Second meeting for u for budgets. Can I please have a roll call? >> Nicole Melon present. >> Markino present. >> Peter Karen present. >> We'll open the finance committee meeting with uh we've got two members on Zoom tonight. So do roll call. >> Susan Loren present.
>> Peter Roach present. Jake Stevens present. Tracy Carol >> just you Doug. >> Okay Mr. Moody you're up >> but there is a reserve fund transfer of course we have to do Yep. So I I put in a reserve fund transfer
request for um new RMS which is a record management system for the fire department. Um the state and the federal government changed from Nippers to nearest which is just the uh platform that they use to report fire incidents. We currently use IMC for RMS and they
did an upgrade that I took part in two about a week and a half ago. Um it's not working like it should. I've gone back and forth with them with my frustrations. Um it's beyond they can't even give me any reason or any fix in any time frame. So I went after uh ESO
who we used for our patient care reporting and got prices from them. That's what I have put um in front of you. I hope it was in your package. Um So, I'm looking to use them just to stay with one company within the fire department. It'll be one invoice every
year. Uh so, that way we can accurately report to the federal government. Right now, technically, I'm out of compliance. Uh because I I can't report through IMC. No. Thank you. >> Tom or Doug?
>> Yes. >> Any questions? >> No. >> No. >> Motion. >> Make a motion to approve uh reserve transfer fund the amount of $4,563.50 uh as appropriated or asked by the
finance by the fire chief. >> Second. >> The accounts are just accounts as listed. I'm sorry. >> You need the account. >> I just say accounts. Yeah, that's >> okay. We got a second. All in favor? Roll call. Sue. >> I. >> Peter. I
>> Tom. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Jake. >> Hi. >> I I just have to say hi and >> thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> You ready? We're good now. Okay. All
right, Mr. Rooney. >> Good evening, everyone. Can you hear us? Okay. >> Yes. >> All right. Great. First of all, I just want to thank you for allowing us to join remotely. Uh we have a school committee meeting at 6:30 and uh we have
Senator Duner and Representative Thurber coming tonight. So, um being able to be in person would have been preference, but thank you for allowing us to join virtually. be on time for our special guest at our school committee meeting.
I'd like to start by um thanking Mr. Paco uh for all the collaborative conversations that we've had. I think the first time that we started talking about FY27 was probably in mid November and um he's
also done yman's work um on behalf of the school building committee uh through the potential project at D So since I had uh both audiences of the pincom and the board of selection, I just wanted to make sure that uh I acknowledged his
work. Um, I'll just give you a brief overview of um some of the the aspects of not only our FY27 budget planning uh but also just kind of some context but also some
peripheral information that still relates to our financial status. I'm joined by Leo Brim who's our district business administrator. Uh in his first or finishing has finished his first full year. Now he's in his second year. The
training wheels are off. And uh I I've really seen a lot more efficiency in our business office uh with the um Kim Walade is our district accountant and then Renee Morby is serving two roles.
She is both our treasurer and our grant writer. So I also just wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge um Leo, Kim, and Rene. U first thing that I want to mention just in reference to finances is um I shared
with the selectman and with Mr. Paco back in December uh a memo regarding our excess and deficiency. Um excess and deficiency is never an exact science. Uh but we also want to be responsible
stewards of uh each town's money. So we always want to try to be as close to um not exceeding that 5% limit if at all possible. And we had a very unique set of circumstances that all came together uh at one time and I did explain these
in the memo that I sent to the King uh and to the selectman yesterday. But just to remind everyone for the purposes of the public um We had a delay in state transportation reimbursement. Um we also had a very high cost out of district uh
special education placement that resolved itself. And also um my administration back in 2022 um inherited two significant IRS penalties. uh they were each in the vicinity of $375,000
and uh we have very proud we get both of those paid and uh when that came back into the coffers last year that's what pushed our excessive deficiency into the range where there is a turn back to both
of our channels and I just want to make sure that the narrative is correct because you know this was not inflated by the This was not precise budget relations. It was just those three circumstances that happened. In terms of our FY27
uh budget preparation, I think the context is a drum that I've been beating uh since FY24 um which is the fact that chapter 70 funding formula for school districts across Commonwealth is broken. Um, I am
pleased that the chapter 70 funding for is being re is being revisited. Um, Senator Duner's office reached out to us today to get some information about our chapter 70 woes and um, I'm going to
work with the chair of our school committee um, in terms of whether he wants me to speak on behalf of the district or whether we're going to co-author some sort of a letter about how over 300 out of 351 whole harmless
districts um, in the Commonwealth are now seeing minimum aid And um in in Daper Hovit's case uh we received for for this coming year we received $136,351 in chapter 70 uh aid which is less than
it is actually a quarter of 1% of our operating budget. It's it's deplorable. And just to give you some context, as I mentioned in the memo that I sent yesterday, our FY26 amount, which was by no means generous, was almost three
times that. It was $39,470. So I have been adamant about the fact that state needs to look at the chapter 70 funding formula because the gap has to be made up by the towns and that's not fair. That's not fair to you all. it's
not fair to the other departments that have to you know be sense kind of pitted against where the school departments um have to be in terms of their budget need. So um however, you know, there there is some
good news. Um the the level service budget that uh we start off with that we always start off with uh was slightly north of 6%. Um that is uh is is a process that that we use and I think
it's important that I at least clarify what our perspective is of a level service budget. Um we define level services as the cost of sustaining programs and staffing accounting for known and anticipated increases include including contractual obligations,
programmatic necessities, benefits, facilities, other fixed cost drivers. Some people have a different definition of level services. If you operated off of 50 million last year, you operate off of 50 million this year. And that's that's not the common understanding
about the services. Um we work with our school committee especially the budget subcommittee uh Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Andrade of the school committee represent the town of Dyton on the budget subcommittee and it's it's a constant review of the way that we can
find efficiencies and usually it comes in tears um not tears of of of sadness or tears of joy. comes in levels and um you know sometimes we don't know necessarily what our health insurance increase is going to be. So we have to
we have to put in a number that we hope is enough for health insurance. Um and in this particular case we were able to say that our health insurance was lower than what we had budgeted for. Um, and so the budget that I presented to the
school committee last week, our last meeting, which was February 26th, um, was a tentative budget of, um, 4.35% increase for the district. Uh, the town of Dayton at that point was an increase of 4.54%
and increase for the town of Roit was 1.8%. Since then, uh, in the last 10 days or so, uh, we been able to shore up some additional special education placements for next year. Um we always participate
in a process where we try to do some buy aheads. Um if our run rate, which is what we um phrase as our budget to actual, if our budget to actual is solid, uh then we will try to pay for some things in FY26 to be able to lower
the FY27 budget. And that's something that we've done in my tenure for the last three budgets. and um it it it has not come back to bite us yet. So, I'm pleased with that. So, tonight when I meet with our school committee in just a few minutes, um I'm going to share with
them um very promising update uh which is districtwide increase of 3.61%. Um a Dayton increase of 3.15% and a Rahobin increase of 0.92%.
Um I do want to mention that in the multiple conversations that we had with Mr. Kaco, there were times also where Mr. Karen joined us. Um the town was uh
asking us to have a goal of a uh of a uh 3% increase and I think that 3.15 um is responsibly close uh in in in plain numbers it's about $21,700.
And I know $21,700 could go a long way. Uh but considering that we just received some information last week as superintendent that um that we may see some cuts to our title one funding um I want to be very careful
because our only title one funding goes to Dyon Elementary and Dyon Middle. There is no title one funding at high school and there's no title one funding on the side of the district. So, um, that $21,700 is something that I feel is creates a
little bit of a safe zone if the federal title one grants um do get cut as as recommended to us by the commissioner um last week. So, u the the last point that I'll bring up
before we open it up uh for any questions or comments is that um you know I have I have been clear about the fact that um you know right sizing in our district was something that was an exercise that needed to be done upon my arrival. We needed to make sure that we
had staffing that was um representative of our student enrollments and we also needed to make sure that we had staffing that was um in place to be able to to provide our students with the education that they and their families deserve.
And over the course of FY24 and FY25, we saw some significant attrition. Um and last year we were able to claw back with with one additional position. Um but we're still at a net of you know
mid20s in terms of negative um staffing from when I took over. And uh I have made it clear to the committee that we are very excited about we're adding three new um CTE programs at the high school. We're adding medical assisting,
we're adding criminal justice and public safety, and we're also adding culinary and hospitality arts. Uh those programs are going to bring more students to our high school uh which is going to continue to drive our high school enrollment up and they will also bring in additional chapter 74 funds. Um there
are also two student support staff uh positions that I'm recommending to our school committee um that fall into the to the needs of best serving our students. So, as I mentioned, um our enrollment districtwide is up by 53
students uh since we had to submit our SIMS report um to the state back in October of 2025. Our high school enrollment is up by 14 students. Our CTE classes are um getting to the point where they almost have waiting lists.
And um Renee Morby, our grant writer, has secured over $275,000 in competitive grants, more than what she had secured last year. So I know that was a lot to throw at you. A lot of it was in the memo that I provided yesterday, but I felt that for the
purposes of the community, it was important to share all that with you. >> Thank you. Um I guess I'll stop. the uh I appreciate your work that you did with the chapter 70. Unfortunately,
it's it's happened and there's nothing at this stage can be done about that other than the letter writing and the pleading. Uh so I I understand that you have to take you're taking a hit with that. Um but a couple things I want you to realize. I'm sure you're aware. I
want you to know that at our level we have two and a half% that we can go up. Um we have department heads that are either level funded one who has taken a $5 to $6,000 hit on
their own personal income uh to others who uh are foregoing raises in in addition to possible layoffs. Why can't you come in at that 2 and a half%. Uh with the exception of the chap
chapter 70, I understand that. But we can't just give you money year after year because you your expenses go up. Our our community, the town's expenses go up and we're obligated to cut as well. Why can't you come in at that levy
limit for us? >> Well, first of all, that never came up. So, I was asked to get to 3% and we're $21,700 away from 3% and we have a lot of uncertainty with title one funding to
benefit both of your schools in your district. Um, I'm not certain that we would have been able to get to 2 and a half%. The two and a half percent never came up. So, you know, that's that's a communication issue. >> Okay. I I understand if you will.
>> Yes, please. Go ahead. >> This is not just a this is not just a single year. We are 20 plus positions in the hole from the start of FY24. >> What what percentage is that?
>> I would have to figure that out. >> Okay, that's all right. We we are at our own town level. Um 10% in the hole in our town highway department as well as our
police department. Not quite 10% in the police department. A down employees. And we have a fire department that is growing that we could use more help that we just can't put on because they need them right now. We're in a tough situation. I understand the 2 and a
half% is something that we're just thrown at you this evening and you might have to go back to the committee and say we can't just do more. But we're in a tight situation this year. This is the first time we've ever talked about layoffs. The first time that we've had department heads that aren't taking an
increase in pay, which they're entitled to, as well as, like I said, that one department that's even taken a negative, which I'm not so sure is going to happen or we're going to allow to happen, but that's that's neither here nor there. um forgetting the chapter 70. I understand
that's out of your hands. I don't want to repeat myself. Uh but are there other cuts that you can make that can help us get our two and a half down to our two and a half%. >> I mean, we're constantly looking at the way that we can find efficiencies. Um
you know, with all due respect, I answer to the school committee. School committee guides me and guides Leo through the budgeting process. Um, I'm presenting to them in eight minutes. Um, and if they have concerns about where we are right now, uh, and I will share your
concerns with them, uh, I will take their lead and certainly be able to stay in communication with you. We have our annual budget hearing uh, Tuesday, uh, March 24th. So that is, uh, two weeks from tonight at the high school
auditorium. and um you know anyone from either side of the district is um encouraged to come and listen to that. >> Uh that 4% that that Mr. Pataco had given you I I think was just for the sake of putting putting numbers together
uh I don't think it was cobbed in stone that uh that it was just going to be a budget of 4%. And um with that said uh Nicole do you have anything you'd like to add at this time? Um, but pretty much all I have to say, kind of mirroring what Peter said, um, I'm just concerned we have town
employees who are willing not to take a raise, um, willing to do all these things. Meanwhile, I see, and I understand some of these are probably union negotiations, um, but five, 7% raises. Um, and just saying that next time you go to the table with these
unions that you think about the sacrifices that the town employees are willing to make. Um, because we all need to be a partnership in this. We're a team. No, thank you. Okay, Peter, >> I have a few questions. There are quite a few entries that says spending needs
adjustment. Um, so is I would imagine the budget is still fluid. >> Yes. Basically what Moren what that notation is is that um you know we we
try to monitor spending year-over-year things that go up because of inflation um or things that we're not necessarily spending money on anymore. Um and so that's an kind of an annualized
adjustment. Um I mean everything is an annualized adjustment but we tried to put a comment in that notes column when it was you know upwards of 75% or more and you'll also see situations where the percentage goes down
>> correct on you know 50 to 60% we put that same note there as well >> okay and I do have one more question about the electricity now at the high school it is going down by 19.68% where at the other schools the
elementary and middle schools their electric costs are going up like 5%. I saw that there was some investment in the solar panels. Um, so is the high school panels are the high school panels working and the other schools not?
So, I'm glad I brought Mr. Brim because he is my solar expert even though he doesn't necessarily want to be. Um, and I will I will turn it over to him um because we're short on time because I can't. So, the auto panels are
actually 100% you see a reduction at the high school because our largest array high school and actually is larger than all the other schools put together. So um and um we're
trying to project those out and top of the solar and the ro of energy that we also participate in. Um, I probably enrolled us in about two other programs since the beginning of the year to try to uh drop those energy costs down. So,
you may see discrepancies in that, but it's also the systems in those buildings are all all different, right? >> Correct. >> NH um if you couldn't by any chance because I know last year when you came before us, you said there was a problem with the solar arrays. They were only
operating at minimal amounts. if we can see a uh comparison between last year's the dysfunction and the uh repairs that have been made and what we're back what we're up to now. That'd be that'd be a help to us.
>> We can show you some of those yields and you can actually look at those right off our website as well if you don't want to wait for us. >> Okay. >> The website that will show all the rates um that are available. >> All right. to save you some I mean if you want to go look at it that's fine but to save you some work we'll put
together a report as well. >> All righty. Thank you. >> Um yeah just a quick comment. I know we're running up on time. Um you know one of the things that I asked for last year kind of last minute and I asked for ahead of the time this time was u not just this the student r studenttoteer
ratios but but also uh administrator to student ratios. Um, and not just over the last 3 years, but really what I was trying to understand was going back to 2019, which I know, uh, Mr. Rooney was before your time. Um, you know, with the
amount of CO funding that happened, there was a lot of ballooning in budgets, and I'm I'm trying to just understand what it looked like before the influx of of federal and state monies that has now been, you know, taken from us pretty steadily over the last four years. Um, and so that's
really what I was looking for. So, if you could get that just so that we have some sort of context, that would be wonderful. I I also would e echo what Mr. Karen said. Um, you know, looking at budgets when we have department heads that are trying to cut their own
salaries to save people's jobs and then seeing, you know, five to 7% raises across the board and in other places is is a tough pill to swallow. Um, because, you know, it's it's just tough. It's tough for us.
I understand. And Mr. Stevens, I uh before we get to the hearing on the 24th, um I'll I'll start to compile some of that. Some of some of the stuff going back to 2019 is I'll do the best I can. >> The best you can. Yeah. The best you can is all I'm asking for.
>> Yeah. The the best the best I'm asking for is what you can put your hands on. I know again in my comment it was before your time, right? So, whatever you can get your hands on would be helpful. Sure enough, >> Tracy, >> I'm done.
>> Yeah. So, um you talked about the three special ed um people that are going to be hired. >> Uh we had the live too. Okay. Uh we had the library in and you know they were talking about how they could do things with um some part-time people. Um I was
wondering if you've explored any of those avenues to cover your special ed needs. Um and what else you could do to get closer to that two and a half budget
>> in terms of looking at uh part time as opposed to 4.0 FTES. >> Could you handle the load with a you know one additional hire and a part- timerr? How could you creatively work through that?
They're two different buildings. But I mean certainly I mean you know this feedback's not um I mean this feedback is uh valuable. Um my school committee is waiting for me. I'm sorry but um you know we we'll put together some more
additional information prior to the hearing on the 24th. >> Thank you. >> Anything? You good? Good. >> Thank you, Bill. >> Thank you, everyone. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Crystal Plymouth on saw the emails on >> Mhm. Laura, are you doing aging? >> Um, yes. Bella was coming as well, but I can start just so that >> Yeah, if you don't mind. >> Yeah, sure.
>> Before uh before she comes on up. >> Yes, you wouldn't. I'm going to uh read our what I thought might be in a good thing since our uh meeting for that was not televised that it might be good for people like Woody watching on Tuesday
evenings to be able to get some of the background on it from from home. So I wanted people to understand what what happened with the proar argument in the mailer. Finance committee was asked to write the proargument for the mailer in January towards the end of January. committee
met and agreed that we would write it. However, it would not be any type of hype, scare tactic, hyperbole, would strictly write the facts. What happens if the debt exclusion fails? We've already done an exercise uh on what payroll
represents out of the town budget as opposed to expenses besides the school. That was roughly 82% of the budget is payroll and not expenses. So, we knew coming into this that there was not going to be any room at in the expenses
to be able to make up for $800,000 of debt. We asked the question um we had not seen the budget numbers yet. So, we were told with no debt exclusion there would be layoffs. These are the current positions that would be cut subject to change
obviously because the budget uh process is fluid. Basically confirmed the work that we had done last year that without a debt exclusion layoffs would be inevitable. positions themselves certainly were going to change. Um, but fact was there
would would be layoffs. We'd been working on options uh that did not include a debt exclusion for years. However, we were either squeezed everything we could out of those items or for various reasons just couldn't happen. Things like enterprise funds for trash or some way to charge for
recycling. Um, after we I understand right now the budget uh the positions have changed as far as where but we're still talking layoffs without a without an exclusion. It's just a
matter of what those positions are. Uh, one one obvious thing that's come up through the budget process so far, and we're not we just talked to school tonight. We're talking to police tonight, but through fire and through highway, um some of the issues that are
going to come up from cutting any more expenses, including the highway trucks that are over 30 years old, the uh fire department vehicles that are now have to be scheduled for uh repairs with the fingers crossed that nothing happens, we
can make it to another year. Um the finance committee did not recommend or approve or uh in any way want layoffs and that's why we wrote the pro for that for that u mailing.
I wanted people to make sure they knew that. No, thank you. >> Okay, Laura, come on up, please. Uh, we're taking this out of order because nobody from Bristol Plymouth is on yet. And, um, Laura's here on behalf
of the Council on Aging. I know >> you said she was going to any second now to be honest. Um, I did early. >> Yeah, I did prepare um, last year we had a um, a little presentation too and I prepared that. I forgot to I was in cable brain, so I forgot to plug it in.
Um I do have paper copies though if anyone wants it to follow along. Um I can pass those out. But you'll see um we created a budget um pretty similar to last year's for the most part aside from the request from
the town administrator. Um the original request to Bella at the time during their first meeting was if the debt exclusion were to fail that the office manager position um should be removed. So there is a budget that was presented from RCOA based on that recommendation
from the town administrator and then we have since received um last week a recommendation from the town administrator that if the debt exclusion were to fail or pass to fund that position. So we'll see there is definitely Oh, she's here. Thank you.
Take over. Wait a minute. It was supposed to be 6:45, correct? >> Just early. >> The one before you. They're not yet. >> Oh, all right. Good evening, everyone. >> Um, started. >> Okay.
>> Pick up. >> Thanks. >> You're welcome. And what was the question that was answering? >> She wasn't uh she was just starting off at kind of the overview between the two different budgets that presented what the differences were. So there was no no
question yet. Just kind of starting off in >> general way. >> I love to say thank you. I appreciate that. So you see that Laura just handed over um beautiful work that she does and
uh that explains about what has been happening to in the council on aging for the past three years. As you can see the graph, we have made uh extensive positive um work in the past three years that we
have been working at the council on aging postco and we were approached with a cut and we did uh do what was asked by us by town and town administrator
and um then we were told that possibly that one of our positions could be saved. So, we wanted to let you know. I don't know what how Mr. Vitaco came to that conclusion. We're happy that he did and
we hope that it does go forward. Uh we wanted you to know that our budget is as streamlined as it can be. In order for this council on aging to succeed in the future with the rise in numbers of elders in the town of Dyton, this
department it will not be able to function and complete the important work that is coming through that I've seen in the past uh three years of the need for um applications for services like food
stamps or insurance needs or heating assistance. I have never seen such a need in the 19 years that I have been here. And we will not be able to do this job if our department is cut in ours. I can tell you that from experience. We do
um above and beyond for Gon residents and our budget our budget cannot cut or be cut in a in a sense where we benefit I guess the town and the tax purposes but in the your constituents will go without if this department gets
cut. That's my personal opinion. I've worked with the elderly for 45 years. I know the system and the system is changing and not for the better for our low income and you do have a lot of low income in the in the town of Dyon. Who knew, right? And um these people are
coming to us dayto-day with such problems from homelessness to food insecurities to heat insecurities. We're actually a little bit overwhelmed at the moment with the things that are coming to us to our plate. So, LA
represented this beautiful thing. This is what our money gets used for. And um as you know, as you must know, we do have some grant money that we do utilize on a monthly basis to pay off all of the things that we offer to our residents.
Uh from programming to um many things. I'm getting nervous. So, I'm going to I think turn it over to Laura because she's not >> shy of speaking enough people. worried about it. Yeah, you're fine. >> Um, I guess I'll just ask if you have
questions, ask us. Let's put it that way. >> There's a lot of information, but I know it's our our budget's a little bit um I don't want to say complex, but we have other funding sources, and I wanted to be, you know, transparent about that and
how that funding's used um and how we're pretty much stretching every aspect we can. Um, and thankfully, Bella found us a handful of grants that have helped kind of build up some of the formula grant um that we get every year from the state. So, um but they're very limited
grants. One grant that pays for our outreach worker who's currently on leave um ends in October and it may extend for a year pending what the state can give Bristol Aging and Wellness. So, we do pay a staff out of that grant. That's what pays our newsletter that everyone
um really enjoys receiving by mail which is very expensive. Um so if there were to be cuts a lot would change in our department if that is what ends up happening. Um it it will be a very different council on aging that would
move forward if that is the case. >> I do have to say I was really shocked when I read in the strawberry vine that one out of three residents are over the age of 60. Correct. >> Yes, I believe that. >> And then in 2030, the US Census Bureau
just stated that for the first time in history, there'll be more people over the age, was it 60 or 65? >> 60. >> Over the age of 60 than um >> those over the age of under the age of 18. So, I don't know who's going to take care of us, not
>> hopefully me. >> Um so, there it's the population is growing. the need is very clearly growing from the first draft. We had that on the front page of our newsletter as well. Um it it's a busy department
and it it just won't function the same if there are major cuts. >> You had mentioned last year that there's some grants that you get on an annual basis but they're obviously not promised. Have you noticed any change in
>> our formula grant which comes from the state of Massachusetts, the executive office of elder affairs, that's a a given. Although we used to get it all in one sum and now we have to wait six months and we'll get out of it and >> they do it now in quarters. They used to do it half full, then they went from
half to half and now we're we noticed we're receiving it quarterly um deposits. But the grants that we were receiving, the other grants I should say that Bella had gotten us, um, because the COA never really applied for those types of grants, and the state obviously
looks to make it fair for each Council on Aging, um, we thankfully received like it was $200,000 worth from the Executive Office of Aging and Wellness and the Massachusetts Councils on Aging. We have continued because we're always applying for grants. Um, we have been
getting denials and we're not taking it personal. It's a fairness game, which we we totally understand. Um, but I think that kickoff from the first two years we reopened was rare because we never applied for something and they knew
that. So, they thankfully gave us that. >> But now it's it's definitely coming far in between aside from that annual state formula grant that every council on aging in Massachusetts is aotted. um you'll see the it's not a definition, but um it's based off of $16 per
resident in town that's 60 and older. So, that will fluctuate. It's nothing um extremely major, but that on the slide somewhere in here, slide six on page three shows what we use to pay that um
pay out of that. And that also fluctuates based on how much we have um received that year. And we would tweak our programming based on what the the seniors want too, but also based on our funding.
>> Are there private grants you get too? >> We do. I was just going to say um we do reach out to private banks and foundations and those are all the denial letters we've gotten this past year. So,
we haven't been that lucky with those. The thing is that the federal government gave the state a lot of to the executive office of aging and wellness. So we were able to apply for a lot of federal grants in the first in 22 23 and we did there was many grants coming out and
just applied to all of them and we happened to get all of them and so this past year not so lucky. >> We did get a local bank approval but it's not as um >> little smaller amounts based bank did
give us $2,000 to bank. Thank you. Mhm. >> So we we those ones are the ones we even see available are are much lower compared to what the state and the federal ones would be that because we're looking mainly for our outreach coordinator position. Um
it's a lot of work and when she's out and she is part-time, it falls on um the office manager position. So it it's a lot of work to handle and if we don't have a grant that can help fund a position for that too to offset to kind
of tag team it all. um there won't there just won't be as much help that we'll be able to offer um because they're timely appointments for for different it depends on the service that the person is looking for but um it kind of ranges honestly from anything.
>> Well, you can't sell yourself short. You did an outstanding job and you have a difficult job to do and you do it so well you and War. The sleuth had decided about three weeks ago not to cut the office position and um
you you affect so many people um and your budget is minuscule compared to what you do. I understand the the grants are not going to be there. you you got them up front because again you hadn't applied but now
you're in same thing as same boat as everyone else who who wants those grants and it's going to be tougher to get them. Uh and and I know you do so well uh trying to get those and we appreciate that. >> Is prime time still financially viable for you? >> Yes,
>> I know there's a net gain but are the numbers are skewed at all? >> No. So on the last page I did um because it is Thank you for bringing it up. So Prime Time um just to explain it to anybody who doesn't know is a supportive day program that we offer through the
Council on Aging. Um there is a fee associated to attend. Um it's $50 per day that's paid um either privately or they have funding from if they're uh a client with Crystal Aging and Wellness, they actually pay for the client to attend our program. So you'll see the
income um we did that based off calendar year. I didn't do fiscal year for that. Um, but the monthly income average covers what we pay out for that. Um, prime time, part-time staff. We have a full kitchen where we offer them meals, so it pays for the hander bills, uh,
water, jugs, office supplies. Thankfully, because they utilize the program in our space, we can kind of, I don't like to use the word double dip, but we kind of do when we can offer programs on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. It's technically obviously for the Prime Time clients, but we open it
to the public so that it helps the community, too. So, we we find ways to get creative with the money from Prime Time um as well. Right now, there's a net of 46,000. I pulled those numbers mon uh yesterday. So, we do have some
ideas of what we'd like to do with that money. Because it's a shared building space, there are still some building upgrades that needed to be completed. Um, so we we have rough plans and proposals of things to do with that money to benefit the building space
that's used for everybody, not just the program. So that's >> okay. >> Kind of the bonus of of being able to offer that, not only obviously for caregivers to have a program for their for the loved ones to attend for the day, but it helps anybody who attends anything at the COA
as well. >> Sure. Nicole, do you have anything you want to add? No, and you all three of you do a fabulous job. Um, obviously always loved the council on aging, but um even more so now my mother is now attends her council on aging, not in
dying, but the way she talks about it and the things she has to do, I know that's happening here too and it's just so important. Um, same with prime time. Um, I have a family member needs that kind of care to know that you guys do that. Um I don't think people realize
until you have somebody that cannot take care of themselves um what kind of service that is and that we can give that to residents like I'll fight tooth and nail for that. So thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Thanks.
>> What's your average for the prime time? How many clients >> client wise? >> 15 >> right now. >> Right now >> and the capacity that's the capacity is 20. So we can't accept 20 based on the >> we've opened up with eight work over there. You have to come a long
way. >> Is that 15? Mostly Don. >> Yeah, mostly Dayton. We do have some other cameras, but they're mostly >> No, this is great. Um hoping you guys love the new equipment that you guys are getting and and the
new um surfaces and all. Now it's going to be safer for people to come and visit you and that'll be great. And um yeah, keep it up, >> Dr. Tom. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> Great job. Thank you. Bristol Aggie I mean Bristol Plymouth >> they had sent us >> the package on Friday um you know here
we didn't necessarily confirm because we got it included in the package so I don't know where they're at. So if they're not here by the end of the evening you guys can make a determination by then. >> You're the veterans agent. >> Oh me
>> no sleeping on the job. I know it's already been a long day. >> Good evening. >> How are you today? >> You have before you budget exclusion and with exclusion. I don't know if there's any questions.
How come the um veterans benefits are such an increase this year? >> Well, last year we went with pretty much what we had in level funded >> y >> and we ended up with four new veterans coming on chapter 115. >> Okay.
>> And the average uh payout is about $7,000 a year. So we found oursselfves at the uh middle of the year at the special town meeting asking for an increase which was granted in into this
budget. So we did it again. We kept it at zero base or without any increases. >> If we do have some then we're going to have to increase it again. and we're mandated by law which the good news is
you get 75% reimbured on that line item from the state. The bad news is they pay a year later. We pay it today you get your refund in a year. >> Okay. So the logic was if we are fortunate enough
to have the debt exclusion pass, which I recommend, uh we'll be able to get some of that, whatever you decide. I mean, any part of it is good for us. If we don't, we will I do my best to get the
budget together. You can see there's not many other line items that I can take from to balance that >> and I don't have an income side. So I'm kind of >> although we do get one income, we still get it right from the town of Berkeley.
>> Yes. >> That comes wraps into the general fund that we're not going to see here. I think it's 4500, right? >> 42 >> 42 42. >> And why did we get that from Berkeley? Well, I guess years ago that's what they decided to do a municipal agreement
between the two towns which I I'm appointed by both towns as the BSO. >> Okay. >> But because all their records and practically sometime more Berkeley people come through the door than they do and um they rent that space.
So that's basically what it is. Um I I wouldn't be embarrassed to say you might want to revisit that and see if uh they have any more to put into it because it's an older number and >> right >> probably saying we don't have any money either but it's not you know you don't ask you don't get so
>> right >> might be an idea. >> So you're saying the 48 that they're asking for if the data passes we get 75% of it back but we get it a year later >> if we spend it. >> If we spend it. >> If we spend it. We can't predict how
many we will get. Um it's a program that services mostly senior veterans and a lot of times one income veterans. That's usually when they come is if they were two income and one income falls off then they become eligible.
And um we can't predict because the age of the veteran here in town is probably around almost 80 when they when all of the ones we have and the ones we really get.
>> Yes. So, it's hard to predict. I we were I was way off last time because nationally veteran population is decreasing, >> right? >> Okay. Quite a bit. There's a big fall off. World War II veterans now Korea veterans, Vietnam veterans,
believe it or not, they've always been different. A lot of them don't even want it. they don't even want to talk about. So, we had that window, but now windows opening again where some of the Gulf War veterans are getting to the age of
needing the assistance and it's mandated. So, >> you're saying it's it's seven grand per >> roughly 7,000 per, but there's other things that wrap into it. If you get chapter 115, you're eligible for fuel assistance, even if you're getting um
the citizens for citizens type thing. You're you're eligible for that. You're also eligible for all medical co-pays and um say for instance like a part B off of a social security check that gets reimbursed.
>> So how many people is budgeting for the extra 48 that you put in the budget? >> Oh, >> four. >> The math might not be out at seven times. Yeah. Yeah. Rough rough math. Yeah. >> Napkin map, right? >> That's
And we did have four last year. So >> we did have four last year. >> Is it anything? So, so to to know maybe to even to get a better idea of the the numbers, anything that you in conjunction with the assessor's office for people who are
getting exemptions from the assessor's office might be able to figure out how old they are and to be able to get an idea, a better idea. >> No, but it it really don't work that way because the ones that would be in the
assessor's office are already receiving a compensation disability pension. >> Okay? >> And most of them are 60 to 100%. So they wouldn't qualify anyway because of their income level. >> Uh to give you some numbers, uh we
talked about 7%. Don has approximately 450 or so veterans in in town. And the rule of thumb used to be 7% which is pretty close. And um for the most part,
the numbers have stayed pretty steady. We just had that fluctuation over the last three years. Four years ago, this budget was over $60,000 for veterans on that line item. And each
year we try to go with the attrition and we were down to four. And then over the after we reduced that line item which now you got to put it back because it was gone now you end up with nine again.
So and I know Dyon historically I did some looking into it when I talked to Don H. Don was up to around 15 or 18 at one time you know maybe 20 years ago. So >> that that's where we're at. And as you
can see the rest of the budgets really there's no increase there. We don't have a lot, but we've been fortunate to be able to put on our uh veterans um breakfast, which has been very successful in town. Uh that's pretty much doesn't rise in price. And we have
the other u civic event on Memorial Day. We have very little use or maintenance on any of our vehicles. And payroll what it is. Um I'm in here for I think 12 hours, which I do
>> and There's been some adjustments on the dispersement of the ratio between the office manager is am I correct on that? >> Yes. >> Which ends up though was this same
dollar. So >> we'll do our best to make either one work. >> Thank you, sir. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Doug. >> Yeah, I think you do a wonderful job and
I think that our veterans deserve to have their uh their needs met and um just thank you for what you're doing and thank you for the, you know, for the good stewardship that you're doing in that job. And uh I just, you know, want
to see the other departments be able to bring their budgets into line so that we can do more for our veterans. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Bill, do you want to come up now? >> He's coming. >> Okay. Uh
>> through the chair. >> Yeah. You want the chief to do it? I could I could do the building. It's It's a much shorter budget. >> Um >> let's have the chief chief do it, I guess. >> Okay. >> Evening. So on the um
on the inside of the uh the budget um no debt exclusion increases in things that uh contractual wages um from the CBA um
which you know obviously the the full-time salaries the patrolman and the overtime obviously slightly go up but everything else we uh pretty much uh level funded
And then when we met with Mr. Pataco during our uh budget meeting, we uh going to the 70 account expenses. We uh we reduced that down to 40,000 for
the uh 5300 which is professional intense which a lot of different things come out of that line as far as the expenses for things. And then the 5580 line which is other
supplies and equipment 145 down but the uh professional technics give you some examples of that line which can't go down too low on it because the increases in fees and software stuff and
radar um radar uh certifications um Um they do hire um for the to replace the uh can meet up um for the the academy costs and prisoner watches and things like that. Every time someone gets locked up, we get we do get fine uh
build for that for sending someone to the house. So um those kinds of things come out of that line. So that's an important line. And then obviously other supplies, haz cartridges, ammunition, uh if we need to if we need to go into that, we don't have a lot in the
revolving range account. Um as well as uh ongoing um mandatory and obligations like child care kits, ID kits and stuff, things we do in schools, those kind of things. >> Said two questions for you if you don't
mind. How's the HVAC situation going? Um so that that that project started um they sent the um IT guy out from their company to start downloading all of our information from our current uh program >> and then that guy up and quit. So it was
funny they asked us three weeks ago. I'm like uh what is going on here? Sorry you guys are on the new year and haven't seen you since. Um they're guy up and left. So they're in the process of training the new guy which is really good because uh the guy we have Johnson controls in our building. So this guy is
coming from Johnson. So it's actually kind of thing in disguise that maybe this other guy left. >> Okay. >> It is it is a slow moving process but it is it is going to happen >> in process and then uh is the new cruiser in yet? >> It is not um hopefully within one week
or two the storm set everything back. >> So within a week or two it'll be in. >> Thank you. >> I do have a question on your uh subscriptions and dues. That's up uh almost $1,800. that that is because of the increase of
everything the membership fees everything that goes up every year. I mean it's >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> Um so the other thing is did you say we pay our candidates to go to officer training >> um in service training? Yes, we do. Yes.
>> Okay. Um after we train them, is there anything in the contract they got to stay with the town for so long or >> um so it's funny you asked that. Um we try towns tried that years ago and there was a case study on it that they we can't bind them from staying. Um but we
haven't had any issues with candidates that have gone to the academy and then left. Okay. >> Um back when I f when I back when I started in 2005, there were uh two guys that left the state police, but there's been nothing since then. Everyone everyone that we've sent to the academy has stayed.
>> Yes. >> The only ones that have left have been laterals like was already trained um through uh the sheriff's office >> and he was here for the few years but we did not send him to the academy. >> Okay. >> You you can't make them stay but you can also ask them to reimburse you for the
training. >> Yes, you can you can you we can ask them to reimburse us for the uh academy fee which is $3,200. >> Okay. Um the school resource officer is getting a 5% raise.
The school residence officer is getting >> five and a half. >> Five and a half. And and your deputy is getting 10 and a 10.8%. Did did he do something? >> The the deputy chief is uh finishing his associates.
That's the 10%. And um the 2% and him and I have um we're not uh taking that increase. Is that 5106? >> So that's 5109 >> and 5106 is
that might be a is that a milestone for I believe for the uh the um the SRO. >> It could be u that's why I was yeah that'd be a milestone. Okay. >> Milestone race. >> Yeah. >> Which is a a contractual thing.
>> I have a question about um so in the high school you have an SRO. Correct. >> Um and that is obviously a Dayton Rahobit High School, but does Rahobit have anything to do with >> like >> sharing? Yeah. Fund that or anything?
>> The district pays for um >> Okay. Okay. So the district pays for it. Okay. So they do >> and then the elementary and middle school um where zero men is is fine. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Oh, so basically even though the line
item is 185, we only see the what 90 or 95 or whatever for >> one and we pay for the other. >> Gotcha. Okay. So at times when we need you know for training to answer your question about trainings and things of that nature um we need to consider time
we have to move a body for the day and reassign we cop so it's not like it's not like we're you know inflating the lines especially more so in the past couple years we've been really hammering on that you know moving people around instead of just putting out for overtime
because we're short of body. So, it's been we've been super frugal with how we how we uh uh issue over time. >> How many officers are you >> short? Uh one uh two technically uh one
right now that we never the the former chief, >> right? >> Yes. We never replaced him. >> Okay. >> Um >> so two would be like nice but one is like the answer. >> Okay. >> That we that we have never reached that. >> Okay. And then one other quick question.
Your administrative assistant on line 5110, is that person contractual? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Administrative negotiations as well. >> It is in negotiations. >> Overtime wise through January. Well,
through December, you're you're right at the 50% spent for this year. >> Yeah. >> For the over the last five years, you roughly spent about 60% of it in the last six months of the year. >> Injuries.
>> Put on your glasses. What do you see these last six months? >> So, injuries. Injuries. We've been we've been u the past couple years we were hit with Um that's why there was such an increase in the overtime last year as well as training that was mandated when we switched firearms. It was mandated
days that we required um per officer on the range. So that was that was a huge increase of the overtime last year compared to the uh compared to FY 24 23 and 22. If you had to make a guess for two months into the
second half of the year, is that 50% going to be enough? Um, it's hard to forecast. I mean, it's uh overtime is one of those things because when you look at overtime, you look at the the CBA, the uh the vacation time,
the personal time, their holidays. Um >> don't you don't have the training this year. And do you have the injuries this year or is >> the training we have every year? >> The for the firearms. >> Uh we have to train still twice uh two times a year. Yeah. >> Extra. >> Oh, no extra. No,
>> not the extra. Okay. Not the extra training on the firearms. Do you have any of the injuries this year? >> Not yet. Don't jinx me. Don't jinx me. Um trying to find my sheet that I have the uh so right now to date we were funded at
the beginning at $270,000. Right now currently down around 76,000. So going forward, that's not including estimated $57,000 between vacation time, vacation time,
and holidays that they have to use by June 30th. >> But is that also budgeted into the benefits vacation sick buyback line? >> It's all it's all well. So So a lot of the guys No, it's not. >> Okay. So, so I mean roughly right now if we were going I took the I took the middle
number of $5,400 a week say in overtime and and sick time that would put us in probably around the negative $9,486 in the >> but it's close.
>> So there's not a lot of wiggle. >> Yeah. So we've we've reduced the overtime line. I want to say the last time I think we were uh with um administrator M. So I said is that safe and it's kind of
like I said last year was kind of a weird year because we had two out injured um at around the same time. We had an officer slip and fall behind the station and we had the other officer that was up for the second period of time that was hit by the drunk driver in 44. So it was just a a crazy year. And
then when we fell into the mandate with the firearms, it was like oh my god. It was like beast of famine, right? It's all going to hit us at once. >> And do you run eight hour shifts or 12? >> Eight hour shifts. 12 to 12 and then eight. Okay.
Sorry. >> Tom, anything? >> Um, I do have a question. It actually uh pertains to the annual report. I noticed that um no cotton log in the last annual report. Uh the fire department provided
one and I think it's been in prior annual reports. Was there a reason why it was omitted? >> How long in last year's report? >> Yeah, looking at the year ending 24 I'm not sure if 25 has 25
>> I think we put the amount of calls calls for service that year. I don't think there was an actual call log. Um could I get u a detail of that of the car log just you know they summarize the uh priops um
>> what do you mean like categorizing like you know like >> medicals domestics that kind of stuff >> exactly like fire department fire rescue and EMS conditions service calls >> okay >> yeah I can put something together that
for the annual All right. And the make, what is the make and the model of the new cruiser that's coming in? >> It's a 20 2026 Ford Explorer. >> How many Chevy Taho does the town have?
>> We have two. >> So, what's the um why did we upgrade to a larger vehicle? Uh did we get to Taho? >> Well, the Taho at the time and we stayed with all black cruises. We got rid of the w the black and white because it was
$6,000 more a car, but we went to the Taho because it was a fullframe. It was a fullframe uh SUV versus the subframes and the ratings on the cruisers and safety ratings were far far succeeded the 20 24 and 25 Explorers before that
in 26 they changed everything around. >> That's why I went with >> they're safer. >> What's that? >> They were safer. >> Yeah, safer. They haven't been too impressive with burning oil and they've been back to the dealership twice for >> they have the 57s or the 62s.
>> 57s. And last, um, I'm just curious why Titan hasn't detected. >> Why? >> We we have a lot of, believe it or not, we have a lot of juvenile crimes and we have a lot of crimes that go that that
keep him busy. I mean, we have we have people that come all the time with identity frauds and um there's all kind there's all kinds of scams that go on that he stays pretty busy, sir. the town's grown and the department's had a need for one. Um, and we've had a
full-time detective now for I want to say five years, six years, maybe longer. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> Where are you at with vehicles? Because I know last year we got a vehicle sheet. I didn't see one this year. >> I have them putting for a vehicle so I didn't That's why I didn't submit one.
>> All right. So, >> so you're okay for right or do you have some at the bottom that are >> I'm exploring an admin car right now, but I haven't I haven't got back yet. So, >> okay. All right. But you're okay for this year as far as >> for the cruises we >> Yeah. Okay.
>> Can you give one to the fire department? >> Yeah. Give one. >> Give one to Chief. >> We'll just have it wrapped in red. >> Yeah. Right. Wrap it in red instead of He might not mind black. Black would probably be fine. >> No. So um communications
>> I I just have one thing to add. I just wanted to say thank you um for your zero base the rationale that you gave for every line item. Uh I find very transparent and I feel uh you're one of the departments that set the standard for what I imagine the rest of the board
were all looking for for that. We kind of break everything out um with a lot of detail. So it's helpful for us and the residents. So just want to thank you for that. >> Thank you. Absolutely. >> I do have one question. Uh 5131 overtime. What was the TSG reimbursement?
$7,000 fiscal year 22. >> Is that on uh police? >> Yep. Police >> 5131. >> Are you looking at the zero base budget document? >> Yes.
Oh, and it's on this description. >> 7,000 FY22. Yeah. I don't know what that was. >> Okay. >> Can I look into that back, please? >> But that 7,000, does that go right back to your budget or to free cash? >> Um, I'm trying to I A lot of it goes to
free cash. A lot of it goes to free cash. A lot of it doesn't come back to us. >> Right. That's what I'm asking. >> Well, is that the um 22 It would have been federal. >> Can I get Can I email you on that and
let you know that is >> TSG? >> Thank you. >> I'll have an answer for you Monday. >> Okay. >> And then Serena, maybe you know that does that 7,000 stay in the police department or does it come back to preach?
>> I would have to look into what that was. >> I don't know what that was. >> I'll have I'll I'll let you know by Thursday. >> Sure. Thank you. >> Sometimes I put abbreviations and then I'm like, >> what did I mean?
>> I don't communications. Communications. I level funded everything. Um increases um on on anything but the obviously the obvious but the uh anything from
contractual salaries and the timeline >> anything that affected affected um through the CBA like benefits and summary is the only thing that affected the communication budget we serve No, nobody in communications. We're not
negotiating anybody there. >> No. >> On the no debt side, you did take into account some of the grant money is lower. Any questions on communications?
>> No. >> 5151 training. that annual for the annual training they have to do to stay certified. They have we have yeah we have to send them they have to get like a conad
nurses need what do they call those? >> Oh yeah continuing ed >> continuing education hours. They need the same thing under the new through training as well. Annual training. >> Okay. And how many people do we have in communications right now? >> We have uh four full-time and then we
got one part time. >> And they all need to go through the training. >> They all need to go through it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> The um part times we try to use for under the grant funding. So that doesn't cost the town. >> Okay. Thank you. How many part-time dispatchers are you
looking for? >> I know I've asked for it be nice to have three or four on on the books, but um the last gentleman that we just appointed um he's going through the schooling right now >> and uh we're just trying to get through it, trying to navigate. So, we'll see if we make it through the end.
>> I have an idea for you. You guys have put out some really cool videos in the past. Yes. It'd be really cool to do like a nice engaging video of your uh your communications department and try to get folks interested. >> Not a bad idea. >> Yeah, that'd be awesome. >> Yeah, >> a good idea.
>> I know it's not enough hours in the day for everything. >> No, no, no. It's not a bad idea. >> Right. >> Exactly. Yep. >> All right. Yeah, I'll take that ination. >> If you get the high schoolers taking the new CTE, criminal justice mean you may get some not. >> Right. Right. Absolutely.
>> Yeah. >> It's awesome. All right. So, uh acco um same thing with the uh cost nothing no changes to anything and uh except for anything contractual under her contract
which we just affect her uh her salary. >> So, I guess I had a not maybe a question on like a line item. It was more just kind of an overarching question. um what would be the impact of us not having an animal control officer and what would
that look like operationally if we had to outsource that to a neighboring town >> it's funny I said talks with Mr. about that trying to pre-plan for things and as a town we need one we need an animal we have to have somebody designated as
an animal >> yes we need an animal so that being said whether that's fulltime or part-time or there's a neighboring community that would want to be involved to maybe split the costs. Okay. But I reached out to
Rainham. Mayhem has right now a part-time um employee. They don't have any full-time. Um I reached out to Swansea and Somerset. They already have a joint um acco program. They want no part of adding a third. Um Reolith, they
don't want any part of it. and Berkeley for kind of things are still like kind of new and if anything that would be nice to maybe split it with Berkeley if that's what it came down to but um what we need and we have to have an
>> through through the chairs if I may to follow up with the chief's conversation um we we were exploring we were hoping to have an option um for a no daddy for the no daddy inclusion and if you that the chief had not funded um didn't fund
the acco position. Uh but unfortunately at this time since we need an acco and we don't have a viable option going fiscal year 27 I made the recommendation to continue to fund um we're going to again uh we're going to continue to look
at it. we have um we're going to engage in discussions with with Berkeley uh but uh I don't have any solid number at this time and again it's a it's a necessity for for the town to have >> the board the selectman asked for a joint meeting with the Berkeley
selectman and town administrator and acco have they have has that invitation been extended yet to them >> uh I I had a conversation with with the uh with the uh the town administrator over there
So we want to get through this process, you know, these these meetings for us and then we'll we'll re-engage. >> Yeah. Because I think we could uh even for this budget cycle, if we had a joint meeting, we might be able to find solutions.
>> It's been it's been definitely an active topic that before months ago just forecasting, you know, the what ifs. So, we're trying trying to come to some kind of >> I don't imagine that she's busy every
day of the week, per se. Are there other duties within your department that would fit into the scope of her possibly helping as far as not
having her have to cut any hours at all and have it be a part-time job so that we could actually say, well, she is serving as acco, but she's also doing A, B, and C for the department or the community or whatever it may And then we
don't have to have this conversation at all. >> Right. >> It's a thought. >> It's a thought I will explore. But um like a lot of things like certifications, schooling, you know, I mean just back you have to be certified in certain things like that. Right. I I
have a I have a um administrative assistant right now. So >> Right. Right. >> I mean to I mean what there's nothing really I I can I mean her call volume though. I mean we ran her calls. Mr. Faco, do you remember what >> the numbers were? off the top of your head. >> Um,
was it >> quite quite a few numbers per year, >> right? Yeah. Yeah. >> So, it was it was like it was it was kind of shocking as to how many calls for service she did she does have. >> Yeah. >> So, um because we were looking at that in the beginning, too. So, I ran her calls for service and her her numbers
were up there, believe it or not. >> Okay. >> It's a one of those jobs that Yeah. It's Yeah. You may not see her out and about during the day, but she's getting called out at night, weekends. So, there are calls that that that stack up and I think the average was like one to two calls a day when you broke it all down. So,
>> okay. I'm just thinking rather than putting it in a position where now we're going to see, you know, she's going to possibly be dropped to part-time and then field it out to another part-time city. Let's see if we can, you know,
fill it a little bit where we don't have to have this conversation at all. >> Just just a thought. questions for chief. >> Any other questions for chief fun? >> No. Good. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks, >> Boes. faster again. So, um I submitted um my budget on the on my board's >> so um
I know I have same budget for with the dead exclusion and without put that exclusion. So I'm not sure where there's questions you want me to just go through.
Do you guys have any questions? >> No. >> If you guys have questions on the rationale is pretty straightforward. >> Yeah. If I may.
>> So the board of assessors, um, Bill, chairman of board of assessors, we instructed Stephanie, she was given an edict to come in with lower budgets. U, we have no spare personnel hours in our office. So what we instructed her to
prepare, what you have in front of you is the same as last year with only contractual increases and that's it. So we believe this is the bare minimum that the assessor's office can operate with them from here. Uh understand the
assessor's office is an integral part of the town. This is how we collect our money. Uh if we don't have a fully staffed assessor's office, we may we may in situations where we could get fined. you know, if we don't get abatements done on time, we we have a time limit
that we have to do things under and the job won't get done and taxes won't come in. It's a problem of, you know, you're not going to spend $10 today to lose $100 tomorrow. Uh it just doesn't make any sense. So, this is why we submitted uh the budget as minimal as we possibly
could. We added nothing absolutely and I'm willing to take any questions. So we have clerk in this department also negotiations. So that 8% is part of the there's some kind of
>> reclassification. >> Appreciate your efforts. >> Thank you. We're good. You're >> welcome. Space in your own. >> Okay. Jim Digits, Chairman Conservation Commission.
Okay, as you can see, our request is at zero. We did not increase in anything. We had to go through hoops to give Lisa a little bit of extra
money, money that uh uh other departments are getting because of being union. And uh you know, it's almost a shame that we had to cut in other areas to to do that. Uh but we did it. Um, now
since the time that we actually did up the ward up this budget, uh, the commission was given the gas card for Alicia to do her, um, site visits and whatever else that
she has to do within town, which can be quite extensive. Um, it used to be held by I think it was the building department and now uh we have the card to fill the uh tank. Uh, it seems like
there must be a mistake here. We have $100 for the year to fill the car with gas. Uh I know that uh when I meet Lisa at various uh sites for visits and uh and I come often to the town to sign
papers that I probably spend 20 bucks uh in my own personal car to do what I need to do to assist her. Uh $100 doesn't seem like it's going to go
very far when she has to travel throughout the town. multiple times to visit sites. >> Put the horses in. >> I don't know. >> U we had a discussion with the um with the conservation agent because um she's
starting to use the car now. So that's what we came up. It's a hybrid and still use a good clean car. How how many site visits can you do on $100? Even if you have a I mean and this I I believe the board of health is using
the car. The building inspector will be using the car. Uh $100 uh might take her a month uh on that gas card. So So um I I'll let you think about it. Maybe the power will just sit there once
once the $100 is drained. >> I don't know. >> The other two departments will pay for their own gases. They will >> uh I'm sorry. >> The other two departments that share that vehicle are going to be paid for that. >> I I have no idea. Uh >> yes, they will.
>> They they have a card. Uh, I hope it's sufficient enough because no one really knows who uses the most or anything like that. You know what I'm saying? Uh, I mean, uh, uh, is at least you're going to use
the car one/10enth or one 12th of the time when, uh, or I I don't know. Um, it just, you know, who gets to fill it and at what point? It seems like uh one car one card uh
would would be um more appropriate than one person becomes responsible for pulling it all the time rather than someone leaving the car empty and say guess what >> if I understand correctly all
departments will have all three departments will have a card available for gas. >> Yes. What about the other people getting? >> Um, >> it varies in every budget. >> Any questions for the conservation?
>> Um, I have some I feel okay. >> Um, did the conservation commission vote on this budget? >> Yes. >> Yes, we did. And as part of that vote, was gasoline a part of that conversation? >> That came up later.
>> That that came up after the fact. >> No problem. And why was the um rationale backup not submitted with the budget? Do you know? >> I'm sorry. >> So, as part of the zerobased budget, you're supposed to give rationale for each line item. Um do you know why that
wasn't submitted with the budget? Was it just an oversight or >> what do you need rationale on? uh so that you have the same playing fields as every other department and as part of the zerobased um for every line you're supposed to give rationale. So we did
get it later but the second second largest um >> but that wasn't submitted >> line item has no rational >> I thought that was all submitted to you uh why uh uh Lisa uh should be paid for her job and uh and the clerical minutes
and the educational stiper. I thought that was all taken care of. Uh, we have the we didn't we didn't get the zerobased part that explanation for the increase. So, >> I'm sorry, but I I I can't hear you. Evidently, my ears are getting too old.
>> When the budgets were due in January, that document just came in and all of the descriptions said level funded. >> So, I didn't print that because that's not >> just level funded is not quite the um explanation that is needed. And then it
was asked to have that followup and that this document was produced a few days ago so everybody would have it for this meeting. >> What what is it that you need to be have explained? >> Uh well first I want an explanation as why it wasn't included in the packet uh
because I think you were the only department that didn't. And second largest cost item is professional and technical with no backup. >> It's $2,171. Okay. Well, that has something we have uh um fees that we do get from the uh
town lawyer uh from uh he is doing work for us now and we get bills from him. Uh we have at at times work done on the uh computer that we need assistance with and uh that's at the top of my head. uh
uh you know, I'm sure that you know, there's others, but certainly uh the legal that we have to deal with uh because we're dealing with a couple cases right now and we're trying to maintain
uh our spending within that limit even. >> Okay, thank you for the explanation. Would you mind asking either the conservation commission or the agent just to submit to us in writing that one box because you said it's just what comes to mind in case there's anything else cuz it's a specific number. It
looks like you know this it's even down to 5 cents you know. >> So you want 5300 uh to be explained. That's the only one. >> Thank you. Uh did did uh did anyone find how much money the other departments get for gas?
>> Sure. The building department has budgeted >> $400. >> How much? >> $400. >> 400. >> And board of health is the other one that drives it. Oh, veterans. So
Veterans has $600. >> I don't see anything. >> Yeah. So, the veterans in the building have $1,000 budgeted. >> Okay. >> What is um the saw them just having one one account taking it out of all of
those departments and just having one account for gas so we can track it because I feel like that's going to pit the departments against each other and >> who fills it in the way. >> Yeah. Exactly. Who fills it and >> then we could track it better overall. Right. Spending on >> the card number is different so you would know who spend it.
>> Still track it that way. Exactly. >> Um >> just thoughts. >> Oh, sorry. I was just say right now the building department um when it was being used and the veterans when the they have one account number with WEX. So when that one bill would come in they would separated themselves on which expense
went to which department. >> Um so we did say that once a building commissioner is hired again that they would have to figure out that car situation between the three of them. I think Lisa only started using it after Jim Aguiar departed and the car was sitting there available. What's your
thoughts on um so the board of health conservation and um >> veterans >> veterans they're all supervised under the town administrator. What's your thoughts on like like we centralize our billing for coingle and all that stuff. What's your
thoughts on having like the town administrator work with those departments to come up with a number each fiscal year? have it one line item >> over. >> My concern would be like each department
verifying the legality of those charges because we've had those cards compromised in the past. >> So it being specifically to that department, that department's responsible to sign off on those charges. >> If it's lost,
>> could they still pay the bills, just have the um that line item come out of So >> we could have like the one expense line under town administrator that they still sign off >> still sign off on the charges.
>> Yeah. Would you want them to still say which charges at theirs? >> Mhm. I have um where I work we have um each department head has credit cards and we still have to produce all the the documents to the auditor's office that you know charges. I if we could come up
with like a similar process that the department head is responsible for their their bills. Of course, >> we could put it under um department like 192 for the buildings. That's more of like a shared expense type of department. >> Okay. >> Which is still controlled under the
board of >> Okay. Just whatever to make it more efficient for the departments and not know who's getting 300 for gas or 100 for gas >> or what $100 goes out but they need to fill it. Right. >> Right.
We can talk about ticket under advisement. >> All right. >> Thanks. >> How many departments are using that vehicle? >> Does the board of health actually use that vehicle? Veterans doesn't. They have that white man. So then three. >> So it's so it's a building and border
health and conservation >> currently. >> Three. Okay. >> I think storm water was under there at 1.2. We'll work on it. >> Okay. >> Anything else? >> I'm just going to say that there's a really good app that you can use a
picture of your receipt with the lead and down what department it was. So, it would make Serena's job much easier if we're going to track everything into one central location. Yeah, >> it's a work in progress.
>> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> This are you doing border health too? >> Just trash. >> I got cash from border health. >> Yetly um after the closure and I got
tonsillitis. I wasn't able to submit the uh finalized budget. So, after the one you have is the one I originally submitted, Serena, Ralph, and I met and they've made some adjustments. So, this is the actual
numbers that the board voted on. Apologize. >> When did the board vote on this? Uh, February 17th. So the waist did go up for Mr. Bes. So the items that are in red are the
ones that were changed. >> Okay. >> Ralph, did you you had already budgeted at 180 anyways for >> Yeah, I think it's slightly off 187.5 I think. >> Yeah. So I that's why I was just wondering did you
>> Yeah, that's that's Now you just know it was going to go up prior to the >> No, no, that was um that was a number that we had gotten um month six weeks ago something something from Eman. So So we based it on uh so we
based it on on the tent went up approximately uh $7,000 from from last uh from last year. The other number is rubbish collection, recycling collection is based on the material agreement we have in place that we sign
last year with just brothers that contract and the seam master site we had got those cass is that more of a springtime cost? >> I'm I'm sorry. Is that more of a springtime cost?
>> Um, it's a based on so as I know it's based on on tonnage uh that yeah that goes uh to them. So why is it at 30%. >> The bills it's like the utility bills
it's almost behind. >> Did they do you guys increase back prices? Have they increased back? Did you notice a change at all? >> No, because the rates went up, so we're still in deficit. >> No, I meant more like um
>> a change in tonnage. Yeah, like do you notice a change in tonnage? >> No. >> Because I know that was a concern of like, oh, what's the >> what's the fulcrum point? Yeah, exactly. Like what's the fulcrum point? >> I know the waste reduction committee is working on um swap shed so people can,
you know, bring items that condition take. We're also trying to promote um composting. >> So, we have compost bins that we have um a grant that paved the half of it. So, the resident only has to pay the half.
It's pretty decent container and it, you know, it's not unsightly. It's, you know, it's big. >> Uh so, I believe um Perry's going to go out and promote how those
trying to ways to get the weight out of there. >> Yes. >> And the cost of bags went up too as well from our um contractor. So, that went up. Um I did recently uh reach out to a few companies for quotes to see if we
could get a better rate on trash bags. >> Um so, I'm waiting to hear back from them. >> How much did the rate on the bags How much did it eat into the increase we put on last year? They went up about $2,000. So >> So per bag is about
>> Do you have I don't know. All right. >> That's not That's not a lot compared to >> If I remember correctly, I think with the the bag increase prices, we estimated uh a revenue increase of approximately somewhere between 65 and
$70,000. So um but then they didn't do it too much. We do have a recommendation from the waste reduction committee as well to um bring to the board of health to see if they would want to increase the bag
price from $28 to 30 and then the smallest to 15 >> to try to help. >> We didn't raise the bags for number of years. I want to say it was 2017 or 2018. So, it stayed the same for a long
time >> and it's still reasonable. Uh, asking surrounding towns what their bag prices are. We're not outrageous. We're pretty much in line. It's not >> the big the big bag fits three or four kitchensiz trash bags in it. >> Yeah.
>> So, like what are we doing here? >> I mean, at most three bags a week, so that's $9. It's still like >> it's really not that >> inexpensive. Probably $100 a month. So, >> correct. So definitely cheaper.
>> Hopefully the swap shed and the compost bins will Yeah, >> I think I would love um maybe something that you guys could look into in partnering maybe with the library or the COA and doing some education sessions there
to get people into the composting thing. >> Yeah, >> would be cool. just hopes like no people get scared about it because they don't know about it. It's really not that hard. You're putting a bunch of in a bucket, you know? >> I mean, it's got the right stuff, right?
But like, it's not >> 27% of the waste is food scraps. It's a lot. >> That's a lot. That's heavy. >> That weight out of there would be cheaper. >> So, we definitely want to push that now that the weather's warming up. So,
>> right. It's a win-win. Feed your yard. Great for >> Yeah. >> And the bins are really nice. They're pest proof. >> They're black. They hide in the back of corner of your property, >> right? I think that's what a lot of people are more worried about is
inviting uh animals >> with your scraps. But yeah, >> they're pretty solid. I've had >> I mean I I bought I bought a I bought five >> four years ago when we didn't have them from Tata >> and cuz I had a buddy lives in Taon and I was like I need some and they're they
don't care. They're fine. They're they've held up great and all the stuff we've had going on. So they're the bins are not an issue. It's just >> we're going to have a table at the um the fair in May. >> Okay. to promote it.
Said he would be willing to stay out there and try to get people >> Yeah. You should set one up too and like have it. >> Yeah, we had one last year, >> right? >> Cool. >> Just you got to keep keep at it.
>> That's the one thing that um so I just like to be consistent with my comments. So, you know, I I like to be predictable with some of the things I say. So, I'll just say I get um sickness and life and storms get in the way, but if the board of health voted on this on February
17th, I would just challenge you and the board of health um just to try to get these things in our hands as soon as possible. Even um even if it was yesterday, that would have been a lot better than today, right? Walking into a meeting. Um and then also going through
um the town accountant and the um town administrator so that they can get it out to us. Um, I would much rather see that process. So, just just for next year's budget cycle, I really like um I challenge everyone for that consistency and everyone operating on that same
playing field. So, I appreciate >> when I printed it out today, I was like, uhoh, this isn't the right one. So, I went to Serena. I was like, >> okay, >> you got an oopsie. >> No problem. I I get it. Um, and I I know things change and budget numbers change and life gets crazy. Um, but those are just my thoughts overall.
>> Yeah. To the best. Well, if it makes you feel any better, it's lower. >> It's lower. >> Oh, that does make me feel better for sure. Yes, >> we did, you know, make changes the the no debt exclusion. The um the salaries I
think cut in half the um board members. >> Oh, sorry. Are we on the board of health now? >> Are we going to waste? >> Is there any questions on the waist? I think it's kind of locked in. It's just contracted, you know.
>> Yeah, correct. There's not much we can control there. >> 5582 with the recycling stickers. Is that the landfill stickers? >> No, those are just stickers that we offer for people recycling bins. >> Yeah. And I have pretty good stock pile
of them. So, they're free. So, when people come in, I >> residents come in, I definitely give them some. >> Right. Okay. Thank you. Sorry, I was like, where are we? So, stipen reduction >> that was reduced because there's only
going to be office manager. I didn't have it in the contract for the health agent. So, um the only stipen would be for the office manager that can comes over once we get one. Why were we
uh the inspector line for this year? >> 146% over over >> uh No, he's 9,000 is what we had last year. Uh Ralph suggested keeping it at 9,000. I don't >> Yeah. No, I'm just saying but we had the
actual expenditures for the year at 13. >> Oh yeah. Um, we had the assistant inspector fill in his salary was getting charged to that line. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> Again, I'm always want like love seeing lower numbers, but if they're just made
up and then they're going to go up anyways, why? >> Unfortunately, we lost Matt Tannis, so we've been using Jerry Bernard for a lot throughout the year and his fees are a lot more >> and then you and then Sorry. And then
what was the rationale for the the office manager decrease? >> So that I think the plan is to combine the office manager roles for the building and board of health and make one position. So they took half the salary from board of health and half the
salary from veterans and building because I believe that is going to be all one person veteran building. So I don't know how the percentage works. >> No, that that's fine. I just again just trying to understand. >> Yeah. Yeah. So that'll be what comes out
of the board to help that position. >> And then we have overtime in there, but we haven't used the funds from last year. >> No. Oh, looks like we lost Doug. >> He's still on there.
>> Camera's not anything. No. >> Anybody else want to help? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Ralph, you doing good tonight? >> Yes, sir.
>> Building department. >> I think so. >> Yeah. 241. So I'll be uh the building the time of this budget. We don't have we did not have an official uh building commissioner in place.
Um no debt exclusion and our debt exclusion uh numbers are are the same the funded almost most almost everything building commissioner salary we tried to
go to part-time we tried that for a short time and it was an unsuccessful experiment So we did a salary survey and so we um we're in the process of finding a new finding a new build commissioner. So
that's the uh so we have that salary schedule cross off the part time there. >> Uh right. Well yes. So so again >> part time at 100 grand would be very nice.
>> Yeah. Sign me up. Sign me up. >> That you can sign me up for that. >> Yeah. So, we kept, you know, everything looked like the um you know, budget was staying the same with our, you know, building inspector level funded it as you can see in the uh salary of the
office manager. Uh we cut again, we're cutting that position. So, uh we're funding it. We're funding it appropriately. U we're just keeping the overtime hours in case it's in case it's needed.
Our old our old building commission used to have food allowance. We're going to cut that one. I include that u for the for the new one. Uh the benefits and uh benefits and sick time. Um that's um for
the uh current uh the current building administrative assistant. Um, you know, we anticipate that we're not going to need that next year. So, we were able to able to take straight that straight that uh equipment and repairs maintenance.
Again, we level funded. It just it looked um looked like we could do that. Uh, we had get to 5380 demolition of deteriorated structures. Um, we had um 10 uh $10,000 set aside. That's when the
building commissioner calls for a building to be deterior demolished and then we kind of make it safe. Uh there's nothing on the schedule for that, but we need some funds in there in case we need it. So we were uh we were comfortable
with reducing that by 50% to $5,000 required. And then then I guess you know again everything else as we saw we we level funded >> for for demo. Do you know of anything
for this? >> We have nothing scheduled at this time. So that's why we're comfortable adjusting,000. So I don't think they've used that line in a few years, but you never know what happens to storm fire or you know
anything comes up. How come the overtime hours didn't just reduce proportionately? >> Um, should it be half? >> You know what? I I took a look at it and
and I mean it's something if if you know if at the recommendation nothing you know as I was was going through the budget I you know I saw it and I said that's something we could something we could continue to level five in case we need it.
>> No, I'm just thinking if the veterans agent is going to be split, >> but the overtime here was the same as if it was just the regular building inspector's um office manager over time.
>> Yeah, it's not a big deal. I just Okay. Uh, next line is the inspection. Again, looks like target number that way. So, we we level funded that at $6,750. Similarly, and you know the permit
review education, I don't remember the previous struck that so we could so we could um give the inspectors a better rate. So it winds up winds up kind of being the same. So again with
the plumbing inspector um and was that 50% mark so I felt comfortable in leaving that at $7,750 weights and measures something the state does. Um, you know, just looking at the number would be
looking at at $3,000 up from $3,000 without paid. And the last one is the electrical inspector. And I'm just looking looking at the numbers. It seems like a little off
track. So um I um I proceeded to the level on that which makes sense. >> You got the electrical inspections. These are new builds, new buildings. >> Uh it's it's a combination of new builds and does electrical work. So
>> Okay. Close a permit for that. permit for that. >> So, um, in the end, do these fees come back to us for his inspection? Okay, >> that's our expect increase coming.
Not a big decrease either. >> Not a big decrease either. Hopefully if we get another pandemic >> permit service, you know, home improvements, you know, the pandemic, which you know,
>> car tax may go down, but permits go up. So, I'm not advocating for another. >> I would have thought exercise went up less miles. No, it's like no new, you know, not people >> buy,
>> but uh they in all those solar venues away, too. So, they got less solar installs, I'm sure, too, that are coming down the pipe residential. >> Yeah, I really that right that there isn't. >> It was fast online. Is there any questions on the inspector
lines? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good job. >> I'm going to put in for a boot request. What was the what was the hardest inspection you've done this week?
>> Yeah, you know, changing the clocks. >> That that was hard. >> Yeah. >> Some healthcare might um reimburse for that, too. So, it's like a benefit some plans. >> Um on Bristol Plymouth Vocational, uh I don't think they're going to make it
tonight. No. And I think as a matter of principle, back to that even playing field, everybody should have to present. Mhm. >> Um, but I also don't want to have a special meeting on Thursday. Okay. So, what are your thoughts on just inviting them to our meeting? And I don't want to speak for you guys, but inviting them to
your finance committee meeting, too. >> They only not here because of the handout. >> Uh, you know, they gave the handout, you know, making I didn't follow up with personally by the assumption. They were coming out.
>> They usually come. >> They usually come We did have a meeting. I know we do have a meeting scheduled for the for the 17th. I know if it's just it would be quick. So, you know, we did have that on the schedule. So, one more
joint meeting in case we need so >> I'm not opposed to having them come with >> if we can avoid a Thursday. I prefer not to have a special meeting for it, but um >> I think they should
>> have one or more meetings for that like everyone else has to. So, and it's good for the public, too. >> Not to speak for everybody, but I'm fine with having them come to your meeting and we can just join the Zoom. >> Yeah. >> Our next schedule meeting is March 25th.
So, I just want to make sure everybody's okay with that date. >> I'm okay with the 25th. >> Yeah, sure. Okay. >> I did when I read their email, I kind of had a feeling they weren't going to >> find me.
>> So, we have ours. We had talked last year about returning the stipens to normal. So, that's why I left back up travel anymore. These subscriptions are
just the state prepayment get back to where it was at the 55. >> No. >> Anything else? No sir. The next next meeting for finance committee is
April scheduled for April 16th. >> April 16th. That old town hall in the basement. >> Town hall. >> Town hall in the basement. Not >> anyone going to the school meeting >> on the 24th. >> Yeah,
>> I do intend on going. >> Yes, it'd be nice to hear some of the public comment. >> Is that the final? That is their final public hearing and then they're voting on their final budget after that meeting. >> Okay. >> Justin, I know it's been like the third
year in a row that I've asked the same questions of them >> and we've yet to have them specifically the administrator staffing level levels described to us and it's really frustrating. Yeah. >> When he talks about we have a 20 person deficit and I'm like
>> you're using postcoid level staffing levels. Like you can't use that as a as that's not that's not the barometer that you should be using when you had millions of dollars in state and federal aid being given to you as the barometer of what
your what your funding level should be. It we need to be looking at what it looked like prior. And I know Mr. Rooney >> was not there then. So but that's why I keep asking for it for three years. I just keep asking to me >> it doesn't make a difference whether he
was there or not. The the old >> I know. >> And um it like I said earlier, it concerns me that every year there's a major increase without really any accountability. >> Mhm. >> Uh it's we need 4% and they get 4%. Um
and this year I I don't think we can do it. >> No. >> Not when you're talking layoffs. And that's why I asked him what percentage of those 20 teachers that they haven't filled and is of their total
teachers because if it's 2% that's not so bad when your your enrollment's down. >> I understand it's up this year and but you should have been cutting all along if your enrollment's down. Not saying look what I've done. >> Correct. this to Ralph sent yesterday to
sue the count from 202122 to 2025 26 >> the count went from 1539 to 1420 so it's an 8 and a half% decrease and I mean I know my youngest graduated in 2017 and at the high school there was 100 more kids I believe at the elementary and
middle there was probably an extra at least 50 kids there so we're talking >> 17800 at that point so we're down to 1420 from substantial. >> It is. >> And and we've asked everybody else to come in.
Well, it's the the law. You got to come in at 2 and a half% or less. We don't have that option. So, if they're going to take that percentage, then something else has to decrease. And everybody else is already decreasing. We can't go back and say you got to decrease more.
>> Oh. >> Or if you need to increase it more, you need to find it somewhere else. find it someplace else as a as an income from a grants or whatever. >> Right. If I could share, I spoke with Eliza Poocher from the school committee um asking her about Lee's and she
herself expressed um they all the school committee members would like to come before the selectment boards again. Um before I know when I was on the school committee we did that. Uh and you were separate from the administrator. >> Yeah. Um, so the conversation can be
they're the ones doing the contract negotiations and stuff. So if we give them a definitive 2% I mean Edge Force when he was here before uh was very good as far as telling us knowing we were going into contract negotiations exactly
what your percentage uh area was. Do not go about this and everybody knew it. >> Yeah. When I was on the finance committee, we gave them the number. >> Correct. >> It was going to be Well, >> so they would like to return to that right openness. Yeah. And as far as us
giving them the ability to know what their uh what their spending budget is. >> Yeah. >> Right. You stay within it. >> You know what your income is, then you personally do your own whether you do a budget or not, I don't know. But you don't spend more than what you take in. >> Exactly. Every household does that.
>> Right. So yeah, if maybe we can I know at this point they are voting on the 24th before our next meeting, but if we can meet them even uh not waiting until budget season right in the middle have a meet
and greet in the spring or whatever before town meeting or whatever >> and maybe the same in the fall >> just to keep the uh >> they used to show up. >> Yeah. And I don't know why nobody was even here this evening. uh at least the two members who are on the committee
>> because they have their meeting tonight. >> Oh >> yeah, I guess so. >> It should have been on a Thursday night because and being here for a six o'clock meeting and their meeting starts at 6:30 that is not giving time for a good conversation. >> That wasn't great, right? Him rushing
off to go do something that wasn't, >> you know, I'm sure we we would have had more questions. >> Yeah. >> So that was >> Well, but it was rush, >> right? And >> I I think if I what other communities do so that they have a what was typical
typically called a tri board meeting something we could do in uh in December really right before the budget budget starts to have a border flat our our school committee and and fin all
together just to have just to have that discussion and set expectations. Yes, >> it's a great idea. >> Would that be something that you would I guess have to would be stronger, but would you invite as well so everybody's
on the same page or um I would have to look into that. I think uh I think it might not be a bad idea, but I think initially it should be uh you know initially we start
with Right. >> Yeah. So, and we could right we could develop um develop that as we uh as we closer because we want you know we want the school committee to sort of you know it's not right we're not here to be to
beat anybody up we invited the school committee last year and uh you know you know they you know fully appreciate the budget situation we are in as a town. I think you know if we you know if
we engage um that way and I'm happy to say and I know I like I know she's very reasonable but you know I'm glad that you know we kind of had that initial conversation yesterday because I think that's a good idea >> really helped the process
be involved not right collaborative not >> exactly and I think they appreciate the information knowing they've got some guidance >> not it's not for me to have to come to Ralph's defense because he doesn't need it. But that 4% was not a suggestion. It
was put in there because we had to put a number in there when Ralph was putting the budgets together. No different than Bristol Plymouth and Bristol Aggie were 8%. Uh our first meeting that we had with Mr. Rooney and the the uh his counterpart for finance, what's his
name? >> Leo. >> Leo. He the first thing first words out of his mouth is how come you're asking 4% from us but giving the other two schools 8%. And I I was flabby. This is how you want to start budget negotiations saying how
come they're getting this and and we're not. Um but again it was just strictly a budget number that we had to or R had to put in. It wasn't saying go go to town with 4%. >> And now say I'm a hero because I came in at 3.1. But to me it doesn't work that
way. 29, right? Your your number was 29. >> I know because three, you know, we you know, we're working now that we've seen 3%. Yeah. >> The easy answer there is the other well BP the number went up. Our student count went up. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> They pulled more from you guys, >> right? >> Yeah. Those are those are formulaic answers, right? Those are very straightforward why those numbers go up. It's number of students times cost per student. And here it is. >> And our flag went down. >> Right. Right. Exactly. if you were sued.
>> Exactly. You know what I mean? Like that's a very straightforward thing. This is not this packet of all the line items is not >> go to a per student. >> Yeah. Right. Yeah. That that's great. And then you can just call it that and then we can argue about that. >> You talk about the chapter 70 money. Um
and therefore they have to make up for in other ways uh or increase the lines in other ways. But your gas bill is going up 50 cents a gallon. uh you have to make up for not income unless you go get a part-time job. You're going to have to cut something. Correct.
>> And I don't understand why the locket can't be the same. >> I know we're a municipality and we don't >> live by home budget rules, but >> we should you can't spend more than you take it in. >> Right.
A motion to adjourn. >> Make a motion to adjourn. >> Second discussion if you don't mind. I just have one followup. Rob, do you mind putting an ear mark in your calendar for December because the best person to coordinate that? Okay. No problem. Not a problem. Thank you. That's all I have.
>> Make a motion. >> Look at the vote. Go ahead. >> Oh, I >> I first. >> Oh, I did discussion. >> Oh, okay. Uh, all three of us are eyes. >> Thank you. I lost it.
>> So, we make our recommendations on the 26th. >> All in favor? We're good. >> Bye, Tom. Bye, Tom.