TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES
MARCH 8, 2007
First Selectman Adams called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manage.
Also present: Barbarajean Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer; Michael B. Guarco, Board of Finance Chairman; and Francis Brady, Board of Finance
Selectman Judice began the review of Administration stating the proposed budget for 2008 is $2,774,164, an increase from the adopted budget for 2007 of 8.2%. The Administration portion of the budget includes General Administration; Legal Services; Fringe Benefits; Town Clerk Operations; Probate Office; Contingency and Reserve; Election Services; Boards, Regional Programs, and Staff Development; Revenue Collections; Property Assessment; Finance Management; and Insurances.
Selectman Judice distributed a handout covering the adopted budget for 2007, the adjusted budget for 2007, changes for 2008, and the proposed budget for 2008. Salaries for full time, part time, and overtime for all employees within this section of the budget were furnished, along with the percentage of increases. Services and supplies were also reviewed and here again the percentage of the increases was furnished along with proposed increase amounts. Contacts and maintenance was the last section covered and furnished the same information. Measures of activity were reviewed in the accounts, which gives a snap shot view of the major activities for each office.
Selectman Desrosiers questioned why the postage did not go up in all accounts when an increase for the postal service is in the works. Ms. Scibelli stated increases were made in several accounts, which should be sufficient for all of the postage needs. Under the Town Clerk measure of activities the anticipated 2007-08 for game and fishing licenses was questioned and a correction was made. Other discussion focused on property inspections and audits. It was determined the audit is definitely a worthwhile expense. In conclusion, Town Manager Smith responded to a question from the Board indicating the insurance co-pay amount will increase significantly for the employees covered in Administration as will the contributions to premium sharing and that has been calculated into the numbers shown in Fringe
Benefits.
Review of this section concluded at 6:39 p.m. No changes were made to Administration at this time.
The review of Personal and Property Protection was the next section to come before the Board and discussion was led by Selectman Neumann. Personal and Property Protection consists of seven sections which are Building Inspection; Fire Prevention, Emergency Management; Health Services; Police Department Administration; Communications and Dispatching; and Police Operations and Services.
Review began with Building Inspection and a review of the measures of activity. Selectman Judice questioned if one fee could be charged for permits for renovations and a different fee charged for new construction. Town Manager Smith stated that could probably be done but the Town should be careful as they just went up on their fees for permits a couple of years ago and Granby is near the highest for permit fees for the area. Perhaps it would be more efficient to charge a minimum fee for smaller jobs. The Board asked Town Manager Smith to review a break down of information from Henry Miga, Building Official.
A correction was made to: inspections anticipated for 2007-08 from 162 to 40 under the Fire Prevention section. The increase in payroll was to cover additional hours for the Fire Marshal and the LAFD contract is determined by a percentage of the (adjusted) grand list growth.
There was considerable discussion on the Emergency Management section. Town Manager Smith reported this area has become very time consuming for management increasing the work load of his office greatly but also impacting the Chief of Police, public works, and social services. He stated the requirements are just phenomenal and are driven by Homeland Security and thus is a Federal requirement. He said the staff can barely keep up with the endless requirements and many towns have had to hire staff to handle the requirements. Not meeting the requirements could result in loss of grants to the town.
There was a very minor increase noted for Health Services and no increase requested for Police Department Administration except for payroll. There was some discussion on Communications and Dispatching for temp/part-time/overtime. Some adjustments were previously made to come closer to the actual amount needed each year however it is still hard to judge as it depends on who works what hours and illness.
Review of this section concluded at 7:15 p.m. No changes were made to Personal and Property Protection as this time.
First Selectman Adams began review of the Capital Improvement Program and Debt Service next.
The Capital Improvement Program covers Road Construction; Culverts, Bridges, and Drainage; Overlay of Roads; Capital Equipment; Educational Related; Property Valuation; Economic Development; Public Facilities and Re-Roofing; and Curbs, Sidewalks, and Traffic Control.
Road construction for 2008 will be Higley Road and the Culverts, Bridges and Drainage item will be the Doherty Road Bridge. There was some discussion on Capital Equipment with Selectman Desrosiers asking for clarification and questioning the need for Cruiser Cameras. Under Public Facilities and Re-Roofing, it was noted the HVAC upgrades continue at Town Hall and some improvements are needed for the Granby Public Library and the VNA building. Review of this section concluded with discussion on ownership of sidewalks and the need for sidewalks in certain parts of town.
Debt Service is increasing significantly for 2008 in order to cover bonding for town and school projects. The Board has been aware of this for the past several years as part of the model.
Michael Guarco, Chairman of the Board of Finance, stated he did not think the Governor’s Budget will pass as presented but believes a 2% increase is reasonable. He emailed some information to Town Manager Smith and Town Manager Smith will forward that information to Board members. Chairman Guarco indicated the mill rate should come in below 4%.
Review of this section concluded at 7:50 p.m. There were no changes made to the Capital Budget or Debt Service at this time.
In closing, First Selectman Adams stated the Holcomb Farm would like to arrange a Saturday meeting with the Board of Selectmen for sometime in May.
Town Manager Smith stated Eric Lukingbeal and Carolyn Flint are the town representatives to the Wild and Scenic Study Group.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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