[Music] [Music] All right, it's 5:30. I believe we have quorum. So we will go ahead and get started. >> All right. So um it is uh 5:30 on the
6th of October. Uh this is the Halifax Finance Committee meeting. Um for everyone's uh for little housekeeping item, this meeting is being recorded by Area 58 to be then posted on the Area 58
community access channel. Agenda items may be taken out of order for time management considerations. Uh at this time and present at the meeting are Cheryl Burke, Mike Bennett, Frank Johnston, and myself. Uh Ed Bryan has made excuses. He is not going to be here this evening. So we will be waiting uh
and we could possibly have a few others show up on Zoom. If that occurs, then all votes after that will be done by roll call. All right. So the first item we have on the agenda are the approval of minutes.
There are two sets out there. There's 92 and 9:15. We'll do those separately. So, um, has everyone had an opportunity to take a look at the minutes from September 2nd? >> Yes, I have. >> I have. >> Does anybody have any ads, changes, or deletions?
>> I have none. >> I have none. >> Okay. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the 2nd of September? >> So, move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Very good. Motion carries. Next set is
from the 15th of September. Has everyone had an opportunity to review the minutes from the 15th of September? >> I have. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Anybody have any ads, changes, or deletions for those >> minutes? >> Nope. >> We get a motion to approve the minutes from 9:15.
>> So move second. >> Uh thank you. Uh all in favor? I >> Any opposed? Hearing none. Motion carries. Thank you everybody. So we will complete
that aspect of the agenda and we will move on to FY27 budget estimates. Um the main I guess theme for today. So uh a couple of things. So Lindsay, thank you for sending out the budget report for so far
this year. Appreciate it. I think um we have some some thoughts around that, some questions possibly also the budget estimate sheet that you sent today. Um we certainly do appreciate that also. Uh and it um
and uh I've done a a little bit of work myself just based on the information that you sent me. So I took the numbers from the appropriation numbers, nothing else but just appropriation numbers for um 2019 through 2024. So just the actual
appropriation. I then um take took the 24 number added 2.5% which puts us just about around I think a little less than 33 million. So like 32.8 million. And Rod is okay. So Rod, thanks
for joining. Really appreciate it. So um we saw the uh so the estimate for revenue is like 29 million. Now these are estimate numbers, right? But the appropriation average over the last 5 years plus what we're going to need next year is going to put us around 30 30
32.8. So we're about five million short as it's and these are just estimates, right? Things could change and it's early on in the fiscal year. So, um, but that's those are those are those are the numbers I came across. The probably one of the bigger changes is if you look in
detail that I saw is that the special needs transportation number just continually jumps up at at 20% a year >> is is about what we're running right now. So, um, what I had last year,
so last year special needs transportation was $797,000. Okay. The year before it was 790 which was a 17% jump. The year before that it was 673 which was a 42% jump. So it's
just you know I don't know and this is probably something the schools will have to talk to us about or at least get us some information on is if this is the last year of the bus contract with first student I think is who it is. >> I believe >> um I believe it is. So, I'm hoping that
we get some kind of spirited renegotiation at some point. I don't know, Lindsay, if you've heard anything about that. >> I have not. >> Okay. >> One thing I'm concerned with, Jim, is the um special ed contract for busing, I
think, is separate from the um first student busing contracts. >> Yes, >> I believe that's correct. So, all right. So, those are the private those are the private >> private. Yes. Yes. And that there's one priv one primary private company that
does the bulk of the transportation if I remember correctly from what they've told us in the past >> and then there's two or three smaller operations that work within that. >> So that Okay. So do we know that the
where that contract stands? >> I have no idea. >> Okay. So we need to can we figure that out? Yeah. >> Yeah. That's a big ticket number that we should probably be looking at pretty hard. >> Yeah. >> You have a better understanding.
>> Guys, um I wonder do we have the numbers of the students the number of special ed students requiring transportation staying pretty steady? Is it the escalation from the transportation contract or we have additional more special education students that require
transportation? So according to the DESI website which is the department of ed elementary and secondary education uh the percentage of students at the elementary school who are students with disabilities is 23.2%.
And that's 23% of the population of 531 kids who were who are currently registered at the elementary school. And these are numbers that I got off of the Desi website, Rod. So you you can certainly check that out. Um
>> how many of those actually work with the um special ed transportation of that 23%. You know that >> those are the numbers we need to know. >> That's not the number that we that are that Desi is supplying. >> Right. Correct. >> Yeah. That we have to get.
>> And how does the contract work? Is it per student? Is it per bus per day? Right. No matter the no matter the headcount, you know, all those things. >> Well, there's there's different purposes for the buses, right? So, there's >> Yeah, there's different pick up there's van that'll pick up kids and bring them
certain lines >> to the school, >> right? Right. >> There are other buses that are taking kids to district out of district places. Right. >> And there's and there's ones that >> case by case basis, >> right? And there's ones that carry just a single student. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And there's specialized ones for
specialized situations. Right. >> But it'd be nice to know the number of students that ride the buses, how we're build for that. Is it per bus, per student, per day? Is it a flat rate?
What is it? Well, and even for the like the regular buses, are they recalculating bus routes every year based upon where the kids live or are we just sticking with the same bus routes and make it the back of the imbalance? >> Well, we had the one recalculation last
fiscal year and they eliminated one bus. >> They eliminated one >> one bus. So maybe >> they evened out the number of kids on some buses, too. >> Yes. >> You had few on some and many on another. >> Many full buses and several buses with a handful.
>> Yeah. on a bus is like ridiculous. >> So maybe it's time to re re-evaluate that as well. Again, that should actually probably be on an annualized basis. >> I would think they'd want to do that annually. It would be more cost effective. >> I would imagine they would. >> I imagine
>> at least if I was running the business, that's what I would >> Yes. >> Okay. So, um, so those are the early, again, those are the early revenue estimates at this point. Lindsay, do you envision anything changing or, you know,
I mean, we do have, >> so it looks like the we should be getting some sales tax revenue from the Starbucks when it opens up. >> Uh, and probably from the the storage place. Am I incorrect? >> I'm not sure how storage I was just
going to say. I have >> I have no idea how that >> how that is taxed, >> right? >> Is it just a property tax? >> I think it would just be the property. >> I think it's property tax. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Cuz he's >> But then but he's renting, >> right? >> So there's some kind of a sales there's
some kind of a rental or sales tax that goes with that, right? >> I'm not sure. >> I don't know. >> Well, they charge a sales tax to rent them. So why wouldn't >> it be some sales tax for us involved? But does Halifax have a sales tax on
something of like that operation >> or is it just a state sales tax? >> Right. >> That's fair. >> That's fair. And >> we have according to the according to the uh Municipal Empowerment Act, Halifax can establish a tax on that
stuff. >> Oh yes, sounds good. >> Yeah, I'm defin Yeah. But I think that has to come from the selectman, right? >> And I don't know if that needs to be voted. I don't think so.
>> I'm not sure. >> Maybe it does. Who knows? >> Um, but to answer your question, I do know we will be getting at least at least from Starbucks, right? >> Um, I would also assume property at least from >> Well, it's improved property, right? So,
it's Yeah. >> Um, and I do know for this very rough estimate, we were very conservative. >> Sure. Sure. >> So, I would expect it to probably be
even just slightly higher. Um, but >> yeah, >> right. >> The closer we can get to 34 million, the better off we'll be. >> Yes. So, >> not quite sure how Starbucks is going to do that, but >> I I know I'll be there the first day it opens.
>> I don't want to say going to be through me. But I think >> a good shot. >> Yes, a fair a fair size. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, um if you can find out an answer to the to the rental facility
thing. Um and also the improved property tax for the landscape guys next to >> Yes. Duncan >> next to Dunkin Donuts, right? >> Because that's going to that's coming along and that should be up before long. >> Right. And is there an estimated amount
of property tax for the over 55 community buildings? >> Oh wow. >> Yeah. I'm not sure what the first completion date is of the first building, but they seem to be moving along pretty quick. >> Now they're getting it all closed in for
the interior work. >> And I see they've got uh partial work completed on the pickle ball court. that >> is the uh the projected uh revenue increase for the year uh for 2027 fiscal year is that project the property tax
from the over 65 community or is that not included yet? >> It's just this >> I do not believe it's included yet. Okay. Any other comments, questions on the estimates? >> Nope. It's a good start.
>> It is. And again, I appreciate you getting that out, Lindsay. If you just keep that updated as much as you can >> or as close to being as accurate as it can be. >> Um, it would be really helpful for us as we get closer to >> Right. >> hammering out a budget next year. >> Yeah.
>> Um, okay. So, uh, the Frank, you had some questions on the status report. >> Yeah, it's a lot, but I don't think I'm going to go through all of it. >> Um, sorry. >> I think some of it before you ask any questions. I don't know if this will answer anything. >> Yeah,
>> I did look at it before I sent it as well. And I do think some of it is just like the appropriation of it and not being told >> what actually goes into what account. Um because why we have multiple supply
accounts I don't really understand. >> So I do think it was just really this much here because no one actually >> So I do think a lot of it's probably budget appropriation that can easily be corrected. Um
>> Sure. And that's a lot of the questions that I have. >> Yeah. And then I think there's probably one building maintenance for that purchase order for 200. >> Um question. >> Yeah, I think I got that one in here, too. >> Yeah. So, that one
was um also it was both a purchase order that was entered which is why it's under the I believe inumber column is where it fell and then also the appropriation of the account number.
>> Yes. Well, early on, this is a question from for me because I'm not sure what it means. Is um revaluation of $94,000. What What exactly is that?
>> That was one of the um capital items for the assessors. It's a rebal year. So, we're using um instead of them doing it, we're using somebody. She requested that as her capital. So, it's the $94,000 that we
voted. Um, so that's what that one is. >> Okay. [Applause] And there's a whole lot of um expenditures that are already over budget. Some are small amounts and some are
significant amounts. And I guess the question is when are we going to clean them up? Are we going to wait till the end of the year or do we clean those up as we go? So the overall budget for that department is clean. >> Um I would rather not wait until May and
then >> in that way without moving money from another department to another department >> because a lot of them being appropriation can just be moved to the proper account through a budgetary entry. Whereas if the
account's actually negative and they need a line item transfer, that's obviously something completely different. But a lot of it would be the department obviously letting me know, but um a lot of it's probably just a
budgetary amendment really >> within the department. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And that's what I'd like to see cleaned up in advance of year end and then all of a sudden we're moving all kinds of money around. No, it would definitely be easier. >> That's what a lot of these are that are on here.
>> Yes, I noticed that as well. >> Yeah, and that's what I find a little concerning, you know, >> is they're already over um the numbers. And let me see if I got anything really cuz that's what most of them are. >> Yeah, I found lot too.
>> Yeah, there's quite a few actually, which I was surprised to see that many. But one in particular particular to me is highway storm water management succeeded his budget
by 160% of uh needing of of $24,842. That's a significant number to recover from. I do believe that they were getting money as well. That has not been posted
at that time. >> So, we're spending money before we have money. >> Storm water. >> Yes. It's a highway storm water management engineering and consulting. So, it's an outside source. They're using third party
>> and we're over they they allocated $41,000 in the budget and they've spent $65,842 so far. >> Yes. And I do believe that they have also received money that through like an
AC or some type of payment in cuz that's only through the end of August and I believe it came in September. We did see something for >> Okay. Because yeah, that's a that's a big one for me is why are we over by $25,000
>> already? >> Already on one line item that we allocated $41,000 for? How did we miss 25,000 in our budget for that? >> Yeah. >> What changed in that to cause that to be 25,000 over? That's a significant
dollar. It's not $1,900 or something like that. $300. >> So, that's the one of the biggest ones I've seen on here. >> In that same vein, uh I just want clarification on number 420, the highway salary.
>> Yeah. If you the total it says 497889 for the allocation today it's only 69499 with or unalloc unallocated amount of 428. We do we have quite a few openings
in that department. Is it are salaries paid differently than is typical? Why do we have so much unexpended balance in that category? >> The salaries you said. >> Yep. Yep. Number 420. Um, >> so is that
>> I think part of that >> Yeah, I think part of that might be is driven by the winter weather we've had and and things of that nature, you know. Um, >> yeah, so that would be um overtime's probably included in that total. And
um, >> wow. >> Part-time >> part-time help the summer help >> which we did not do. Um, we probably be doing that one again. Um, so it the amount is just what we haven't done yet
because it's from July to next June and we always do a lot for like the overtime for the um snow removal and stuff like that, >> right? >> Okay. >> Yeah. I kind of think maybe that there >> that that one floats pretty good. Yeah. >> Yeah. And I understand that. The other
one I had on here was the group insurance for the town share. Those numbers have jumped dramatically here from what we had allocated. >> Yeah, that one. >> There's two of them in there. The life insurance and the dental.
>> Is that because of new employees that we didn't allocate for or >> I don't think so. Um I know we pay for including water and then they do reimburse us. So, I don't know if >> would be
>> part of the reason. Yeah. >> Okay. >> It's the whole department >> cuz it's about $7,000 between those two line items. >> That sounds about right for water um department. >> Yeah. So, like I say, I just >> want to make sure that we're not going
to come in here in the spring here and be moving numbers all over the place and >> not having a true idea of what we're actually burning through every month. >> Definitely don't want to repeat of last night. >> No, we don't we don't want to repeat it last May. So my question you know just
just based on that um is >> is there as we are as we're managing the budget throughout the year how are we reallocating overages to other are we reallocating overages
substantial overages either to other departments that are running underwater at that time like when we get into the you know the into like the late third or early third to fourth quarter. Um, you know, do we see I guess what I what I my
point is is a lot of stuff sits in snow and ice >> and then everybody goes running after it in June, >> right? Oh, I want this out of snow and ice. I want that out of snow and ice. How is there a way for us to better manage that? because I know I I I understand the the the principle behind
it, but I also think that it's, you know, as as everyone everyone here on this committee and yourself, uh, is, you know, we're responsible to make sure that the the town has the money it needs to have and it's in the appropriate
places and not just sitting in a, you know, for lack of a better term, you know, a slush fund somewhere uh, that we just start drawing out of. So honestly, it would literally be telling departments like you cannot spend money.
>> So if it's like supplies, if your supply count is running low >> in May, >> okay, >> you can't order from WB Mason just to order something, >> right? >> Because then you you will go short if you have that money
>> and then you'll want to get the money from somewhere else, >> right? So, it's quite literally like we can't afford to buy. >> No. No, >> we can't. >> And I think that it's possibly just been a there's $2 left over. I'm going to spend >> I'm going to spend $2, right?
>> And then we can pull $3 from my due d's account that I didn't use. Like, if you have $2, you shouldn't be spending that, >> right? So I think it's really just departments department heads need to pay if something was allocated wrong when
you sent get a budget status report. >> Hey this was actually supposed to be in >> this account. Right. >> Here's the outline of that. >> Mhm. >> Right. >> Let me know. I can >> Exactly. >> It's a journal entry. >> Exactly. >> Change that. >> Right. But if I'm sending out reports
that are not being looked at fully or ignored or what have you and then come May or June, that's obviously a different issue at hand than >> correct. >> Yeah. So I think and you guys can keep me straight here is is that you know
it's whoever whoever our town administrator is whether it's still Robert at the time or the new one they have I I would I would like to see more more judicious oversight of the town budget as we get closer. It just feels
the last couple of years that it's just been, you know, as we get into, as soon as we get into the fourth quarter, everybody starts buying, you know, um, rubber tires for a forklift that doesn't need rubber tires because we have the money to do it. >> Exactly. >> You know, and that's to me is just
foolishness, uh, in my opinion. Um, and you know, perhaps at the I think there's a department head meeting on Wednesday. >> Um, >> yeah. >> Right. and to talk about the budget. I think that is probably one of the things
that needs to be discussed there is you just can't go, you know, hog wild at the last at the last minute because you have money left over. >> Now, I appreciate that, but the town could probably use that elsewhere. We don't need four sets of spare tires for a forklift
>> in my opinion. Um, you know, the other thing is is and and this is something that we can discuss at a at a different juncture in the meeting is I would like to see more town oversight, yourself, Lindsay, possibly Bob, looking at contracts. >> Yes.
>> That department heads are signing without anybody looking at it. >> Um, that came up when Frank brought up the uh highway uh budget or contract that had no not to exceed number in it. It's like so it's just an open checkbook.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. That could have been >> that could have been a disaster. >> That can't go on anymore. >> It can't go on. Yeah. I mean, that may be how things were done, but we we're not in a position to do it that way anymore. >> Anyway,
>> and sorry, no, that's that's that's all excellent information, Jim, and it answers a lot of my questions, but since I'm rolling here, I'm going to keep rolling. >> Yes, it is. I know as John Jonathan uh Celix says, "Well, you sure asked a lot of
questions. >> That's what we're here for." >> Um Youth and Reck, same thing. You know, on labor, they're 171% over on budget. And youth and wreck, where are they going to get that money? Um,
>> youth and wreck wages. Um, >> expension to date 950, unexpended balance of negative $395 and $298 for a total of $693.98. >> Um, I will have to look at that one
because that one is I did not catch that one. >> Yeah, that's um line item 632. So just I don't know. >> Is it not the revolving account? Is it 2563? >> It's a revolving. That is correct. >> Yeah. So that is probably why
>> lacking funds coming in from the parking. >> He doesn't really start getting anything until school starts. >> So if there were >> this is Dick. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So um if he's doing after school program
starting in September but there was happen. It's just a random >> event in August. Y so the money will come in to repay that >> in October or whatever. But just want to make sure that you know we're we're watching those things, you know. >> Yeah, definitely. >> Yeah. Especially
>> good. >> When when I see when I see negative numbers like that. >> Okay. Well, that's good. I think that might have been the last one here. That's all. Thank you for uh one for this report,
which I love this thing, and two, um jumping in and just kind of checking things out and making sure that we're staying ahead of the game. So, if we need to make some movements early on, we're doing that. And we're not doing them late in the game. >> No. >> Because we need the overall number to be
clean going into budget season. >> Yes. Yeah. >> And if there are mistakes, we want to h use these as red flags to have those discussions with department heads when we're working on new budgets for the next fiscal.
>> Thank you. So I would I would before we before we close out the that that piece, >> I'm going to bring up a question that we've talked about adnauseium >> the finance software.
Yes. >> So, we paid last year what, $80,000 >> for a software set to help you and um the assistant town accountant generate better reports and get things
entered and >> for the whole it's replacing software, >> right? >> Yes. So last year I think you were supposed to So I guess my first question is have you seen a sample dashboard? Have you been
able to look or work in anything that they have produced? >> We I have not. We did actually have a meeting today on the tax title side of things. >> Okay. Um the issue that they were
originally running into is Massachusetts lost um and just Massachusetts doing things >> different than the other states that they're currently in. >> Okay. >> Um so they are working on the tax title
side of things. Mhm. >> Linda was in the meeting giving everything that she needs, how she does it, how we do our billing cycle, all of that. >> Um, they are going to be sending her things to look at just to make sure that
it's where she needs it to be. Um, >> it seems though as though due to the Massachusetts side of things, >> at this moment, the accounts payable side is set, but we would be working in
two different programs due to the tax title, the all those treasurer department things. So, they're working on getting it together. We allegedly
It's July 1st of 26. >> So, another year. >> Yeah. >> Is Halifax the only one in the state of Massachusetts they're working with on this? >> No. >> Um Halifax,
in my opinion, is the only one that they are they're in another town. they've been working with that other town. It's not going great. >> Um but we that town jumped into it.
>> So they kind of have to >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We said >> right >> we're going to continue using until it's ready. >> Um so we're in a better position and we're not
still paying because they were giving us >> Are we giving them any more money? >> No. >> Okay. So, all the work and their work product at this point is been basically paid for. >> They gave us credits for like a credit rather for everything.
>> And how long is that credit going to last and how are they decrementing that credit? Is it by hour? Is it by deliverable? You know, what's the >> that part? I don't know. I don't know. Is Caesar Caesar? >> No.
Caesar. Yeah, there he is. >> What was the Spring Brook um credit of all of that stuff that they were doing for us? How is that part working? >> Um we're basically there was a mutual understanding that we
are going to be a partner in the development of the software that would not come at a cost at a time. We would continue to pay our subscription and our annual maintenance um for Spring Book. without any
uh excess cost to the town um in order to develop it for uh production in July. >> Do we have that in writing anywhere? >> I believe we do. >> Um >> okay. I what I can tell you with
with the federal certainty is that with our current arrangement with Spring Brook, we are saving money on our annual maintenance agreement with our financial management system more than we would have
if we weren't doing what we're doing. >> What percent is that Caesar please? or estimated savings [Music] >> just ballpark >> say close to like 10,000 >> 10,000 annually
>> just about give or take >> okay >> and we do actually have like monthly check-in meetings with them >> I I would love to know okay can the next time you talk to them ask them what their deliverable schedule is when are you the probably one of the main users
going to be able to see something that you can at least test. >> Yeah, that has been one of the bigger things we do. We have asked a couple times. Um I still haven't but >> Well, no answer is an answer as they
say. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, the answer is no. You're not going to get one. >> So, we do have a project schedule um >> laid out as far as our implementation's concerned, assuming that >> they keep up their end of the deal, >> right? with getting up, you know, the
final bits and pieces of their product. >> Yeah. >> Um, you know, we do have access to the new platform, at least the sandbox version of what it would be. >> Um, >> but there's not much we could do with it without all the pieces.
>> Okay. So, so who on our side is PMing this thing? >> It's a It's a team effort, but it's running through my office. >> It's So, it's you, >> correct? and how often. All right, never mind. You I would recommend that you meet with them every week. That's what I
would recommend because this has been going on, you know, far too long. I appreciate the fact that we're not paying for anything. I understand that. But, you know, the fact is is we signed a contract. They're supposed to deliver something. They haven't delivered it. And they continue to say that they can't
because of whatever, right? And I understand that there are issues and Massachusetts laws and all this kind of stuff. I absolutely get that. But they should have known that going in, >> right? >> This is not We We're not We didn't just move to Massachusetts.
>> No. >> Right. >> Okay. And >> that's why I was wondering how many other communities within what is it 351 communities in Massachusetts. >> And so there are only two that are in this program.
>> That I know of. I know of >> the other town and then when I went to my class last March, there were people talking about it, >> but um nobody besides that one was like
actually in it. They were all in like the sales pitch side of things, >> right? >> Um so >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> All right. >> All righty. Thank you for that. Sorry for, you know,
but we've been waiting on that for Lord knows how long. >> Yeah. >> Before me. >> Yeah. >> Since day one. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, any other questions on the status report or the budget estimates?
Okay. So, we will close that agenda item out. Uh we move on to the next one. Correspondence and as may arise. So I don't have I did not receive any correspondence in my inbox from anyone in the general public at this point. Um
so I met with Rob with Robert last Thursday afternoon. Uh they are having an a department head meeting um this Wednesday where they will be distributing the the the new the latest um budget request
>> uh document out to the department heads. Same as last year, we'll be looking for a level service budget and we'll be looking to uh get hopefully 10% cuts uh from all the departments. Um I believe that you know I I think the schools
obviously are going to be a different um different animal altogether. Um I think the isn't the teachers union one contract that's up for a renegotiation? Is that this year or next year? >> Union 31. I thought it was this year. I thought it was two.
>> I thought so. >> Yeah. So that's, you know, we don't know how that's going to play out for the next, now that's obviously for the next three years. This is the final year of the contract. >> Um I'm anticipating costs there to go up yet again. Um and uh you know, I you
know, but then again, that plays into our $5 million deficit at this point as to how much you know, what they're willing to go after at that point. Um, again, transportation and salaries are the two number one spends in the schools.
>> So, that's um that's something that we're going to have to, you know, be very diligent about. Uh, I'm probably going to go to the next school committee meeting to ask them to try to look at this stuff more holistically than
what I believe they have been, although I think they're probably doing the best they can. Um, but you know, I don't want to be in the same place as Whitman was last year where they had to let 21 teachers go, you know, but um
let's uh let's hope that's better. Anybody have any questions about that? That was pretty much the conversation that Robert and I had. We just talked about, you know, the Silver Lake stuff, how, you know, and we just discussed the timing of the last couple years of them
delivering hard numbers to us. um you know either the day of town meeting or two weeks prior to it. So, >> well, that wasn't even much info on top, right? You know, it was bare bones, right? Very. >> So, and for everyone's edification, this
is Sarah. I think this is Sarah Hickeyy's last year. I think she's retiring at the end of the year. >> Oh, she is? >> Yeah. >> I did not know that. >> Yeah. >> I thought she was retiring last year. >> Then she said, "No, it's next year." And >> so, here we are.
>> Okay. That's a little concerning. >> Okay. >> Um, we at the as may arise part. >> Yes, sir. We are >> the P5 numbers. Um, Lindsay gave me the
most updated version here. >> And looks like we received two checks now so far. $180,000 approximately. a little more and an additional one of correct me if I'm wrong on the 3M one second payment of
$258,378. >> Yes. >> So where is that money? So, I will have to I'm going to ask because
it would technically be for me to see it a turnover to go into that account and then it would get posted. Um, so it should have been an AC that we got through the treasurer's office. >> Yes. >> So, I will look into that part tomorrow
because I know we set the accounts up. I know we did all of that in prep for receiving the money. >> What do you mean set the accounts up? >> I mean my account and soft right. So then it would show on your report like that account. So the AC part is the
actual bank account or the actual >> Right. So you set up a POS account already. >> So there's a a line there's going to be a line for POS >> like we have with the opioid fund. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Now doesn't the selectman have to approve that um account?
I believe. Did they already >> have they? Because I haven't seen anything regarding that. That's why I'm asking. Select meeting tomorrow night. Correct. >> Yes, they are. >> Might pop in there because the account itself Pas is a
raise and appropriate. So in order to spend it has to be approved to town meeting. >> Correct. And I just want to make sure that as I've said before and I'll say again we have a major issue just across the way here at the town landfill
associated with the erosion and repair work which can potentially be millions of dollars to the town. or some other estimates I've seen have been 500,000 and then we also have a substantial
increase in the sampling protocols for the wells and that and that's not going to go away anytime soon. Um we're going to have to sample just based on my knowledge of sampling in the world that I lived in at one time. That
keeps on going till the government says no more. >> And once you're in, you're in. >> Yeah. >> And it's usually for several years. >> Yeah. >> It's not a one time, two time deal. >> So, are we are you saying we're looking
at $19,000 per sample set? >> I still haven't fully understood the samples. I have never seen the contract, >> right, >> to understand the first 19,000. They needed $19,000 to take care of the first
goound. Or was it for two samplings? Was it for the year? That is what I've never really >> And we only budgeted 10. >> We didn't even budget for PA. >> We budgeted budgeted 10 in last year's budget. I thought we did. >> Um >> I thought we set aside $10,000 for POS.
That's >> I don't remember that. >> Okay. I'll have to I'll go back through my notes, but I'm which is when I saw the number for 19,000, I was like, where's that money coming from? >> So, I would need to look at a contract, >> right?
>> And understand what is that a quarterly cost? Is it a semiannual? Is it an annual cost of 19,000 for eight? I believe it's eight wells and that would be like, you know, $2,000 a well or or whatever it might be. Um, so I don't
still don't fully understand the 19,000, but I know that it's something that's not going to go away anytime soon for several years to come. >> And with this money, which is significant money, >> yeah, >> I just want to make sure we don't lose that money for this project
>> into the general fund and dispersed amongst other things. And then we're >> right then everybody's wondering where it's at. >> Yeah. Just like the opioid money, it should be associated with things associated with that particular amount of funding that we're receiving for
opioids, >> which that one also does have its own. >> Yes. But that was voted on >> and Yeah. >> Yes. >> So, I'll double check about >> Yes. just kind of see where how that's
all laying down and um where it's at and you know it's not you know used for something else. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. When I this is a lot of money coming in
here right now. Um 180,152 and 258,378. So, we're pushing what? Three, four, >> half a million. >> Close to a half a million. And I believe there's one more settlement coming. >> I think so. >> I think it was a tier of three that were coming.
>> Yeah, I believe it said three. >> This is a good good memo or confidential report that you sent out. So, it shows a nice layout of the dollars and the responsible parties and stuff. So,
>> okay. >> Okay, that's all I had on the as mayor arise and thanks for this report as well. >> We should probably give those back to you because they are confidential >> after you marked it all up.
[Laughter] >> That way I knew where my numbers were. >> Okay, >> Jim, I had a question. Sure. >> Well, do we have a I know that There are some consequences the town position to remain out of compliance with the MDA
communities act. Do we have any numbers for the potential loss of state grants? Do we have to come for that? Is that part of this some projections or not yet? >> Um I believe we are not eligible for basically
everything. >> Well, have we have we applied for anything that's been denied based on that at this point? I don't know that anyone was applying. I did speak with Darlene today because she was looking into um like the gatra for that. Yep.
>> Um she was told she cannot apply for it. >> Mhm. >> Because we are not >> cuz we're out of compliance. >> That's like the first question they ask when you do these grants. Yeah. Right. >> I know that before it was extended again. I know that before it was extended the first time we were getting
letters and at the bottom it said must be in compliance to accept. >> Um I don't know besides Darlene if anyone's tried >> right >> but I did talk to her today and she did say that >> she was told she can't even write a
grant. So >> right so just confirming chapter 90 and chapter 70 money we will get because that's mandatory >> spending. I honestly think those might be the only one. >> That's it. >> Yeah, >> that's what I thought. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> They weren't kidding.
>> No, I'm afraid. >> No, they weren't. >> And and the challenge will be is we're going to end up in court at some point. >> Mhm. >> Um we're most likely not going to be successful. >> They're going to appoint a master. A master >> then going to come in and just say this is where it is.
>> This is where it goes and there's and we are the town is out of out of out of an opportunity to do anything about it. >> Yeah. Hansen's voting on it for the third time tonight. >> Yes, that's I saw that. >> My my dad's over there.
>> Yeah, because I believe it's three towns. >> Yep. Milton, US, and >> Middleboro. >> Middleboro, maybe. >> No, didn't. >> I thought Middleboro. I thought Middleboro was the other. >> Did they? >> Yeah. >> Middleian, >> right?
>> Who was that? Rod >> Winthra. >> Oh, Winthra. >> Ah, okay. Okay. >> All right. Be a tough year. >> Yep. >> Yes, it is.
>> Okay. Anything else on as May arise? Anybody have anything you want to chat about while we're all here? >> It may be this week from Saturday. >> Yes. the uh Association of Town Finance Committees 18th. >> A week from this Saturday, correct?
>> 18th is the 18th. >> Everyone's all set. >> We're all set. >> Thank you. >> Good. >> We didn't like walking in last year and then saying we didn't pay. >> Yeah. >> So, I looked at it. It I don't think it was that it wasn't paid. I think only one p person was registered.
>> Oh. >> Oh. >> Because municipal can't prepay. >> So, it wouldn't have been >> Oh, interesting. >> Paying. issue. >> But they had badges for all of us with our names on them. >> They did. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So that only gets generated from a registration,
>> right? >> Well, that's because we all went in and put >> and registered probably. >> We did our registration thing, right? >> Did we have to do that or >> I did mine I think I did mine last year. >> I did my own last year. >> Last year. >> Did Did we have to do that this year? >> I think
>> No, I think Lindsay Lindsay got us all >> Lindsay got a sold registration. >> I mean, it's not much of a registration. Oh, and it was easy enough. Yeah, >> we represent, >> right? >> That was it, you know, really. >> And but they allowed us to have the continental breakfast and lunch. >> They did. They did. They fed us. That was the important part.
>> Well, they ran out of coffee. >> They did. >> Yeah, they did. They did >> very quickly. >> Okay. All right. Then we'll close out correspondence and as may arise and we will open up public participation. Um, so anybody from the public have any
questions for the finance committee? All right, hearing none. Going once, twice. We will close out the public participation item. So, thank you all for being here. Last item is next meeting planning. So,
our next meeting will be a Zoom meeting. It will be on the 20th. And if you guys want to have it at 5:30, we can certainly do that. Or if you would prefer to keep it at 6:00 since it is a from home meeting, we can also do that. So what? However the committee feels.
>> I'm good either way. >> I'm open to either one. >> 5:30 is fine. >> Okay. Rod, you okay with that? >> Yep. I would have been there today. I I misunderstood this to be our our Zoom meeting this month. So >> No, it's fine. >> At 5:30. >> That's fine.
>> Okay. So 5:30 on the 20th >> and it will be a Zoom meeting and we have the uh annual Association of Town Finance Committee meeting on the 18th at the Sharon Community Center. We are all registered. So I look forward to seeing everybody
there. Don't let me down or embarrass me because, you know, don't make fun of me. >> Oh, that's right. You got you got uh pulled into that last year. See you guys. See you guys. You guys >> forgot about that. That guy was a pretty good salesman. >> Thanks. Thanks you guys. You guys are
the best. >> Question about that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Do you want us to do an agenda or something? Because it'll be a forum. >> Interesting. >> We should probably >> We should probably do that. >> Only if we talk >> only if we talk about town business though.
>> But I think we should do one just just in case. >> Correct. because one of the one of the sessions is um is proposition two and a half over. >> Yeah. >> So we >> business town business will be discussed I'm sure if we ask
>> so yes Katie let's let's go ahead and do that. So thank you very much. >> All right. Anybody have anything else? >> Okay. >> And I get a motion to adjurnn. >> So move. Second. >> Very good. Roll call vote. Cheryl, >> yes. >> Mike Bennett,
>> yes. >> Frank Johnston, >> yes. >> Ron Hemingway, >> yes. >> And I'm a yes as well. So, thank you all for coming. Absolutely appreciate it. And we'll see you on the 18th. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Byebye.
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