HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget Committee Minutes 5-09-22
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BUDGET COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes - May 9, 2022
Committee present: Eric Levine, Pam Bleiwas, Rod Howe
Staff present: Donna Shaw, Judy Drake, Debby Kelley, Marty Mosely, Joe Slater,
Meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m.
AGENDA ITEMS:
• Review and approve meeting minutes from April 11, 2022.
Moved: Pam Bleiwas Second: Rod Howe Motion Passed
• Review and approve Electronic Banking Policy.
The auditors were looking for an Electronic Banking Policy which prompted the development of this
policy. New York Government Finance Officers Association had a sample policy from Town of
Pittsford that was very close to our current practices so that was used as a starting point. The State
Comptrollers Cash Management Technology Guide was also used as reference. The Trust Company
was consulted. Most of this policy mirrors what we have already been doing such as positive pay,
dual controls with online banking, checking balances daily, etc. Some of the best practices
recommended by OSC isn’t feasible for our organization – such as having a dedicated computer in
the office for just online banking and only using wired internet connections. OSC recommends
“defense in depth” to incorporate as many preventative measures as possible to build a strong
defense against fraud. Some practices have been added such as not using the online banking “super
user” account for daily logins to check balances. This will limit the exposure of that login.
The Committee was in favor of moving this policy to the Town Board for consideration.
• Review and approve Debt Management Policy.
The Debt Management Policy is recommended by the New York State Comptroller’s Office. This
policy was also a sample found on New York Government Finance Officers website (from City of
Long Beach). This policy also mirrors our current practice except for #9 where it talks about
performing a debt analysis with the CIP to determine future debt payments and debt capacity. This
step wasn’t performed last year but will in the future.
The Committee was in favor of moving this policy to the Town Board for consideration.
• Review January – March Sales Tax Receipts.
Sales tax is up 22.5% in the 1Q of 2022 compared to 1Q of 2021. The New York State Comptroller
reports that sales tax collections are up 21% statewide in the 1Q. One of the reasons for the increase
is inflation and higher gas prices. This increase will help to offset increased prices that the Town is
experiencing, specifically with asphalt and road projects. The Town will very likely bring in more sales
tax than budgeted again this year. For the past few years, we have budgeted $3,250,000 between
General Part-Town and Highway Part-Town. Last year we were over budget by $732,000 with total
receipts of $3,982,805. In 2020 we collected $3,280,847. It may be time to increase the sales tax
budget in 2023.
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• Review and approve 1Q 2022 Budget Amendments.
The 1Q Budget Amendments includes a transfer to cover the Supervisor’s cell phone costs; transfer
from the Deputy Finance Director line to the new IT position; and a transfer from the Deputy Finance
Officer position to IT equipment for the boardroom upgrade.
• Further Discussion of Property Tax Exemptions.
At their last meeting the Town Board seemed receptive to adopting the Green Buildings, Capital
Improvements, and Residential Subdivision Infrastructure real property tax exemptions.
Additional work is needed to explore alternative certifications for the Green Buildings real
property tax exemption. Staff will explore options with partners from the City and County and will
bring back options.
• Other Items.
Departments have begun to look at their 2023 budget needs. Departmental budget requests will
be submitted in July with the first draft Town budget coming to Committee in August.
Finance staff will be attending Association of Towns Finance School on May 16th and 17th in
Albany.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
Next Meeting: Monday, June 13, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., Town Hall - Aurora Room or Zoom