HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget Committee Minutes 6-14-2021
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BUDGET COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes - June 14, 2021
Committee present: Eric Levine - Chairman, Pat Leary, Pam Bleiwas.
Staff present: Donna Shaw, Judy Drake, Marty Mosely.
Others present: Rod Howe
Meeting was called to order at: 12:02 p.m.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Review and approve meeting minutes from May 10, 2021.
Removed from agenda.
Update on Sales Tax Collections for 2021.
For the first four months of 2021, sales tax collections of $1,136,292 are 13.95% higher than the
$997,174 received for the same period in 2020, and 7.1% higher than the $1,060,707 received in
the same period in 2019.
Update on status of Investments.
The resolution authorizing the $8,000,000 certificate of deposit at First National Bank of Groton is
on the agenda for tonight’s Board meeting.
Review and discuss the Fund Balance Policy.
The Committee continued their review of the Fund Balance Policy. The policy would apply to the
four main Governmental Funds – General Town-Wide, General Part-Town, Highway Town-Wide,
and Highway Part-Town. Language was added to obligate fund balance more than 40% of
unrestricted unassigned fund balance within two budget cycles. It can be used for one-time
expenses (that do not result in recurring operating costs), or other one-time costs including early
repayment of debt and the establishment or increase in legitimate restrictions (reserves) of fund
balance. The surplus can also be used to replace an unanticipated revenue shortfall.
In the event the unrestricted unassigned fund balance falls below the minimum requirement of
30%, the minimum balance will be restored within two budget cycles.
The Committee reviewed the 2020 fund balance worksheet (unaudited). Currently, all four
governmental funds have unrestricted unassigned fund balance more than 40%. Potential uses
were discussed including contributions to the 2022 Capital Improvement Program and redeeming
all or part of the 2015 bond issue.
The Committee recommended passing the policy to the Town Board for approval after review by
the full management team.
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Review and discuss Town Department Staffing Plans.
Ms. Drake reported on the 2022 staffing plans. Code Enforcement currently has a vacant Sr. Code
Enforcement position vacant that is generally used for succession planning. The Planning
department has a potential retirement in 2023 so succession planning is anticipated for 2022
resulting in some overlap of positions. The Sustainability Planner position is currently shared
50/50 with the City of Ithaca. There is some discussion about assigning more hours to the Town
which will result in the reduction of revenue from the City of Ithaca. The Town Clerk has a First
Deputy position open with no immediate plans to fill. Town Hall has 31.25 FTE’s planned for the
2022 Budget.
Public Works has two vacant positions due to promotions and it is anticipated that one will be
filled in July and the other in December. There are a few anticipated retirements from 2023-2026.
Engineering added a GIS Analyst position last year. The two Civil Engineers will be going for their
Professional Engineer license next year which will result in a pay grade increase for them.
Property Tax Cap Override for FY-2022.
The Committee reviewed the resolutions and local law for the property tax cap override for FY-
2022. The resolution to set the public hearing will be on the June 14 Town Board agenda, setting
the public hearing for July 12 at 5:30 pm. Consideration of adoption of the local law will be
scheduled for the July 12 Town Board meeting following the public hearing.
Other Items.
- Utility Moratorium – The Governor signed the Utility Moratorium in late May. This changes the
rules for re-levying water (and sewer?) bills and affects our ability to charge late fees and
penalties. Susan Brock is reviewing the law, more to come.
- Electronic Water Bills – Bolton Point is looking into the ability to send Water bills by email. This
will result in a small charge for a software upgrade to all of the partner Towns.
- TCAT – Mr. Howe would like to revisit the possibility of contributing to this agency in future
years.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:34 p.m.
Next Meeting: Monday, July 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm, Town Hall - Aurora Room
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