Windsor Town Council - Budget Session Special Meeting
Council Chambers - Town Hall
April 11, 2001
Unapproved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the budget meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
None.
Council member Albano requested clarification of on-site services because the different sites are going up significantly. The increase is due to $120,000 for professional development and $100,000 for tutors.
Council member Ristas inquired about the theme of the diversity training. The diversity training will provide training for teachers, staff and students which includes human relations training and workplace diversity training.
Council member Broxterman noted that our maintenance department is above the national average of 18,000-sq. ft. per staff member. Board of Education Finance Director Marge Montague reported that a f/t custodian was hired in January and works at the high school and middle school. There are some overtime costs for the renovation of WHS.
Council member Broxterman asked how it was determined that three sports were chosen at the middle school. Marge Montague responded that a phase-in program was developed and next year more sports will be added.
Council member Ristas noted that many teachers at the middle school are actively involved in and spending a lot of time on curriculum development. Dr. Silverman responded that the teachers are involved in a planned, ongoing systematic curriculum development, which is separate from the curriculum development in the budget.
Last year there was an accreditation visit, which pointed out goals and projects. There was another assessment visit by the Northeast League of Middle Schools to lay out the plan on how to reorganize, redevelop a continuing improvement program at the middle school. The goal is to make the school a full and functioning middle school. The staff implementing this process have been involved in the development.
Council member Ristas asked about the interdependent curriculum. Dr. Silverman responded that it is an attempt to make learning take place in the way it exists in the real world. The intent is to promote learning in an integrated curriculum, taking discreet areas and integrating them into real world situations. Most middle schools follow this curriculum. Cooperative learning is complimentary to individual efforts, which supports the increased achievement of students.
Mr. Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director for Town of Windsor and Mr. Frank Angelillo, Information Technology Director reviewed the budget. Mr. Pavitt gave an overview. They are $70,000 under budget for the current FY due to lower than budgeted personnel costs. There is one significant change in the upcoming year that will affect other departments. Previously each department was charged for IT services and now the IT services will be part of the general fund expenditures for the Administrative Services Unit. Overall there is a $47,000 or 3.17% increase, of which 1% is attributable to the increase in health insurance costs.
Council member Albano inquired if fringe benefits are included in personnel services. Mr. Pavitt responded yes, broken down by each department/unit.
Due to savings in various capital projects, $636,000 of expenditures are coming in under budget. There are $586,000 in funds that could be used for various needed capital items. Some of those items would be: replace the existing finance and tax system; an initial investment into e-government to provide online and touch registration for recreation programs; a building inspection system; a pavement management system; ambulance replacement; Northwest Boardwalk construction; and vehicle replacements for several older vehicles in the Town.
Council member Pacino asked whether the vehicles would be leased or purchased. Mr. Pavitt responded that they would be purchased, which is the most cost-effective investment.
Council member Trinks asked if other computer systems would be upgraded in the future and would they be integrated. Mr. Angelillo responded yes, most of the equipment is obsolete. Most systems will migrate into one product on one server.
Mayor Hogan asked what types of vehicles would be purchased. Mr. Pavitt responded that most would be replaced with the same type of vehicle (i.e., Fire Marshall - Taurus Wagon).
Mayor Hogan inquired when the online registration system would be available to the public and if the public would eventually have access to check tax bills and assessments online. Mr. Angelillo responded that is dependent on software acquisition and the data being organized internally. The tax portion will be a possibility.
Mayor Hogan asked if any performance or outcome measures rely on having this software in place. Mr. Pavitt responded that many of the performance measures in Finance can only practically be implemented once these upgrades are in place. The Town Manager reported that we conservatively expect a 10% increase in efficiency and inspections, and the vendor claims a 30% efficiency. This would be due mostly because inspectors won't have to come back to office to get permits, reports, etc.
Mr. Gregg Pavitt and Ms. Kelly Barrett, Assistant Finance Director identified significant highlights in the budget. Ms. Barrett reported that overall revenues are up $5,275,000 or 8.2%.
Mayor Hogan inquired about the decrease in the general property tax line. Ms. Barrett reported that collections were $77,000 less due to reevaluations and a higher mil rate. Collections were difficult and delinquent notices were frequently sent out for delinquent taxes.
Council member Ristas asked why last year 6,800 delinquent notices went out but the current year lists 17,000 delinquent notices and do we charge interest. Ms. Barrett responded that there aren't any additional properties, but less people are paying on time. Interest is charged at 18% per year. The notices are generated on a word processor, but the process could be automated.
Council member Simon requested the chart that shows budgeted and actual collection rates. Mayor Hogan requested a top 10 delinquent list of real estate and personal property. Ms. Barrett will provide those documents.
Mr. Julian Freund, Budget Analyst, gave an overview of the General Government budget. There was an increase in the Town Attorney budget for an increase in the hourly rate for litigation from $125 to $150 per hour, for a total increase of $8,000.
The Town Manager reported that the original proposal for a ½ time position to a ¾ position has now been revised to a ½ time position to a full time position. There is an increase of $40,000, extra hours/benefits are $30,000, and the remainder is for salary/benefit increases for existing staff.
The independent audit budget was increased by 3½% in case it goes out to bid. If it does go out to bid, the Finance Committee would make a recommendation and present it to Town Council.
Motioned by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Council member Broxterman to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m. Motion passed 9-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Countryman
Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council
Cc: Town Clerk
Main Library
Wilson Branch