Page 1 of 2 BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 7, 2017

 

DRAFT

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Robert Brinton Jr., Melissa Spear, Sharon Huxley.  Sally Hauser joined the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Visitors:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Tom Broesler, David Merriam, Nick Poulmas, Fran Doba, Janice Howard

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for approval of the minutes of the meeting of January 10, 2017.  The motion of approval was moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by Robert Brinton Jr.  Melissa Spear moved to amend the minutes by adding the meeting schedule, for budget preparation for special meetings to the minutes.  The following schedule was added:

                February 14, 2017 Regular meeting         Amity Regional #5 budget presentation, Library

                February 21, 2017 Special meeting          Bethany Community School and Fire Department

                February 28, 2017 Special meeting          Fire Marshal and Public Works

The motion was called on the amended minutes.  The vote taken was four (4) yes votes.

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Grabowski reported on the last meeting of the Amity Finance Committee that he attended, that the budget increase given at that meeting overall was 2.07%.  If there is no change than Bethany’s portion of this budget would be $89,799 less than last year due to a decrease in enrollment.   Since the Governor’s budget will be available tomorrow it is not known what kind of cuts will be made to the ECS Grant.  This will change the budget drastically if the cuts are significant.  The cost per student with a 2.07% increase and no change in grant money received would be $18,517 without debt service and $21,651 with debt service.

FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S REPORT

First Selectwoman Gorski gave an update on construction of the Salt Shed.  The overall cost of the shed itself is within budget, however since problems with buried stumps and other issues were found when the foundation was being constructed, and proper disposal had to be done, so the overall project is over-budget.  This shortfall will be taken from the regular operating budget of the Public Works. 

PARK & RECREATION. 

Janice Howard and Nick Poulmas presented the Park & Recreation budget and answered questions regarding this budget. Janice explained that revenue is down slightly due to the foyer renovations at Town Hall, as some of the programs had to be canceled because of it.  Payroll for next fiscal year is slightly higher than the present year due to the increase in minimum wage.  Other than salary increases the budget had no other large increase.  There were no Capital Expenditure requests this year.

 

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Tom Broesler distributed a spread sheet with the budget requests received so far,  to members of the Board of Finance.  Tom was questioned regarding progress on upgrading of the accounting program.  He is working with the Bethany Elementary School to perhaps find a program that would be compatible for both the school and the town. 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:55 p.m. after a motion was moved by Melissa Spear and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  The vote taken was unanimous.  

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance