Minutes
ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE
ROCKLAND TOWN HALL
ROCKLAND, MA 02370
February 1, 2012
In attendance at February 1, 2012 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Joe Gambon, Rich Penny, Julie Shaffer and Rachel Gear
The meeting was brought to order at 7:02 Chairman Bill Allen read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.
New Business
Sewer- John Loughlin
Budget request: $2,215,587 vs. $2,149,963 appropriation for FY 2012. This represents a 3.20% increase Year over Year. Biggest reasons for increase are the result of the drainage account being increased from 30K to 80K. This along with the increase in hours for the administrative assistant, from 35 to 40 hours, are a result of the Sewer Department taking on responsibility of maintaining the storm water drains in FY 2013. Contract operations will increase to $1,577,575. Water rates will remain the same as last year $3.90 per hcf. This remains low in comparison to the surrounding area.
2 articles for town meeting. One is for $100,000 inflow and infiltrations removal. The 2nd is for $100,000 tank maintenance. These would be taken from the sewer development fund and the un-restricted fund account respectively.
At this time the Sewer Department has just finished a 3 year pump change out program. Pumps generally last 15-20 years. Depending on DEP & EPA requirements, the plant which is 50 years old may need to have a major upgrade in the next few years. This is dependent upon new regulations. John Loughlin has talked with Siemens, who has done a full analysis of what would be needed if an upgrade would be necessary. Siemens would partner with the town and use the sale of electricity it generates for payment.
Police Chief John Llewellyn
Budget Request: $3,333,471.18 vs. $3,055,178 appropriation in FY 2012
Chief has a new contract which calls for a sick leave buy back for him, over a 3 year term. FY 2013 is the second year of this buyback
This year, due to the retirement of 2 officers, sick leave buyback of $103,000 is being allocated from current funding hindering the department’s ability to hire replacement officers.
Included Salary increases of 2 1/2 %.
Asking to add back a 34th officer. If able to add back officer, OT should be reduced by 20K to FY 2012 levels. He has spent $20,000 cruiser maintenance, although the town passed to lease cars last year there is still a need. Sundries – problems with HVAC leaking in men’s locker room. Jeff’s Carpets recently donated tile and labor to replace worn tile in the lunchroom.
Police other charges increase 1,200, 3 in command staff, need for additional training.
Salary 911 Dispatchers: Increase to 102K, which includes raises retro to 2009. They receive a grant $41,000 to supplement 911, annually.
Articles: $66K for 2 new cruisers, $45K for new CAD software. Currently looking at a product produced by a company in NJ looking to establish a MA base.
Town account –Eric Hart
Asst Town account and clerical hired at a lower rate. Vacation coverage increased as a result of bumps people receive when their superiors are out of the office for a period greater than 5 days. There is a new line item of $500, which represents reimbursement for Life Insurance, per Eric’s contract. Both the Asst. Town Acct and Clerical receive proficiency pay per their contracts. Asked Eric break out Sundries and show his seminars and training on a separate line item.
Update on available Funds: $471,000 in LNR money and $432,000 free cash.
Finance Committee needs to set up a stabilization policy regarding the use of free cash. Also needs to submit article regarding Stabilization fund for Town meeting.
Other Business
- Received Preliminary Assessment from SSVT which calls for an increase of $60 K YOY or 4.02% to $1,559,139.
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- School Building Committee
- No Updates given.
- Capital Planning Committee
- No updates given.
NEXT MEETING:
Currently the next meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower conference room.
Rich made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe Gambon. A unanimous vote was taken and the meeting ended at 8:53 p.m.
Respectfully
Rachel Gear
Secretary
Rockland Finance Committee