HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AC - 03/27/2018 Town of Cohasset
Advisory Committee
Minutes, March 27, 2018
Place: Wilcutt Commons
Attendees:
John Chapman Richard Fitzpatrick Paul Carlson
Nan Roth Helene Lieb Leland Jenkins
Michael Dick Tanya Bodell Ralph Tulio
The agenda is re-organized to have the joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen at 8:00 instead of 7:00.
7:03 p.m.—Meeting was called to order. Warrant Review, discussions and votes.
Article 3 -Operating Budget—Continued discussions on article 3. The committee discussed several topics:
• Town Full-time employees—Paul C. mentioned that the town seems to not have arms around adding temporary
or permanent FTEs. It seems FTEs are brought in but eventually gets have cross departmental roles that the costs
are not re-distributed appropriately from the originating cost center/department.
• Additional discussion regarding FTE reduction due to IT gained efficiencies.
• Water Rates—question emerged on when the rates be dropping in the near future.
• School budget—the current 61/39 split is acceptable. Ralph T. asked whether the town provides the number
originally and let the school committee meet the number. Chris S. mentioned that the school committee work
their numbers while the town compiles the appropriate number.
• Nan R. commented on the school as to the proposed increase in FTE not in proportion to the decrease in student
population. The FTE count should be decreasing not increasing.
Tanya B. motioned for approval,Mike D. second—Approved 8-0.
Article 6—Stabilization and other Special Funds—
Discussion on the 10-year capital projection now at$32M excluding town hall renovation project. The committee may
need to make a statement on this article during the annual town hall meeting. The committee needs to convey to the town
how important it is to understand the total exposure that may affect future projections whenever an increase occurs.
• General stabilization fund—has a maximum(ceiling) of 15% of operating budget;requires a 2/3'majority vote.
• Capital Stabilization fund—overall discussion.
Mike D. recommends to have a conversation with the town manager and finance director to have a price signal on cost of
hiring and project it accordingly. This concept should also be adopted to all town departments including school.
Rich F. motioned to approve,Paul C. second. Approved 8-0.
Article 10—Funds for Road Repair and Maintenance—Chris S. explained that this will allow Town manager to authorize
expense/spending for specific revolving funds. Discussion commenced. Lee J. commented that he is concerned of funds
authorizing funds. Chris S. explained that the revolving fund is merely a pass thru account.
Paul C. Motioned,Rich F. second—Approved 8-0
8:00 p.m.—Adjourned to attend the joint meeting with BOS.
Advisory Committee Minutes—March 27,2018 Page 1 of 1