TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 17, 2005
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Gordon Bischoff, Francis Brady, Frederick Moffa, OD, and Al Wilke
OTHER ATTENDEES: Barbarajean C. Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer; Gwen Van Dorp, Superintendent of Schools, and Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager
Mr. Bischoff, Vice Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes of July 11, 2005. ON A MOTION by Francis Brady, seconded by Dr. Moffa, the Board voted (4-0-1) to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Wilke abstained.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
A discussed was held regarding the fundamentals and procedures for the Board of Education Wage Settlement/Severance Fund. Finance members will be provided a copy of the resolution for this fund.
Barbarajean Scibelli provided highlights of the Budget Operations report for September 2005. She indicated the tax collections are up 1% from the last two years, resulting in 55% of taxes being collected. Revenues and expenditures are on track. Mrs. Scibelli commented that the fuel prices are up which is a concern and the winter storm season is approaching that can affect the budget operations depending how severe the winter season is. The Cops Fast Grant account shows a final payment.
Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager, reported on the September Statement of Accounts. The salary under regular education is high and will continue to year-end. He indicated that 1/3 is for hiring new teachers, 1/3 for increases in existing salaries, and 1/3 for long-term illness. Mr. Traver commented that the bus company and the school are reviewing the contracts because of the high rising cost in fuel for running the buses. The fuel cost shows an unfavorable amount and will also continue to year-end. On the revenue side the tuition from other towns, special education, and rental fees are doing well.
Chairman Guarco inquired about the balance in the Health Fund. Mrs. Scibelli indicated it was down a little from the previous year, but still adequate for needs. However, she did note that claims were high for September. A meeting of the Employee Health Benefit Fund Advisory Committee should be scheduled shortly.
The redistricting of the bus schedules was discussed. The impact shows a 15 minute improvement on the time schedule for the bus runs and a lower fleet mileage record. Mr. Traver indicated that all buses are filled nearly to capacity and if you see buses empty, it is because you see them at the beginning or end of the bus run. He reported that the high school students ridership is approximately 60% and elementary students ridership is much higher than the traditional 80% due to construction which is limiting school drop-offs.
PLANNING WORK FOR FISCAL 2007
Chairman Guarco mentioned that the models distributed to the Board for their review does not incorporate the best numbers for Fiscal Year 2005. There is approximately a $50,000 difference. The model #LT2005-5a shows a 4% budget increase guideline for the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education. Model #LT2005-6 decreases build up of funds in the CNEF fund. In answer to a question, Superintendent Van Dorp mentioned some of the upcoming projects to be done for the school would be middle school roof, athletic fields, and a maintenance facility. These projects are much smaller than the ones that have been placed on hold such as the Kearns School classrooms, middle school repairs, and the high school kitchen renovation. The Board agreed they would like to keep the mill rate increase to approximately 4%.
One project that the school continues working on is the continuity of technology between all schools and the Central Office.
Chairman Guarco indicated other pieces of the model would be discussed at the next meeting concentrating on Fiscal Year 2007.
CONFIRM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting will be on November 14, 2005 at 7:30 p.m., at the Police Department Community Room.
ADJOURNEMENT
ON A MOTION by Gordon Bischoff, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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