Finance Committee
Minutes Holden Finance Committee, March 17, 2021
Remote via Zoom
Members Present: Paul Challenger, Dave White, John Lambert, Chris Lucchesi, Don Graves, Jane Titcomb, Stephanie Adams, Marilynn Foley
Member Absent: Joe Dolak
Also Present: Peter Lukes, Town Manager, Stephanie King, Asst. Town Manager, John Woodsmall, DPW Director, Ryan Mouradian, W/S Superintendent, Denise Morano, Recreation Director
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.
John and Ryan reviewed the W/S Enterprise Fund Budget. Increases in the budget include: the incentive bonus plan increased due to more personnel being eligible (eligibility is based on number of years in the division, unused sick days, no accidents and no reprimands), health and retirement insurance, DCR disposal costs of sewerage through Worcester, vehicle maintenance, new meter replacement in conjunction with the HMLD and capital outlay to complete SCADA upgrades to the water system. Because of the COVID 19 pandemic the sewer rate litigation case against the City of Worcester has been delayed. The Emergency Reserve Fund (covers major emergencies that need temporary repairs) has been decreased. The Committee had a discussion on what are operational line items and what are Capital items.
The method of calculating water and sewer rates was discussed, with Ryan explaining that they go through every expense account and assign the costs to the appropriate service in a reasonable manner. The question was raised as to why none of the DPW Director’s time was charged to W/S, after he indicated that he spent about 40% of his working hours on it. Also, the DPW engineers and office staff also spend time working on W/S, but are not charged there. This could be a significant amount of money that should be paid for by W/S rate payers and not the property taxpayers. Peter and John agreed to do a review of what costs might be assigned from DPW to W/S to present at a future meeting.
Denise reported that last year was a nightmare for her department due to the COVID 19 pandemic. She was able to open the pool in July and August with the capacity limited to 40%, with social distancing and mask wearing. All other recreation programs that required using the school buildings were cancelled and the staff laid off. The Recreation and Before/After School Revolving Fund programs are budgeted for F/Y22 as if it will be a normal year, but that is uncertain as of now.
The WRSDC slightly reduced the school’s budget from the earlier numbers, and applied a significant amount of “local revenue” to reduce the assessments. There is concern that these local revenues will not be available in future years and the assessments will be very high suddenly. Local revenues are funds the District receives in reimbursement for expenses incurred (Medicaid, School Choice, Transportation, Special Education) that they hold until they need to reduce the budget The district hopes for more state aid, but the state has not passed its F/Y 22 budget yet. The Committee would like more information on Community Rescue Plan use in the district.
A motion by Chris 2nd by Dave to approve the minutes of February 24,2021 were voted unanimously Adams aye, Challenger aye, Foley aye, Graves aye, Lambert aye, Lucchesi aye, Titcomb aye, White aye.
A motion by Jane 2nd by Don to approve the minutes of March 3, 2021 were voted unanimously, Adams aye, Challenger aye, Foley aye, Graves aye, Lucchesi aye, Titcomb aye, White aye (abstained Lambert).
A motion by Stephanie 2nd by John to approve the minutes f March 4, 2021 were voted unanimously Challenger aye, Foley aye, Graves aye, Lambert aye, Lucchesi aye, Titcomb aye (abstained Adams, White).
A motion by John 2nd by Jane to approve the minutes of March 10 2021 were vote unanimously Adams aye, Challenger aye, Foley aye, Graves aye, Lambert aye, Lucchesi aye, Titcomb aye (abstained White).
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marilynn Foley, Clerk