TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 14, 2005
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Gordon Bischoff, Francis Brady, Christopher Comer, and Frederick Moffa, OD
Also present: William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; Gwen Van Dorp, Superintendent of Schools; and Harry Traver, Business Manager
Chairman Guarco called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
ON A MOTION by Mr. Bischoff, seconded by Mr. Brady, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of January 10, 2005 as presented.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
Mr. Traver reported on the January Board of Education Statement of Accounts. He indicated they have reached an agreement with workers' compensation regarding a retiree this year. The tuition account is approximately $10,000 in our favor. The employees picked up the benefit share in the amount of approximately $12,000. The total budget shows regular education as favorable in the amount of $16,907. However, the Special Education transportation is over, showing a total budget for special education as unfavorable in the amount of $35,645. Mr. Traver indicated the statement of accounts did not include payments received for Tuition - Other Towns.
Town Manager Smith reviewed the January Budget Operations Report. The percentage for tax collections is approximately 96%, slightly above past years. Town Manager Smith stated that the General Fund did receive payments for Tuition - Other Towns and Education Cost Sharing. The statutory collections from the Town Clerk's office are in excess and have helped out. Transfers may be needed in several accounts, Communications and Dispatch (for overtime), Public Works General Maintenance and Equipment Maintenance (for snow removal, and gas and diesel fuel), Buildings and Grounds Maintenance (for fuel oil), and Legal Fees (for representation in a lawsuit). Mr. Smith answered questions regarding the Elderly Tax Relief and Bissell Brook, Broad Hill, and Silver Street bridges.
REQUEST TO PURCHASE TWO SCHOOL BUSSES
Regarding the Board of Education request for purchase of two school busses, Harry Traver stated they received three bid proposals with the lowest bid (International) being accepted. The request is due to the volume pick up of the six grade relocations scheduled for the next school year. It is hoped that with these purchases, the bus replacement program may slow down. The life span of a bus is approximately 12 years plus, delivery is scheduled for July 2005, and it is a diesel fuel bus. Town Manager Smith answered questions regarding the purchase of the two busses and how it is part of the lease program with the town.
ON A MOTION by Gordon Bischoff, seconded by Francis Brady, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) for an appropriation of $120,000 from the Capital Equipment Improvement Fund to the Capital Equipment Improvement Fund to purchase two school busses referenced in the Town Manager's memo dated February 14, 2005 and based on a condition that the Board of Selectmen’s comment would be favorable.
FINALIZE BUDGET GUIDELINES FOR 2005-06
Mr. Bischoff provided the Board with copies of the revised FY06 Budget Worksheet (attached) for their review. Chairman Guarco invited public comment. Edie Duncan commented that there was a limit to what people will pay and she hopes the Board will come in with the mill rate at a livable number.
Chairman Guarco indicated, from the Governor's budget announcement, the Town of Granby may receive additional money from what the town was anticipating. The Grand List growth estimated at two and half percent is a little higher.
The consensus of the Board of Finance was to continue with the budget guidelines for 2005-06 as set in January. Once the budgets are presented, the Board would make a decision what goes forward to the public hearing and town meeting for consideration by the residents.
ON A MOTION by Francis Brady, seconded by Frederick Moffa, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to confirm the operating budget increase for Fiscal Year 2006 for the Board of Selectmen at 4% or less and for the Board of Education at 5% or less plus $135,000 for new ongoing costs at Wells Road.
A discussion was held regarding a request from the Board of Education to use additional funds in 2005-06 for added students. The money would come from other towns and would increase the revenues anticipated for Tuition – Other Towns. The revenue for 2004-05 Tuition – Other Towns is currently anticipated to be short. This matter may be discussed again when the Board of Education’s administrative paperwork is available for review.
CONFIRM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Board of Finance scheduled for Monday, March 14, 2005 is usually cancelled in lieu of the budget process-taking place. It will be determined next month. Chairman Guarco and Mr. Brady may attend the Board of Selectmen's budget workshops (March 10, 14, and 17, 2005). Dr. Moffa and Mr. Comer may attend the Board of Education's budget workshops (March 2, 16, and 23, 2005).
The Board of Education and Board of Selectmen will present their budgets to the Board of Finance on March 28, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Center Community Room.
ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Mr. Bischoff, seconded by Mr. Brady, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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