and the police pension plan is 105% funded. Ms. Mielert noted that they will not have a firm pension number before March 1st.

Mr. Kane stated that special projects includes un-negotiated salaries. He stated that the Dispatcher's union is unsettled so they need to budget funds for 2 years, and they need to include funds for non-union employee salary increases.

4. OPERATING TRANSFER OUT

Mr. Kane reviewed these funds and stated that the General Fund is reimbursed for CNR expenditures.

5. DEBT SERVICE FUND

Mr. Kane stated that this fund includes $1.9 million in principal payments and $650,000 in interest payments for next year. He stated that operating transfers to the capital projects fund provide $1.36 million to pay into capital projects. Mr. Kane noted that they have $3.2 million authorized capital projects which they have not yet bonded. He stated that $2.75 million will be appropriated next year.

6. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Approved February 28, 2000