TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 9, 2004
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Christopher D. Comer, Al Wilke, and Francis Brady
Also present: William F. Smith, Jr., Town Mgr.; Barbarajean Scibelli, Finance Officer; Gwen Van Dorp, Supt. of Schools, and Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager
Chairman Guarco called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes for the meeting of January 12, 2004 before taking action.
On a MOTION by Chris Comer, seconded by Al Wilke, to approve minutes of January 12, 2004, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-1) to approve. Mr. Brady abstained.
Consideration of Appropriation for Local Law Enforcement Block Grant
The Board reviewed memos and the appropriation request form regarding the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. Town Manager Smith indicated that the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management recently approved the grant. It was noted the entire amount would be reimbursed to the town as funds are expended.
On a MOTION by Francis Brady, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the appropriation request of $4,000 from General Fund Balance to the Police Grants Fund.
Consideration of Appropriation to Board of Education
Superintendent Gwen Van Dorp explained the Board of Education appropriation request of $19,000 to replace outdated technology. She answered questions from the Board regarding the amount of the appropriation request, the money in place, and the timeframe for purchasing and installing the technology equipment.
Town Manager Smith referenced the Board of Selectmen’s comment memo, restating the Board of Selectmen commented favorably regarding the concept of providing additional funds from rents. However, the consensus of the Board was that the additional funds actually be deposited prior to the approval of additional appropriations.
Chairman Guarco indicated a caveat is in place that the appropriation money to be spent should be collected from the Board of Education rental fees.
On a MOTION by Francis Brady, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the Board of Education appropriation request of $19,000 from General Fund Balance to the Board of Education 2003-04 Budget Expenditure.
Statements Of Accounts
Barbarajean Scibelli, Finance Officer, reviewed the January Budget Operations Report. She indicated that tax collection was up; approximately 94% has been collected. The other revenues appear in good shape, except for accounts 311, 332, and 367. The short-term investment funds (367) may run short. The State is not funding all Veterans’ exemptions (311) or SS Disability Tax Relief (332), although the town is still mandated to offer the program. Questions were answered regarding the status of revenues received from accounts (361) and (394).
On the Expenditure side, the communications and dispatch account may need a transfer by the end of the year. The General Maintenance account is being watched closely because of the number of winter storms, which have occurred since January, and the fact that there are several more weeks of winter weather ahead.
Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager, highlighted the January Statement of Accounts.
Teaching Assistant (special education) shows a deficit increase of $9,000 from last month
Transportation (special education) shows a deficit increase of $30,494 from last month
Total budget for special education line items shows a deficit ($108,608)
Communications line item is $7,000 unfavorable due to the drive of high-volume advertising costs.
Mr. Traver indicated grants would be helping to offset the special education deficit increases.
Town Manager Smith reported that the Board of Education and Board of Selectmen received an achievement award from the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA). This award recognizes the proactive approach to managing safety and health issues for the two boards. This is a fine example of the cooperation demonstrated between the two boards.
Finalize Budget Guidelines For 2004-05
Chairman Guarco distributed and explained the FY05 Budget Worksheet – Rev 00. It was then open for review and discussion.
Town Manager Smith commented that the Plus One document provided previously does not reflect the whole budget but only a broad brush. He also indicated that the pension would be increasing based on the recent actuary report.
Superintendent Gwen Van Dorp indicated on the Board of Education budget, there is concern for the Health Benefits account. She also indicated that the special education line items fluctuate like a roller coaster, which gives concern for budget needs.
Other matters discussed were revaluation, auto supplement, debt service, school constructions, temporary borrowing, and the Board of Education developing a “play for participation” program.
Public input highlights were:
Granby Community Television should be included in the budget since they broadcast Granby’s boards and commissions meetings to the public.
One resident believes the town should consider different, smaller vehicles.
Some taxpayers would find it difficult to keep paying tax increases of 4-5% year after year.
One taxpayer indicated she would support a tax increase close to 5% and believed other parents would support the increase.
It was hoped that the senior services and school budgets would not be cut, since cutting the senior services would be a major detriment to the operations and it is important to maintain and improve the quality of education Granby children receive.
A referendum might be necessary to approve the budget, especially if the range of property tax increase is 4.4% to 5%.
A taxpayer mentioned to expect an impact to the BOE budget once the new school act “no child left behind” has been in place for a while.
The consensus of the Board of Finance was that the budget guidelines for 2004-05 would be 4.5-5% for the Board of Selectmen Operations and 4.5-5% net for the Board of Education Operations.
CONFIRM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Board of Finance scheduled for March 9, 2004 usually is cancelled in lieu of the budget process-taking place. It will be determined next month.
The Board of Education and Board of Selectmen will present their budgets to the Board of Finance on March 29, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Center Community Room.
ADJOURNMENT
On a MOTION by Al Wilke, seconded by Francis Brady, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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