BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

MARCH 26, 2019

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DRAFT

 

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, John Ford IV, Sally Huyser, Sharon Huxley

Visitors:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Sheila Lane, Bethany Resident Trooper David Merriam

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:12 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

BUDGET 2019-20

PUBLIC SAFETY

Trooper David Merriam was present to discuss with the Board of Finance some reductions to his budget from the first submission.  The SRO Officer cost of $10,000 for Amity had previously been charged to his budget.  It is now included in the Amity Budget.  The line item for Police Equipment budgeted for $9,500 will be taken out of his budget as this cost is going to be covered 100% by the State of Connecticut.  The salary of the Resident Trooper previously billed at 75% of cost may change to 100% of cost.  If that is true an adjustment will need to be made.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

First Selectwoman Gorski reported that the General Insurance line item could increase by 3%, however this number is not final. 

The salaries of the Assistant Town Clerks and Assistant Secretary to the Assessor will be adjusted because of additional certifications they have received. 

The budget for Bookkeeper will be adjusted because of an additional part time person to do the data entry when the new financial software is installed.

Renovations to the Annex and the cost of repair for it was discussed.  Rod White, Maintenance Supervisor has gotten quotes for initial repairs to the building that would meet basic needs for its use by Park and Recreation for summer programs.  The cost for these repairs would be approximately $19,000.  The Board members discussed possibly taking this expense from Contingency to make the building operational.  No formal motion was made. 

CAPITAL RESERVE-NON-RECURRING

The General Fund Balance is presently at @20.4% of budget.  The $600,000 received from the Amity surplus has caused   the increase to the General Fund.  First Selectwoman Gorski suggested that perhaps some of it could be used to lower the mill rate.  Other members felt that perhaps the money should be saved incase the Town is assessed a large amount by the State for teachers retirement.

After much discussion regarding amount to budget for the Land Acquisition Fund it was determined that they would budget the Land Acquisition Fund at $100,000 for this year.

 

 

 

The Board of Finance agreed to have First Selectwoman Gorski look into bonding for the paving of roads.  The school parking lot, paving behind the school and the Town Hall parking lot could be included in the bonding. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of March 19, 2019.  The motion was moved by John Ford IV and seconded by Sally Huyser.  The vote taken was three yes votes to approve as written.  The vote was called.  There were three yes votes and one abstention that of Sharon Huxley as she had not read the minutes.

OTHER MATTERS

The next meeting to complete the budget will be held on April 2, 2019.  School Superintendent Murray indicated that if the enrollment for kindergarten continues to increase an additional teacher for that grade will be needed.  This would increase the budget for the Elementary school. 

ADJOURNMENT

At 9:15 Sally Huyser moved to adjourn the meeting.  Her motion was seconded by John Ford IV.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley 

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance