TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 6, 2009
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager and Nicholas Moon Student Liaison.
The special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman John Adams at 7:00 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF BOARD OF FINANCE ACTION ON THE PROPOSED 2009-10 TOWN BUDGET
First Selectman Adams stated the reason for this meeting was because the budget that was voted upon at the referendum failed. There were 1,934 electors that voted, and the process worked. The voter’s spoke; they were not happy with the presented budget. First Selectman Adams stated that the proposed 2% increase that was established by the Board of Finance earlier in the year was reasonable. Months later, as the economy has made a significant downturn, people are scared and do not want any increase.
In a special meeting of the Board of Finance held the evening before, the Board voted to reduce the proposed 2009-10 budget by $357,000. The amount of $80,000 would be cut from the Board of Selectmen’s budget and the remaining $277,000 would be cut from the Board of Education’s budget.
To meet the municipal budget reduction, Town Manager Smith recommended reducing Contingency by $70,000 leaving this account with $16,000. This would eliminate the agreement settlement reserve of $45,000 in place for potential contract settlements, and it would also restrict budget options during the next fiscal year. The additional $10,000 is recommended to come from Fringe Benefits. This is available due to a decrease in health funding requirements for next year.
If the budget passes, the tax levy for next year will virtually be the same as this year’s levy. A slight mill rate increase from 29.35 to 29.46 will be required to meet the slight decrease in the Grand List. However, the depreciation of motor vehicle tax will offset this increase, keeping property taxes essentially flat.
Selectman Desrosiers asked Town Manager Smith just how comfortable he is with these reductions. Town Manager Smith responded he is as comfortable as he can be under these circumstances. Everything is going to be very tight. We would like to sustain all activities as long as possible. Our other options would be to cut staff, library hours, and senior and social services.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the proposed reductions of $70,000 from Contingency and $10,000 from Fringe Benefits to meet the reductions to the proposed 2009-10 budget.
Selectman Neumann stated it is unfortunate that it has come down to maybe cutting services. First Selectman Adams wanted to thank all the town employees for their concessions.
Selectman Judice asked Town Manager Smith to explain the continuing budget process. Smith responded that there is some information on the town’s website and they will continue to update as needed. A town-wide flyer will be disseminated in regard to the upcoming referendum. There will be an informational meeting, as continuation of the Town Meeting, on Monday May 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School Auditorium to review the proposed budget cuts. There will be another referendum vote on Monday May 18, 2009 from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. at the Town Hall Meeting Room. There will also be a regular Board of Selectmen’s meeting on May 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. somewhere at the Town Hall complex.
ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
| 
