Minutes
ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE
ROCKLAND TOWN HALL
ROCKLAND, MA 02370
February 8, 2012
In attendance at February 8, 2012 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Julie Shaffer and Rachel Gear. Absent were Rich Penney and Joe Gambon.
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
Town Clerk
Contracts are in negotiations, so no Salary increases are present. The town Clerks office no longer is doing passports therefore Selectmen had removed line item for clerical line. They have since changed their position. Eric will get back to us on the amount. One less day next year because of the leap year. Longevity will decrease do to the fact Mary Pat is retiring this year. The committee requested an increase of $1,500 for Dues and meetings for the incoming clerk. The department requested that $750 be added back to the Sundries account to cover purchase of dog licenses. We should review this budget again in 2 months because of unforeseen changes. The Clerk put in for a transfer of $750 to be taken from dog receipts. Julie made the motion and Bob 2nd vote was unanimous.
Town Meeting and Elections – Talk about the cost. Eric will look up the 2010 election cost and will get to the committee. Tabled this until we have more information.
Registrar of Voters – requesting an increase in budget do to increase in postage. This relates to the annual census and list of resident mailings.
Board of Assessors Deborah Krupczak and Dennis Robson
Looking into putting the Towns Property Cards online will cost $2500 for the license. Software is already in place and being used. This would be a service to residents. The department currently has a contract for $6,000. This covers software and licenses.
South Shore Voctech is making them a new counter and should be installed soon. Cost materials only. The committee requested an education line item. Currently spend $500 in training for employees. Total budget will increase 2.3% with $2500 for new license for on-line access to property cards.
Board of Selectman
Department is requesting an increase of $5,000 increase in the line of Town Administrator towards a health insurance stipend that is in his contract.
Maintenance of landfill – Currently budgeted at $33K, may need $37K. Also may need work done in preparation for solar array. This would be an article in the warrant.
Department is requesting $1250 for Advertising an increase of $700
Legal Services- will stay the same
Traffic Control requesting based upon actual from previous year. Decrease of $6,325
Street lights will decrease $14,212 from the previous year.
Zoning Board Will need to have Bob Manzella in to review budget. Advertising and Secretary line item in question.
Other Budget Information:
2nd year Leases payments will be taken from LNR they include the following
Fire Truck $49,641.38 School Truck $25,794.23
3rd year lease payment for police car $24,266.50
70/30 spilt of revenues between school and remainder Eric will be attending school committee meeting next week to talk with them about this.
Other Business
Discussed a Policy Statement for the Finance Committee regarding Free Cash.
Capital Planning is looking for members!!!
Next Meeting: February 15th at 7:30 pm. In the Lower conference room.
Meeting Adjourned by Julie 2nd by Rachel.
Respectfully,
Rachel Gear
Secretary
Rockland Finance Committee