Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor
Dean, Councilor Ellingwood, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor
Broxterman, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and
Councilor Walker
Councilor Jepsen noted that there is an error on
Page B-4 Exemptions for Volunteer Firefighters. The
amount should be added in, not subtracted. Mr. Souza
stated that is correct. The correction increases the
mill levy from 29.41 to 29.51. The proposed budget
listed a tax impact of a median value house ($170,000)
of 7.93%, which increases to 8.29% or from $257 to
$269, correcting the error in the formula.
Councilor Dean questioned the storm water plan and
if it is part of a tax levy. Mr. Souza said that it is
being funded by the general fund. The appropriation is
under General Services, Page Q-1, and is in the amount
of $460,000.
Councilor Jepsen asked if his request for a total
of town funds spent in support of Summerwinds was
completed. Mr. Souza said that it will be ready on
Wednesday—figures are being confirming.
Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor
Broxterman for a two- minute recess.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Councilor Jepsen asked for clarification on leasing
figures for the 13 police cars. Mr. Souza said that
part of the $25,000 difference includes after market
equipment savings. Councilor Jepsen is concerned about
leasing the Board of Education computers. He feels
that we will save money in the first year, but by year
four we are paying more. It is his conclusion that
long term leasing is the wrong way to go.
Councilor Broxterman replied that you have to
question the turnover ratio of the product. If it is
every two to three years, the difference is much less
if the value is dropping through the floor. Police
vehicles are driven so hard that their value is not
retained. With technology advancements, the leasing
makes sense for computers. There will be a use for
some of those computers coming off lease for a $1
purchase because we can used elsewhere. Leasing helps
your cash flow when you have turnover.
Councilor Jepsen inquired if we will be buying any
new police cars in year two or three of the lease.
Councilor Broxterman said that his understanding is
that there will not be any vehicles purchased in year
two, but there will be in year three. Councilor Jepsen
stated that the Police Take Home Vehicle Program still
has issues to be resolved. Mr. Souza clarified that
the take home program would utilize the older vehicles
and allow the life of the vehicle to be stretched out.
Councilor Mulligan asked if we have determined what
the value or exposure is in regard to officers who do
not live in town. Mr. Souza replied that to his
knowledge, it was discussed with the officers and that
issue has not been raised. Councilor Mulligan asked
about the difference between a three-year lease with a
$1 buyout and a three-year loan. Councilor Broxterman
responded that the warranty looks better with the
leasing because it is covered for three years.
Councilor Walker asked if maintenance was included
in Councilor Jepsen’s calculations on lease vs.
purchase. Councilor Walker added that the maintenance
costs are significantly higher at three years in a
fleet vehicle.
Councilor Simon stated that budget sessions are not
the time to make policy decisions like the police
vehicle take home program. The proposal needs the
attention it deserves and should be deliberated after
the budget season.
Councilor Ellingwood agrees with Councilor Simon
and would prefer to look at the budget at a different
level. The budget is too complex to get into policy
decisions. He added that either through good
management or over budgeting, we have had a surplus
the past few years.
Councilor Walker agrees with Councilor Simon. It is
our responsibility to pick apart the budget because it
is the taxpayer's money.
Councilor Simon said that there is a need to
restore services that had been previously cut over the
past few years. The town is in a favorable cash
position due to good management. That gives us the
opportunity to restore some services and reduce tax
increases.
Mayor Trinks noted the letter from FirstTown
Downtown with regard to their budget.
Councilor Ellingwood commented on the surplus. He
cautions using the surplus to fund costs which will
need funding in future years. He recommended using it
for one-time costs.
Mayor Trinks, on behalf of the Council, thanked the
staff for their time and presentations and also for
their work during the past year.
Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor
Ellingwood to enter into Executive Session at 7:24
p.m. for the purpose of:
- Discussion of the appointment, employment,
performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a
public officer or employee
Motion Passed 9-0-0