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Board of Finance Minutes

Meeting date: 
Thursday, March 9, 2017

Members Present:                                        

  • Jim Bulick, Chairman                                    
  • Peter Tanaka                                           
  • Elizabeth Treiber                                               
  • Barry Wallett   
  • Robert Wiecenski                                                                        
  • Geoff Prusak – Alternate

Members Absent:

  • John Patton, Vice Chair
  • Annemarie Poole - Alternate

Also Present: Tina Binheimer, Animal Control Officer;  Joe Colangelo, Chairman, Parks and Recreation;  Jennie Arpin, Director, Human Services;  Dr. Katherine Kalagher-Ryan, Chairman, Willington Public Library;  Donna Latincsics, Business Manager;  Tish Ignatowicz, Treasurer;  Parks and Recreation Commission Members;  Willington FD#1 members;  Members of the Public.

Chairman Jim Bulick called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.

SEATING OF ALTERNATES

Betsy Treiber motioned to seat Geoff Prusak for John Patton, Peter Tanaka seconded. All were in favor, motion approved.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Barry Wallett motioned to approve the budget meeting minutes of February 23, 2017.  Peter Tanaka seconded.  All were in favor, Elizabeth Treiber and Robert Wiecenski abstained. Motion carried.  

PRESENT TO SPEAK

Christine Psathas, resident, asked the Board to consider the mil rate, consider a little bit more so that not to take out so much from the reserve.  She is willing to pay a little more if it means keeping things consistent and not having a large mil increase at some point.  Chairman Bulick said that we use the reserve to manage risk.  We’ve been looking at the uncertainty of revenue based on the governor’s budget, foundation issues and general economy.  We’ve been trying to build up the reserve because of this uncertainty.  The Board thanked Christine for her comments.

Mike Pinatti, 19 Pinecrest Road, asked if we get a lot of complaints about the Mil rate being too high.  Chairman Bulick said that we are not aware of any complaints.  The Selectman would get the complaints, but he sees a lot of houses for sale in town that might be a result of that.  Mr. Pinatti asked how we set the mil rate, is there a formula?  Chairman Bulick said that we look at everything, compare to other Towns and before we make any increases.  It’s everyone’s money.  The Board thanked Mike for his comments.

NEW BUSINESS

All presenters submitted an annual report for the July 2015 – June 2016 year when requested this past summer. Thank you!

Chairman Bulick gave a brief update of the fiscal situation facing Willington.
 

0511 Dog Fund

Tina Binheimer, Willington Animal Control Officer, presented the Dog Fund budget for $30,142, –3.0% less than last year’s request of $30,942.  Budget decreases were due to lower vehicle repair expenses (a new vehicle was recently purchased so maintenance was reduced) and lower heating expenses (propane).  Other operational and maintenance issues were discussed.  The board thanked Tina for her presentation.

0512 Recreation Department

Joe Colangelo, Chairman Parks and Recreation Department, presented a budget for $98,951, a 29.07% increase over last year’s $76,665 budget.  Most of this due to the increase in hours for the Director of Parks and Recreation from 27 to 40 hours.  The purpose of increasing the director’s hours are to 1) enhance current programs, 2) add new programs and community events, and 3) focus on fundraising.  All three initiatives are to increase revenue to fund the department.

0513 Human Services

Jennie Arpin, Director, Human Services, presented a budget for $77,036, a –5.1% decrease from last year’s $81,213 budget.  Most of the decrease was from the Dian–A–Ride program.  Willington ridership was down 20% and Jennie was able to negotiate a –20.4% reduction.  Other operational issues were discussed.  The board thanked Jennie for her presentation.

0517 Library

Dr. Katherine Kalagher–Ryan, Chairman, Library Board, presented a budget for $196,513, a 2.95% increase from last year’s $190,889 budget.  Most of the increase was due to an increase of director benefits cost.  Otherwise operational costs were reduced –0.06%.  Discussion followed on operational costs, landscaping, and internet service.  The board thanked Katherine for her presentation.

OLD BUSINESS

Governor’s Budget Impact to Willington – Tish Ignatowicz presented the latest revenue analysis and several TRB funding and Fund Balance application scenarios.  Discussion followed including the mil rate and its impact on the taxpayers of Willington.

Region 19 TRB component and changes to the special education formula were also reviewed.

Annual Report

Deb had circulated a draft report to Chairman Bulick for review. A copy will be coming to Board members for review shortly.

Contract Negotiations – No update

Crumbling Foundations Risk Management – No update

Joint Discussion P&Z, IWW, ZBA, and BOF – No update

CORRESPONDENCE

  • Christina Mailhos and Jim Bulick 11-Mar-2017: Clarification of agenda on 16 and 23-Mar.
  • Barry Wallett 10-Mar-2017: CT Mirror Article on small towns wanting TRB “off the table”.
  • Deb Lewis 9-Mar-2017: Annual Report to Chairman Bulick for review.
  • Donna Latincsics 8-Mar-2017: Regarding CIP plan and missing Village Hill Drainage #176 and #214.
  • Donna Latincsics 6-Mar-2017: Regarding Recreation budget presentation.

GOOD & WELFARE - None

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Lewis
BOF Recording Secretary