TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES
MARCH 13, 2008
First Selectman Adams called the meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Frank Judice, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
Also present: Barbarajean Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer; Michael B. Guarco, Jr., Board of Finance Chairman; and Megan Dowling, Student Liaison
Selectman Judice began the review of Personal and Property Protection, which includes Building Inspection, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, Health Services, Police Administration, Communications and Dispatch, and Police Operations and Services.
There was no significant change in Building Inspection. There was a small reduction in this section because of staff changes.
The Fire Prevention budget had an increase in salaries because of more hours for the Fire Marshal staff. One new deputy has been added. The other change in this category is for the Lost Acres Fire Department (LAFD) contracted increase per our agreement with them.
Emergency Management had a $5,000 increase due to Homeland Security administrative costs. It has become too time consuming for regular staff to handle all the Federal requirements. State law requires that all Emergency Management Plans and Annexes be updated every four years. Granby’s Emergency Management Plan was last updated in Fiscal Year 2004. It is hoped that a matching grant will also be available.
There were no significant changes in Health Services.
Police Administration, Dispatch, and Operations had negotiated increases in salaries. There is still a need to increase the staff of Police Officers. Town Manager Smith stated that staff is needed for handling investigative issues. Selectman Judice talked about the need for an investigative staff to deal with computer theft and identity theft that is increasing more and more. Selectman Adams questioned whether a regional dispatch system might be more cost effective. Chief Watkins said it has been considered and found to be more costly than what they have now. The increase in the cost of oxygen supplies is a result of newer defibrillator equipment. The increase will only purchase 1.4 machines. The Police Chief is trying to work something out with the Ambulance Association for perhaps up to three
more machines.
No changes were made to Personal and Property Protection at this time.
Selectman King began the discussion of the 2008-09 Capital Budget and the 2009-2018 Capital Improvement Program, which includes Road Construction; Culverts, Bridges, and Drainage; Overlay Roads; Capital Equipment; Educational Related; Property Valuation/Acquisition/Mapping; Economic Development; Public Facilities and Re-Roofing; and Curbs, Sidewalks, and Traffic Control.
Road Construction, by Public Works, scheduled for next year includes Old Stagecoach Road and Silkey Heights. After careful review and analysis, it was determined these roads were a priority because of extensive deterioration. There was discussion of a need for an onsite inspector during initial road construction to prevent faulty work by developers that could result in earlier repair work. The question of asphalt quality came into discussion. James Klase, Director of Public Works, reported that the asphalt today is a lot less stable because of oil being more refined. It doesn’t hold together like it used to. This year because of the heavy rain, Silver Street and Notch Road have received a lot of damage.
Culverts, Bridges, and Drainage areas for 2009 are East Street at Bradley Brook, East Street Bridge at East Branch Salmon Brook, and Wells Road Bridge.
Capital Equipment includes replacement of Police/Administration vehicles and computers, dump truck, dump body, pickup, snow blower, and mower. Most of these will be multi-year purchases. Selectman Judice questioned if there was a commercial standard for trading in vehicles. Public Works Director Klase reported there really wasn’t. He stated that when mileage is high and repair costs are up, it is time to buy a new vehicle, so they could still get a decent trade in for that vehicle. It was suggested to check private business to see if there were any standards.
Public Facilities and Re-Roofing section involves a new parking lot on the south side of Route 20 east of Barn Door Hills Road. Also, a pavilion and restrooms at Ahrens Park are to be started this fall.
Curbs, Sidewalks, and Traffic Control came into discussion by Selectman Desrosiers. He expressed his concern for the need of sidewalks in the area of the high school turn around, and along side Salmon Brook Park to the south of the entrance.
Debt Service, reported by Selectman King was up from last year. There are specific funds earmarked from the General Fund to assist debt service from premium on sale of bonds for each of two fiscal years (2007-08 and 2008-09).
The Revenue section of the budget includes Property Taxes, Intergovernmental Revenues, and Local Revenues and Fund Transfers. Discussion on this section of the budget was lead by Town Manager Smith. In regard to Local Revenues and Fund Transfers, there was some concern that the Conveyance Tax collected for property transfers in the Town Clerk’s office may be in jeopardy of being reduced or eliminated. This could be a significant loss (approximately $75,000) if it happens. Some of the other local revenues are down, most likely due to the slow economy. There has been a good return on Short Term Investments, but recently low interest rates are reducing the amount. Property tax revenues seem to be in a holding pattern, although there was a question as to whether the Auto Supplement would meet
the proposed mark for 2008-09. Selectman Judice thought the expectation was somewhat high.
Board of Finance Chairman, Mike Guarco, provided information on some Board of Education revenue numbers.
Other Funds include the Dog Fund, Recreation Program Events Fund, Sewer Utility Fund, Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund, and Education Quality and Diversity Fund. Each of these funds are maintained by the town and are budgeted separately from the General Fund.
There were no changes in these funds. However, the town is waiting for information from the Board of Education for the Quality and Diversity Fund.
The Board of Finance set a budget operations guideline increase for both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education at 4% above this year.
The Manager’s proposed budget was submitted at 4.46%, or $38,000 above the guideline. The two main reasons for submitting a budget above the guideline were to maintain existing service levels and to submit a reasonable and responsible budget that will meet service demands.
In consideration of possible budget reductions to meet the Board of Finance 4% guideline, Town Manager Smith’s general recommendations are as follows. Administration $8,000, Library Services $10,000, Social Services and Senior Citizen Activities $10,000, and Public Works $10,000.
If needed, a more refined detail of reductions will be made once discussions with Department Heads take place.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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