TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2009
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Francis Brady, B. Scott Kuhnly, Frederick Moffa, OD; and Al Wilke. Gordon Bischoff participated in the meeting by telephone.
OTHER ATTENDEES: John E. Adams, First Selectman; William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; J. Cal Heminway, Board of Education Chairman; Alan Addley, Superintendent of Schools
Board of Finance Chairman Guarco called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF 2009-2010 BUDGET
Chairman Guarco asked Board members to give their comments about the May 4, 2009 machine vote that did not pass the proposed budget.
Mr. Wilke stated a responsible budget guideline was made and the town and school in following the recommendations accomplished an outstanding job. The economy changed dramatically and the state budget hasn’t been finalized. The town’s machine vote showed the margin of a 57% versus 43% against the budget. The Board of Finance has received a clear message to adjust the budget downward for a zero percent increase.
Mr. Kuhnly commented he received a number of emails from residents expressing their opinion as in favor of the proposed budget but were unable to participate in the last referendum. He concurred with the need to make significant changes to the budget. Both boards did an outstanding job in developing the budget. The rest of the board members concurred with the above comments.
Dr. Moffa expressed his concern for future budgets if a zero percent was made in this year’s budget.
Chairman Guarco stated the last referendum was in 1995. He commented the economy climate makes it difficult on a budget. Reductions are needed in the budget. He presented three scenarios for budget revisions. The first was a proposed mill rate of 29.58, calculating to an approximate reduction of $205,000. The second was a proposed mill rate of 29.46, calculating to an approximate $357,000 reduction, essentially making it a flat tax proposal increase. The third was a proposed mill rate of 29.35, calculating to approximately $461,000.
The Board discussed the proposals in length. Some of the comments were:
- The 29.46 proposed mill rate increase is the same tax revenue as last year.
- Perhaps assistance by groups in town could be helpful.
- Residents may see a slight increase in the property tax and the auto would most likely be reduced to show a total of no change as compared to last year’s tax collection.
- The driving principles in the budget are debt service and the grand list decrease.
First Selectman Adams commented that the Minority Leader of the House cannot clearly identify what the towns will receive from the state as of yet. The budget is obligated to the debt service expenditure as it was supported by the town and should be taken into consideration when revising the budget.
Board of Education Chairman Heminway commented the relief for unfunded mandates has had little action at the state level.
Mr. Wilke suggested that Granby townspeople contact our state representatives or attend legislative sessions to express our need to receive this type of relief on unfunded mandates.
On completion of discussions, the Board of Finance decided to reduce the budget by $357,000 with a proposed mill rate of 29.46. The town’s budget would be reduced by $80,000 and the school’s budget by $277,000. This reduction essentially is a flat tax, which citizens of Granby have demonstrated they wanted by their vote in the recent referendum.
The Board asked the town and school what impact this reduction would have on their budgets.
Chairman Heminway indicated that could equate to possibly four full-time teachers positions being eliminated, world language program would be affected, and class sizes in the intermediate and high school levels. Mr. Addley indicated some other areas could be affected such as athletic and intramural programs, tutors, custodians, and secretarial. All these areas would be looked at and the reductions would be made that would be the best fit for the school’s budget.
Town Manager Smith indicated the reduction of $80,000 from the contingency account would need to be reviewed by the staff and Board of Selectmen, knowing about $45,000 was to handle agreement settlement reserves. First Selectman Adams commented the budget was tightening up using the contingency account.
BOE Chairman Heminway responded to a question whether the budget cut would affect the other town tuition students such as the Hartland students. He indicated that Granby was one of two designated schools for the Town of Hartland. The other is Regional District 7, Gilbert High School in Winsted, CT. It is up to the parents and students where they attend high school.
Chairman Guarco commented that the trash and recycling program may have influenced the no vote, which nothing can be done in the budget and the residents should be aware of this fact. First Selectman Adams stated that this item was on the Board of Selectmen agenda a number of times for discussion purposes. This is where the residents could have attended and expressed their feelings to the Board.
ON A MOTION by Al Wilke, seconded by Francis Brady, to recommend our next referendum be a flat tax proposal, which would indicate a proposed mill rate of 29.46. That the Board of Selectmen cut their overall budget in the amount of $80,000 and the Board of Education cut their overall budget in the amount of $277,000 to come up with the variance from the current proposed budget which has been defeated at the last referendum. The Board voted (5-1-0). Dr. Moffa 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 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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