Simsbury, CT - BOS Budget Worskhop

Board of Selectmen

Fiscal Year 2001-2001

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell, John Romano, Madeleine Gilkey and Thomas Vincent. Also present were: Susan Bullock, Library Director, Carolyn Keily, Town Clerk, Mickey Lecours-Beck, Social Services Director, Mary Miller, Human Resources Director, Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Paul Fetherston, Assistant to the First Selectman and other interested parties.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, discussed the Town’s consideration of environmental insurance. She expressed concern that the areas with known contamination will not be covered under the policy. She questioned whether the insurance will provide the needed coverage. Ms. Coe suggested that if this is a bare bones budget, the First Selectman’s discretionary account should be eliminated. Ms. Coe noted that Health and Social Services has $31,500 from Eno Farms and she questioned why these funds are not being used at Eno Farms. She suggested that the library’s budget should reflect their operating budget and not include expansion costs. She stated that a consultant should not be hired for an expansion at the library until the Town is ready to do the project. Ms. Coe urged the BOS to review discretionary accounts carefully.

Ms. Mielert stated that a new cable connection for the CONNECT program at the library has been included in the budget at a cost of $3,600. She stated that the request for the purchase of books and materials was granted, as well as the request to open the library on Sundays in September.

Ms. Bullock stated that the library’s budget increase is 3.3%. She noted that duct cleaning for the library was included in the budget and will cost $6,000. She reviewed the types of books and materials which will be purchased. Ms. Bullock discussed the on-line services and stated that the cost to upgrade to a 56KB line was $3,600. She noted the ranking of the Simsbury library both nationally and statewide and stated that it is important for the library to have the steady support of the BOS because they cannot recoup their resources if they fall behind.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Ms. Lecours-Beck reviewed the budget changes. She stated that the Dial-A-Ride contract will increase by 5% because the buses are older and insurance and maintenance costs have increased. She noted that the Senior Center Clerk will be changed to a full-time position and the budget reflects a $4,600 increase due to that change.

Ms. Mielert stated that support of the Farmington Valley Health District is charged per capita and the state government plans to decrease their support of the health district. She stated that the Farmington Valley Health District is urging towns to contact their representatives and senators to lobby against this change in the upcoming state budget.

Ms. Keily discussed the indexing of land records and the change to Cott Systems which results in a reduction of the budget.

Ms. Mielert stated that this year new furniture and carpeting were purchased from the $42,000 allocated for improvements.

Ms. Mielert stated that this budget reflects the cost for the Memorial Day parade.

Mr. Kane stated that this budget is based on the current IRS mileage rate. Ms. Mielert distributed the Town Aid Road Fund analysis which outlines the current fund balance and the funding scheduled over the next two years. She noted the proposed purchases which will be paid from this fund.

Ms. Miller stated that the Personnel Subcommittee requested that she and Mr. Kane collect data on six positions from comparable towns. Mr. Mandell stated that the Personnel Subcommittee adopted a 3% general wage increase and merit increases as part of the evaluation process. Mr. Kane noted that wage increases are secondary to salary range increases. He stated that some of the data provided to the Personnel Subcommittee was incorrect and he distributed corrected information. Mr. Kane noted that the goal is for Simsbury to be competitive with the high end of the salary ranges. He stated that these increases have been budgeted under un-negotiated salaries.

The meeting recessed at 7:18 p.m. and reconvened at 7:26 p.m.

Ms. Mielert stated that additional part-time funding was requested, but since the only elections this year are municipal and the referendum the part-time funding was not increased.

The BOS briefly reviewed the Finance, Tax Collector and Assessor’s Office’s budgets.

Mr. Kane reviewed the accounting for overtime and noted that the cost for this department is shared with the BOE.

Ms. Mielert stated that the consultant’s fee is increasing by $700.

Mr. Kane stated that the legal budget is based upon a ten year average. Mr. Mandell questioned why funding for the Meadowood appeals has not been included in the legal budget. Ms. Mielert stated that based on discussions with the BOF, the Meadowood legal fees will be paid from Reserves. She pointed out that incorporating the Meadowood legal fees would greatly increase the budget.

BOARD OF FINANCE

Ms. Mielert stated that the copying item is for the Annual Report, if necessary. Mr. Kane reviewd the type of advertising costs paid by the BOF.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Mr. Kane noted that the telephone costs have been consolidated and the budget is based on this year’s trend.

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Ms. Mielert stated that the overtime account was eliminated because it was not used. She stated that conferences and education funding is used by Ms. Miller. Ms. Mielert read the list of public agencies supported by the Town. She stated that the consultant fees are available if necessary and in the past were used for the UCONN paramedics when there was a change mid-year. She stated that this budget increased by 2.98%.

Mr. Kane stated that the increase in comprehensive property and casualty insurance is driven by the $22,000 cost for environmental insurance. He stated that the Insurance Committee is working with the agent regarding coverage and it appears that 90% of the cost will be billed to the Town and 10% to the BOE. He noted that the agent determines the percentage of risk for the Town versus the BOE. Mr. Kane stated that the 30% increase in fleet insurance occurred because the agent hadn’t updated the records as additional vehicles were purchased by the Town.

Mr. Kane stated that the agent is anticipating a major medical insurance increase of 13% which equates to a cost of $158,000. He noted that the unemployment compensation budget is reduced. Mr. Kane stated that the three pension plans are fully funded and they have a surplus of $47,000 because the investments have done well.

The BOS briefly reviewed the un-negotiated salaries budget and the operating transfers out. Ms. Mielert noted that the items in CNR have been discussed.

ENO MEMORIAL HALL FUND

Mr. Kane explained that the budget has to reflect last years actuals based on the Charter. He noted that there are no Town funds included in this fund.

DEBT SERVICE FUND

Ms. Mielert noted that this fund outlines the Town’s bond payments.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Ms. Mielert suggested that the BOS review the CIP plan with Mr. Sawitzke. She suggested that the projects which require debt money be broken out from the rest of the projects. The BOS agreed to discuss the CIP plan and their budget concerns at the next Budget Workshop.

The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

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