TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2007
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Francis Brady, Frederick Moffa, OD, and B. Scott Kuhnly
Also present: William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; Gwen Van Dorp, Superintendent of Schools; and Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager
Chairman Guarco stated there was a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes for the meeting of January 4, 2007 before taking action.
On a MOTION by Francis Brady, seconded by Frederick Moffa, OD, to approve minutes of January 4, 2007, the Board voted (3-0-1) to approve the minutes. Mr. Kuhnly abstained.
STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS
Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager, highlighted the January Statement of Accounts.
Total budget shows a favorable forecast of $245,000. This is due to several accounts; some are purchased services in instructional, electricity, and fuel.
Reg. Tuition from Other Towns is forecasted to be less than last year due to a lower headcount.
The bus contracts came in budget.
Town Manager Smith reviewed the December Budget Operations Report, which reflects the half-year mark for this fiscal year. In comparison to last fiscal year, tax collections are slightly below. He indicated the revenues from the account 312 Miscellaneous – State are from grant payments for a bridge replacement and snowstorm reimbursement and account 375 Miscellaneous represents a grant payment.
On the expenditure side, Town Manager Smith indicated no major concerns are anticipated in spending. The General Maintenance account shows 41% spent presently while past years it would have been 60%. This is due to recent weather conditions being above normal temperatures. He also indicated if this trend keeps up it certainly would be a great assistance to the budget. Town Manager Smith mentioned the Police Services spending is made up from overtime as a result of absences from workers’ compensation claims and resignations from the force.
There was some discussion regarding collection of revenues from Education Cost Sharing and any adverse effect from health insurance premiums being paid. It was also noted that the revenues from building permits are down because of the lack of activity in construction.
DISCUSSION OF FINAL BUDGET GUIDELINES FOR 2007-08
Chairman Guarco distributed the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Governor’s Proposed State Budget Impact on Granby, Budget Worksheets Review #1, General Fund Projection Worksheet, and Finance Model LT 2007-1 for discussion purposes. It was noted that the budget impact this year was from debt service and school expansions. It was also observed that the Grand List decreased from last year.
By consensus, the Board indicated their support for 4%-5% guideline to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education operating budgets. These types of flexibility, along with other miscellaneous information for the budget coming together, may bring down the mill rate to less than 4%. The Board observed the operating budgets for both boards appears to be beneficial for Granby. However, the spending needs to be curtailed for new projects or activities to help assist the General Fund healthy balance.
Town Manager Smith questioned the intent of the meaning for net of 4.5% budget guideline. Once answered as being flexible, Town Manager Smith indicated he is also conducting an analysis on the past bond costs to see if any money can be available to use in the town’s budget. This information will be distributed upon completion.
Chairman Guarco indicated that the paperwork distributed tonight should be shared with both operating boards so they can review and
Town Manager Smith reported a printing error was made in the fiscal year 2006 audit report pertaining to the high school project. He indicated there is approximately $11,000 left in the project to be returned to the General Fund.
MISCELLANEOUS – ASSIGNING BOF MEMBERS TO ATTEND BUDGET WORKSHOPS
The Board of Finance members held discussions assigning members to attend the budget workshops for:
Board of Education
· Al Wilke and Fred Moffa, OD
Board of Selectmen
· Michael Guarco and Francis Brady
Gordon Bischoff and B. Scott Kuhnly will be alternates if one of the members cannot attend a workshop.
CONFIRM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of March 12th may be cancelled. Budget presentations by the Board of Education and Board of Selectmen is scheduled for March 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Center Youth Services Community Room.
ADJOURNMENT
On a MOTION by B. Scott Kuhnly, seconded by Frederick Moffa, OD, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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