TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES OF APRIL 13, 2009
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Gordon Bischoff, Francis Brady, B. Scott Kuhnly, Frederick Moffa, OD; and Al Wilke
OTHER ATTENDEES: John E. Adams, First Selectman; William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; Barbarajean Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer; Alan Addley, Superintendent of Schools
Board of Finance Chairman Guarco called the meeting to order at 10:12 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF 2009-2010 BUDGET TO BE PRESENTED AT ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Chairman Guarco asked Board members to give their comments about the public hearing. The Board indicated that the comments at the public hearing were very sensitive to the economic climate. The comments from the public expressed that a budget of zero is what they wanted to see and they are not in support of the budget presented or, the budget is within acceptable limits and they would support it. The public responded in a positive manner when it was mentioned that two unions from the town are in the process of ratifying an agreement to extend their existing contracts for one year with no annual increase in salaries. Other comments were about wanting to see concessions made on employee contracts from the school’s budget, in particular the teachers, and some residents expressed dissatisfaction on reducing the
trash barrel size for implementation of a new single-stream recycling collection program. The Board’s observations of public comments made were one more in favor of supporting the budget than not supporting and they heard more challenges towards the school budget.
The Board discussed whether to move the budget as presented at the public hearing to town meeting or making adjustments and what amount to adjust. It was also noted that the state has not finalized its budget yet, which may affect our budget in sustaining services provided by the school and town. Chairman Guarco mentioned that the Finance Q & A sessions held had similar comments heard at public hearing.
After thorough discussion the majority of the Board indicated the budget should proceed to town meeting as presented. Two members were in favor of making some cuts before the town meeting presentation. One member suggested that if the budget was not adopted, it should be brought to zero before the next town meeting review.
ON A MOTION by Francis Brady, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted (5-1-0) to proceed to town meeting with the budget of $40,874,450 which results in a 1.57% mill rate increase as originally proposed by the Board of Finance. Mr. Bischoff voted no.
ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by B. Scott Kuhnly, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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