TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES OF APRIL 13, 2004
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Gordon Bischoff, Christopher Comer, Francis Brady, and Richard O'Brien
OTHER ATTENDEES: William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; First Selectman John E. Adams, Gwen Van Dorp, Superintendent of Schools; Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager
Board of Finance Chairman Guarco called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
The Board reviewed the regular minutes of February 9, 2004. ON A MOTION by Gordon Bischoff, seconded by Richard O'Brien, the Board voted (3-0-2) to approve minutes of February 9, 2004. Mr. Bischoff and Mr. O'Brien abstained.
The Board reviewed the special minutes of March 29, 2004. ON A MOTION by Richard O'Brien, seconded by Gordon Bischoff, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0 ) to approve special minutes of March 29, 2004.
Chairman Guarco requested a change in order of the agenda, bringing the Statement of Accounts forward.
STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS
Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager, highlighted the March Statement of Accounts. Utility costs project a favorable note now that the winter months have past A certain dollar amount from the Legal Services account may be requested to be carried over to the next fiscal year to handle the lawsuit still in litigation.
He indicated that there are 14 retirements planned for FY ‘05.
Town Manager Smith reviewed the March Budget Operations Report and responded to questions raised by the Board regarding transfers and overtime in the Public Works Department. He noted the education cost sharing account’s last payment is due in April. Local revenues show a slight increase above expectations. The short-term investment account may fall short, however, other categories in the same area will make up the difference. On the expenditure side, transfers may be requested for legal fees ($10,000) and communications and dispatching ($15,000) accounts. The general maintenance account appears to be close in holding its own budget. Town Manager Smith reported that an application to recover $15,000 has been made as a result of a December storm, and if awarded will go to the General Fund.
CONSIDERATION OF 2004-2005 BUDGET TO BE PRESENTED AT ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Chairman Guarco asked Board members to give their comments about the Public Hearing. The Board’s consensus was that the hearing had less than one hundred in attendance, and from public input, the message appeared that the proposed budget should move forward to the Annual Town Meeting as presented that evening.
Town Manager Smith answered Chairman Guarco’s question regarding the announcements for the Annual Town Budget meeting.
ON A MOTION by Richard O’Brien, seconded by Francis Brady, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to move forward the budget ($32,614,291) as presented at the April 12th Public Hearing for consideration by the public at the Town Meeting on April 26, 2004.
CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION REGARDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED
Town Manager Smith indicated time was spent in researching the property tax relief request, finding out what other towns do, and how to accomplish this request. He indicated the procedure for such a request is that the Board of Finance must recommend an amendment to the Board of Selectmen so that the Board of Selectmen can then make a resolution.
Town Manager Smith presented two different approaches that could be applied to the property tax relief program to enhance benefits to the elderly and disabled. A discussion was held regarding the different approaches.
ON A MOTION by Richard O'Brien, seconded by Gordon Bischoff, the Board recommends to the Board of Selectmen that they amend the property tax relief program for approximately $40,000 in additional tax relief.
CONFIRM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
A special meeting of the Board of Finance is scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2004, immediately following the Town Meeting in the High School Auditorium and, if necessary, Monday, May 3, 2004 immediately following the Referendum Vote and Tuesday, May 4, 2003 at 7:30 pm. in the Police Department Community Room.
The next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 17, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. in the Police Department Community Room.
ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Richard O'Brien, seconded by Francis Brady, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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