Hello everybody. Today is uh March 3rd, Tuesday night. I know it's a little snowy out, but we have dates we have to keep and uh we had to be here tonight. Up first, we have a new associate member, Albert. How do we say your last name is Rosilowitz tonight? Goal >> goal. All right, welcome aboard.
>> Enjoy the ride. In person tonight is Paul Connley, Dave Methy, >> RJ, >> R.J. And that's it on Zoom. >> And Al >> and Al, >> is it >> Karen?
>> Yeah. But who's I can't >> Can you guys hear us on Zoom? >> Yeah. So >> we have Karen and >> Y can hear you. >> Sherry. Okay, great. Thanks, guys. >> Elite is here, too. >> Hi, Alita. Here. Hi.
>> Better remember all that and look at screen. All right, folks. Up first, we have reserve fund transfers. Lake management request funds in the amount of $2,000 to purchase Knox boxes for security.
>> Excuse me, Mr. Chair. Uh, Cliff Clark is requesting >> Cliff can can record it. Anybody have public comment? >> This is your time. >> Oh, your name and address first, ma'am. >> 155 South Street. >> How are you this evening? I'm how are you?
>> Good. Thanks for coming out in the weather. >> I have a little thing I wanted to just say about having an additional hours on the library as a representative of the crest. Sure. Financing on the library. Yep. >> Just wanted to talk about it a little.
>> Yep. You want to talk when we get to that? Perfect. All right. Thank you. Y >> All right. Am I good now? Y everyone. Yes. Cliff tape. All right. Sir, how are you today? Hi Joe. Dick Randle. CS. Hey Dick.
>> So what's going on? Are we looking for some knock boxes? >> Yes. We have three buildings, town buildings that currently do not have knock boxes. And I've had few uh cases where I've had to go down and and uh let
let in either South Fire or police or whatever. um at one at the visitor center and and one at the uh South R. >> Understood. >> And they need to get in break a window or a door. It's kind of
destructive. So are on the bulk of if not all of the other town buildings. I know they're on like town hall, police, fire, library. Uh generally it's a a means of allowing
emergency access to uh and it's a standard uh key that they carry with them uh so that they you know they they don't have to break something in. The other thing is the ones that we've selected have got
a tamper switch on them. So if somebody does get in, you know, if they do go in, uh, that gets notified. I do get that coming directly from the alarm company. So I'll get notified immediately. Um, so that's a an additional safeguard. And if
somebody breaks breaks the thing, we will get duly notified. >> So if they break through the door regardless, you get notified from the alarm company. >> That's right. But that's kind of more expensive, >> right? And if they break the box on the wall, you get notified, too. >> That's correct.
>> Okay. So, what color is the box you're thinking of? >> They're a bronze color, uh, which happens to go very nicely with the, um, kind of a beige sighting that we have on on the, uh,
>> Yeah. >> Okay. Do you So I checked into this. I happened to be at the police department yesterday. So the red ones are for fire. The blue ones are for police. Police can't use the fire. The fire can't use the police. So
educate me on where the bronze comes in. >> Uh I wasn't aware. We can we can put any color that they want. Um it it had a color selection and from what I understand the key is the same to get in. Um, but I will verify that if it has
to be uh red, it'll be red. >> So then that's just fire department. So when you get a call from the police, they can't get in. >> They would not be able to get it. Well, and if they carry the same key, I'm not familiar with >> the difference. They have Okay. So they have different keys.
>> Yeah. Unfortunately, I didn't think it was that complicated. >> Yeah. >> But I was told to drive up to the school and if you look at the school, they got a red box and a blue box. >> Oh, no kidding. >> Yeah. Fire can't give their key to police and police can't give their key to fire. >> They could probably show up on the scene together,
>> but they can't share keys apparently. >> So, >> that's interesting. >> It's It's more important. >> Yeah, it's more important to us as if there's a fire in the building or we had a case where um a a float that was on an
old one of the u floating docks down there. We had stored it >> up in the attic and it was frozen at the time we put it up there and it thawed and it ran down and went through the smoke detector and set off the fire alarm. >> Hence the call,
>> right? >> Yeah. I have a question for you. So these boxes hold keys? >> Yes, it has a a master key to the building. >> Okay. So, uh they need a key to get to the box to get a key to get into the
building. And the key that that fire has gets them to all now we understand all the red boxes on public buildings >> and the the um that would get them inside immediately.
>> The uh so I have do you why do you need three boxes? If if you have three buildings, can you could you have one box that has keys to those buildings in it and not have sacred boxes or is that too confusing? Um the south ramp is two
two and a half miles away from north ramp. >> There's two buildings at north ramp though, right? Or two south. >> Right. >> Right. So could you get away with one key box at that the shed is and and let's be realistic. They're sheds that you have one building and two sheds. So
the so north pond that shed is 8 by 8 or 10 x 10. >> It's uh 12 by 20. >> Okay. So the other one by itself, what is that? >> That that's an hexagon. And the one down at South Ramp like a 8 foot hexagon.
>> Yep. So it's small though. So by the time >> you get a call for fire and they get there with the knockbox. Do you think the shed's still left? >> Well, I got I got a call from because of uh in that case.
>> So maybe you need a police one more than a fire one. >> The No, the the smoke detector failed. That's the one that melt that got wet. >> Call the man's breaking up.
>> You're breaking up, sir. >> I'd like to do it. It's 3:00 in the morning. >> Okay. I can barely hear you, folks. What do you want to do? Well, how how likely is this? I mean, what's the occasion? Is
it just a fire emergency where they need immediate access? >> Um, yes. >> Okay. And >> it's a it's it's got a basement, the main floor, and an attic. And there's store there's storage in the attic.
Storage in the basement. And the uh you know like the u heat pump and everything is down in the basement. >> What about uh the sheds? What's stored in there? >> There's all kinds of materials that um are for the for servicing buoys. There's
a uh riding mower, uh snow, you know, um weed whackers, uh push mower, >> stuff for servicing the grounds. Oh, yeah. Yeah.
>> Can you live with one door knocker with the two buildings? >> I think we could do that. I think we could put the the key to the shed and the key to the um visitor center. I' I'd mount it on the visitor center
>> right on that corner there would get to both of them. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And especially if it was red, uh you know, you'd see it immediately. And I think we could notify SFD that uh you know the the key for the shed is in that
>> right. >> It's the same and and uh they'll set off the alarm no matter what. I'll get an alarm signal u which is fine. >> Okay. How much are they a piece, sir? >> They're $624
each. >> Okay. And I'm willing to in I'm willing to install them and then have uh protective security Paul Allen make the connection to the alarm. >> So 1300 would cover that. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> Right. So we'll take it change that to 1300, sir. Is that okay? >> That's all right. >> Thank you. >> Any questions from the board? >> Anybody online? >> You covered it. Nobody. Okay. I need someone to make a
motion. Oh, thank you. >> Second. >> All right. So, he made the motion. This young man second it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All those in favor? Joe DD. I >> David. I >> Paul.
>> And then on Zoom, >> Karen. I Karen, you go first. I'm sorry. >> Karen Deo. I >> Sher Nolson. Thank you, Sher. >> Alita Di Maria I >> Thank you, Alita. So, we'll keep that
order moving forward. >> All right. Thank you, Dick. >> Great. You get me again. >> Yeah, I do. All right. Let me let me turn the page. >> Oh, the electric. >> Yep. >> Dick, I wish there was a way we could
just add money because you're not alone when it comes to this when it comes to the power issue. >> Yes. Um there'll be several in front of us tonight actually over electricity. So folks, as you guys all know, you probably all have smart meters at home. Things are changing in this field
dramatically and um we just didn't budget enough money throughout throughout all departments. >> There hamsters. >> More hamsters. Yeah. Yep. >> So I need a motion to add $600. Oh, was this the right one? Management. $600 for
electricity. >> Motion. >> Second. Got that? >> Yes. All right. Jini I >> Murphy I >> Paul Conley I >> Karen Deo I Nolan I >> Alita D Maria I
>> Thank you folks. >> All right Dick. I appreciate it. >> All right. Up next, electricity for the library. How are you today? >> Wonderful. Thanks for coming out. And your surprise, Bill, is
>> I'm gonna sign off. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> 12,500. Nice. >> So, we just had that discussion with electricity. Welcome aboard. >> Yeah. I need a motion. >> Motion. Second.
>> All those in favor? Joe D. I. >> David Murphy. Okay, I >> may I >> Alita D Maria I >> wonderful. Up next is our 2027 budget review.
So last meeting I wasn't in town on the Clove Parker show up and we had a discussion about changing a few things around. Um there definitely needs to be some changes for sure. Um I I honestly wish this discussion happened in the
summertime so it could have probably been a little bit more smoother than it has been. Um I'm trying to communicate more. I promise. But it's been uh it's just been it's been interesting because you know we're used to the books. Um this year we you guys got to get it online if you wanted it and I think some
folks on Zoom did which is wonderful. Um and moving forward next year I don't know if we'll have books. I I don't know where that's going to go, but if that does play out, it needs to play out over the summertime, not, you know, as close as the budget season and everyone's busy and we all get it. Um, so with that
being said, I booked, and this is my opinion from the finance committee that um I I I truly don't think you need two two Saturdays. I really don't. Um, and as we look through this, I think we're going to find there
is a lot of small budgets and they are level funded. >> You know, I guess we just say, okay, it's great or we still look at it like we always have and you know, maybe some accounts are using more money than other accounts. So maybe we suggest moving money around within those accounts, you know, so the
dollars don't change, but it just, you know, so they're not going over on some stuff, under on others. But that's just what we do. Um, I don't know. I don't know where this goes. So, I booked the 21st, I believe this room, and I basically reached out to most of the
departments that I think we needed to have come in. And I get you can have them come in on Tuesday nights. I don't know how many Tuesday nights we have from now until everything is due. >> So, I think you have to hit the four bigger ones on a Saturday. Yeah.
>> Which was fire, police, DPW, and um >> town maintenance. is what I had listed. And I haven't I've already looked through this somewhat, but I'll be honest, the big ones I didn't even look at because I know they're going to come in, >> right? >> Um, so as we move forward, we need to
look at that. And discussing it with Nicole, I was in the emails basically that, you know, honestly, select board should be here, too, right? It's not a finance committee meeting. It's not a select board meeting. It's a joint meeting. Um, you know, the comments I hear back is we
don't ask enough questions. It looks like a firing squad. You know, we sit here and stare at the book and we stare at them and and they're half right. I mean, a lot of those folks do like to come in and say hi because we don't see them. We don't, you know, we all have jobs. We're all over the place. So,
sometimes it's it's a great meet and greet. How you been? How's it going? Other times, you know, they just they're busy, too. They don't want to be here on a Saturday. But looking through some of the job descriptions, it says right in there, and our old DPW director, I haven't seen the new one. Um, he is to
go in front of the finance committee. It's it's black and white. So, as much as some people don't want to, I get it. Maybe we need to work on our smiles more. I don't know. Maybe we need to ask more questions, be more sincere. Um, I
don't know. But, you know, at least this year, we have the books. We're going to go through them. Um, and I, you know, and I, I just listened to the selectman's meeting from last night, and I suggest you all listen to it, but you know, they, you know, our our newest selectman was a, um, the fire chief. So,
he's like, "Hey, wait a minute. We have to come in and he's" and, you know, and I forgot about that meeting. He, he's got to come in in front of the selectman before us. How you doing? This is what I'm thinking this year. >> Then he comes to the Saturday event with all of us. >> And then we have our other meeting and
and he is right. he better be in the audience just in case we have a question because we're going to ask it and if it doesn't get answered we're going to assume and I guess we're not always right all the time. I don't recall beating up that budget much but it's all good but he is right. So it's a meeting
a meeting a meeting and then he better run back to the selectman meeting because they're probably going to have a question too and then we do have a joint meeting or at least we did in the past with us and the selectman >> to kind of iron out our differences. And it was also brought up last year that I
I met with Mr. Peron. Yeah, I guess it was last year. Um because we had two issues that we didn't accomplish at the meeting and I believe three of us got in a room and and settled that for whatever it was worth. Um they did have some great ideas in regards to, you know, and
they're right. You have a five-year plan in here. It stays in here. Our meetings are done. You Well, I keep my books. You guys return your books. the next year there's a 5-year plan. I I don't know if it's the same. We don't know. Um your police and fire and DPW
are on top of those, right? He knows his truck's rotted. He knows he needs a truck. Fire knows they need another one coming ambulance. So, those guys are pretty keen on all of that. >> We don't see it. And and quite honestly, the selectman don't see it. So, they had some great ideas about maybe that 5-year
plan should be more public for all of us to just just so we see that, you know, cuz if you look through this for the 2028 >> fire department, there's some big big dollars in there. And DPW, there's some big big, >> you know, I almost want to say, oh my,
what are we going to do next year? Cuz it's in there. And I know that the regulations for emissions is is kicking some of the the equipment stuff for DPW and they have a fire truck that they definitely need to, you know, that's a two-year wait. So even if we
>> finance it next year, they're two years out. Um, so there's a there was some constructive ideas in their meeting that we're going to have to definitely look at with them and see if we can all do a better job. So that's what I got. Have
anyone had time to look at their books? No. No. >> Yes, I did. >> You did? I did, too. >> Yeah. >> So, I did library is here tonight over the electric. I did ask them if they would love to talk about their budget and they said yes. >> So, so they don't sit here all night.
>> Let's let's have them come up front and we'll discuss their budget if you guys are okay with that and peruse it and then we'll go from there. Folks, how you doing? >> Good to meet. >> Come on up. >> So, when we're done >> Yeah. Can you be a little bit more
specific about what you see us doing >> different on the poll we're good to run interference on those budgets at a low level give us you know >> and that's what she basically so the the flip side you guys had heard is they met
with everyone already so Nicole's meeting with probably 99.9% and and they've had that discussion um So, and then she's online just so we can go over things and you know because there's there's probably six right in a row that are hasn't changed.
>> Perfect. >> So, you know, do they have to come in for us on Saturday? >> Probably. >> But right now, we're library time. >> How are you? >> You um so if anybody doesn't know me, my name's Lynn. I'm the director of the library. Um shall I give you kind of a
quick rundown of our budget and what we're what we're looking at for next year? What color is up? >> She is white. Right side. >> Yeah. And the budget books, right? So,
we've changed it. This is how your books are done at town meeting. >> All right. Since since we had heard there was going to be changes, I said, "All right, let's change things." So, we're going to try this, and if this doesn't work next year, we'll go back to the other one.
>> Um there's a lot more numbers. I thought it was rather smooth when I looked through it today. >> Yeah, >> honestly. >> So, some of them aren't as big or as thick because they're broken up a little better. So, you don't get as lost as quick. >> Everybody can
>> Everyone gets Well, no, everyone is definitely important. >> So, >> all right. Okay. >> So, what we are looking at, um, we obviously left the 5% decrease blank as recommended by Nicole because if we needed to make cuts, we could go in there and figure out what sections work
best for us. >> Um, level funded, self-explanatory. Um the department request I did um I did submit an original budget to accounting and then we started to have electricity problems. So I went back in and um >> adjusted
>> adjusted the 33,000 we are requesting for an electricity is um >> what we had a couple fiscal years ago. So to just kind of bring it back to what it was just because it's it's been increasing. >> When you did the installation that really changed things over there and
that was one of them. It really dropped that down. Yeah. >> And and now it's now it's back up again. Um and you know, obviously the the maintenance lines are are requested to go up. That is, you know, if you have questions about that, Steve is the best guy to ask. Um >> and then obviously we left a lot of the
other lines the same. Um however, um since we did request more in the electricity line, theformational materials line has to go up as well. Um we have certain requirements that we have to meet by the state in order to receive state aid. um we have to be open
a certain number of hours. We have to spend a certain percent of our budget on what they callformational materials and that is anything that can be checked out borrowed by um patrons. Um and based on our town size, we are required to spend 19% of our unallocated budget
onformational materials. So anytime we increase another line, >> that number has to go up as well. So I just edited that one accordingly. >> That's the red block we're looking at right above it. what the red what you're looking at is um part of our
requirements. So the M is the municipal appropriation requirement. Okay. >> And it's a formula that we have to meet based on the last couple years of um our allocations for our budget with a 2% 2.5% increase. Um,
>> so the red block indicates even with a 5% decrease um, and level funded, we would still meet our municipal appropriation requirement. Obviously, our budget hasn't been increasing a lot over the last couple years. So, we are inching closer and
closer to, you know, potentially falling behind that requirement. As of right now, we're still in good shape, so that's fine. Um >> can you tell me excuse me which items drive the >> percent uh I mean not like fuel and electricity and maintenance
>> the 19% requirement is they they calculate the whole budget so operations salaries everything. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um and then so if we were to have a 5% decrease or level funded um we would not meet the 19% requirement just because we
would need to look at more um for electricity and our maintenance needs. Steve has been great in coming in and identifying problems. Um, and he's just identified that our maintenance budget is, you know, the building's getting older and it's a little too low for, you know, the operational needs. So,
>> can I um go back to the electricity for a second? So, last year you spent 24,000 on electricity, right? >> And >> FY25. Yeah. >> Yeah. In last year's budget. And then so we're predicting that the uh almost
$10,000 increase is strictly on rates, just the cost of energy. Is there anything else driving the consumption that we know? >> Yeah, so our electricity bills are they are increasing. Um last month it
came our bill was 2,290. So they they have been increasing quite a bit. Um, and when we were asking for the $12,500. Obviously, it's hard to predict what electricity is. So, we kind of averaged, you know, about $2,500 a
month, and that should meet any unexpected changes. So, our electricity line is obviously our Eversource bills. Um, and then accounting also takes out a purchase order for the car. Um, so that's and that that we don't see the bills for that. So I or Laura can
probably explain if you have questions about that. Um that also 33 >> that's part of the 33. >> What is it? >> It's sarfa. It's part of um solar credits. So so we get the so we have to pay them
for the solar they're >> right. Okay. So but there's nothing driving the number other than the cost of energy. >> It's just the in the market. >> Yeah. I mean, we're we're open the same number of hours. It's it's just the the general >> You didn't buy a bunch of treadmills.
>> Plug We're not charging our phones all the time. Yeah. >> It's generally just I was just curious. >> Absolutely. Nothing. Nothing on our end is cheap. >> You can't bring your electric car there. That's what you're asking. >> Not like that. Just generally the cost of everything going up.
>> And all these utilities, nothing else comes out of them. So if there's money left over at the end of the year they just they just come back right over. They don't you know what I'm saying? It's a general fund. There's no we don't look at that and go there's an extra 7,000. Can we buy books with that? It doesn't work like that. Utilities are strictly utilities.
>> So Lara is more more or less in charge of seeing all of that. >> Yeah. On every department. >> Um yeah. So that was our main our main cover sheet. Um the only other things we are asking for on the third page uh for the salaries
um we are just asking um for an increase for our assistant director because she neither has a contract and she's not also a member of the union. So we just want to make sure that she's included with any of the administrative assistant salaries there. Um, and then obviously,
you know, we know it's a tight year and we we we obviously want to be very fiscally conservative. Um, we are asking for an additional position. We understand that it's a tight year obviously, but here's here's where we're coming from, you know, so to just aid in
your decision-m process. Um, you know, our our building we do we do get a lot of use. Um, I think I like to think that we're very loved in the community. Um, so we get we get a lot of foot traffic and so what we essentially the position
that I drafted was somebody that could help with um obviously our marketing, our social media as well as one of the major components of what we do is offering programs to the community. Um, and you know, my job is obviously
management and administration, but there's also part of my job that's also all of that as well in the events and whatnot. and we would love to have somebody to help um assist with that because you know I think over the years um not to toot our own horn but I think
we've kind of become a victim of our own success in that we have a level of expectation that the community has from us as far as programs and services and they love it and they utilize it but we're running into the point where we're
just trying to keep up with everything. Um, and you know, people always they always want more and that's what we want to do. We want to give that to them obviously, but you know, >> you're past the day of just >> throwing out books. >> Yeah, absolutely.
>> I think we've done a very good job of of just keeping up with what people are looking for while being a really important part of the community. Yeah. >> And offering something for everybody of all ages. Um, so what we are looking for in that position is just somebody to help out with that. um and just help us
keep up with the demand and and you know we've last fiscal year you know we we did a lot and I I this year I just kind of had to scale back a little bit not not as much as we probably should because obviously it's in our nature we
want to we want to provide these services um but the last fiscal year we we did a lot and it and I there was a point where I was like I am one person and it's it's very hard to keep up with with the demand and everything. >> Yeah. >> Um so respectfully that's just what we
are asking for and our reasoning to just help you in your decision-m process for when it comes down to that. >> Okay. Last time you were at the library. >> Last time I was there um maybe a couple months ago. >> You know,
you >> you're not from town. You >> you >> my daughter goes all the time. >> Yeah. You >> I don't know how to read but I drive by it every day. I still have my part. Um, >> well, that's okay. We welcome you anyway. >> I won't even ask our our our partners on
Zoom, but I I was in the other day and I I have a grandson, so I I tend to go in there a little bit more than I ever have, probably more than I did as a child, which was the one over here. >> Um, I think people forget how big that place is. Yes. >> And how much you really do have going on. You know, I walk in, I'm just like, cuz you have on here is a roof. And
we'll talk to Stephen when he comes in, you know, and I I did look up at the roof and and he's right. It's just starting to lift. you can see it, but until you walk in there and realize how big that building really is, you know, and it's full. No matter where I looked, it's full. So, you are doing a great job
and we do appreciate it. >> I mean, you know, our job as a finance committee is to question everything. That's our job and uh I appreciate you coming in to us. >> Um, so shame on me that I've driven by it.
>> I didn't mean to call you out. Thanks. >> They have a great elderly program there, but I didn't mean to call you. You could read to the kids. There's a lot for you. >> One of these days I'm going to walk through your doors and you're going to go, "Who are you?" I'll tell you. Yeah. So, no. And no, we're we're neglectful
and stuff, but no. And that's exactly why we're here. Yes. >> You get to sit there and explain your case to us. We understand it >> and um we get to divvy up the dollars and hopefully you're in the pipeline and >> it's set and that. >> I do have a couple more questions. Absolute
>> I just wanted to clarify. So you were saying your your ask or the positions and I guess we don't deal with this but >> we really don't >> I just want to ask the question. Yeah, but we should start looking at that anyways just to be aware of when our numbers go up. Why? >> Because it's you don't just cut and go,
you know, we have. So, >> so where was it? >> Um, you're looking for a uh an increase for the assistant director who that's an existing position. Correct. >> And I don't even know what the increase is. I didn't read that. >> Increase in hours.
>> Uh, just increase in in the board calculated to be a 4% cost of living increase. Gotcha. Gotcha. >> Yeah. Ours remain the same. It's a >> cost of living. >> So, I just wanted to ask is that did you do like any baselining compared to other towns with the same number of
citizens? Yeah. The number of residents. Yeah. >> Okay. To to see if it's in line with them as opposed to comparing it with local towns that are, you know, two or three times larger. >> Absolutely. And and every town has a different different management setup. So, some towns may not even have an assistant director. We tend to kind of
be in the middle to lower range as far as the >> as far as like the 9,000 citizen. >> Yeah. >> Communities. Okay. >> Yeah. And it's hard to tell because a lot of the towns that that have the same um population as us. You you can't compare us to like out east. They they
they have the money. You know what I mean? So So >> Well, that would work in your favor to compare it with >> Yeah. So but in all in all honesty, >> North Adams or somebody >> Yeah. All right. And then the other one is a new a new position, but it's part-time.
>> That's correct. Yes. So 18 hours a week. Um it's >> okay. At 1750 an hour. We worked with the union to kind of determine what would be uh a reasonable rate for that position given that it has >> be out of the union anyways, right? Or would it be would it be out be out of it
would be? Okay. All right. Thank you. >> So that's pretty well set that right because it's union. Yep. Anything online? No. Karen? No, they're good. They're good. And okay, Nicole, any questions?
>> No. >> Hi. If you need to talk to somebody, I got to ask them to mute. >> No, I just ask Nicole questions. That's all. >> Sorry. Trying to find my mute button. Um, >> I'm just getting home. It was a long drive. >> I'm sorry.
>> I don't have any No, no, I don't have any questions at this time. It's very preliminary this this uh >> Oh, absolutely. >> Addition. Yeah. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you, Nicole. How old is the library? >> Built in 99. >> It says it in there somewhere about the roof. How old the roof is?
>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I just because time >> flies. Okay. >> It does fly. >> So, we're 27 years old. >> About right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That answers a lot of questions. A day over 26. doesn't. And uh so Tracy,
why don't you tell us what you want to say? >> Well, I think it's fun to say there's several. I know there's one of Mike's up there and we're here. We represent the trustees. We've been asking for this >> quite a few years. >> Several years. >> Yeah.
>> We've needed extra people. We've needed extra hours and we just kind of get ignored. And I want to make sure we are heard because this is important. As a library, we go with everybody, right? We
go with little kids all the way to the seniors. We're not representing just one group of people, >> right? >> So, I just think it's important we're asking for so little. We're asking for less than the water at the pad, you
know? It really is a little amount, you know, and the fact that we're not being able to get it is just kind of frustrating. >> Very frustrating. It is. >> We get voted in. We've done everything to try to keep the budget the best we can, but it's needed
>> and I just wanted to make sure that that's been the size >> and that's why we are here on a lousy day when we don't really want to be here, but we are. >> Thank you, Tracy. >> We hear you. job. I know you have hard decisions and we're so grateful to have
Lynn. She's been so good. I just wanted to fight that. >> Thank you, Lynn. Have a great night. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, do we want to take an hour on the budget? Do we want to take the books
home and just peruse? So, why don't we wrap up the um what more specifically, what do you want to see us do differently? >> I I honestly don't think there's an answer to that. I I think it's Nicole's
trying to figure things out as we go. She is. Um I don't know. You know, I mean, the finance committee isn't like we're a separate ship, right? We were appointed by the town moderator.
>> So we have our own statute to follow >> and depending on who you talk to, we e either are an advisory committee and yada yada yada or no I think you still have some worth. Um I'm sorry that's funny.
>> I never get calls. >> Not me. dead number. >> South Hampton. >> Sorry about that. >> That's all right. >> That's all good. Um, so, you know, we just gonna I guess we have to just see where we are in the stream of things. >> Okay. >> Um, so I don't know what's going to
change. Honestly, I don't know. I think the one Saturday is good. >> Um, when you go through here, if you guys see anything you want to add for someone to come in on a Saturday, >> email Elizabeth >> and she'll let me know. >> All right. >> Okay. And I and I produced it. Level
funded. Level funded. level funded. Level funded. >> Um, doesn't mean we don't have to look at them because I I saw one I think it was the Jessine Zones department. >> There's a line item for $2,000. She spent $500 last year. So, I would love to know if that can be reduced a little
or does she need it somewhere else and it should get moved to that line item. You know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> You know, and I, you know, >> hey, we beat this budget up for quite a few years. Is there more room in it? I don't know. I I would say no. >> No, we beat it to death. >> Yeah. If it's level funded, it's level
funded. We have we have beat that post. We have Yeah. I Well, we've done our due diligence. Right. Right. >> And if somebody's level funded at this point, I'm >> That's what I'm saying. Right. So, we we've looked at this I that I know of three years in a row >> with a ruler and literally had arguments
over what we were going to cut and cut, right? >> Um I recall I think Oh, let's see. Have I been sitting here for three years? Four years. Four years. So five five years ago, I remember going to each department during the day, sitting down with them, or it could have been even
eight years ago now, right? And literally pulled out their budget and said, "We need to cut five or 10%." Show me where, >> you know, and then we've done that before, too. Um I I think we're past that. >> That's so that's the funny part, right? Somehow our free cash is still up there
and the more we fine-tune this, the less free cash you have in the end if the budgets come in tight, right? So, I think we've done our job. Um, >> yeah, >> I still think you got to meet with the four big ones. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, >> I do >> regardless and just to have that face to
face how you been. You know, I, you know, I think the police are looking for one or two shotguns. >> I think the value of the face to face is that when they're explaining things, you know, you have an opportunity to ask them a question about it. Sometimes that'll spark a thought on their part. But
>> with you, it does. with you that turns into oh which is great because we need that you know >> or sometimes it's you know an education for us and and we can appreciate why they're asking for it and how much work they do >> and how how how well they have their
hands on things which is good. >> Well I you know I was at DPW a while back um they got an issue with that roll off that trash truck right they got it fixed three or four years ago. you know that. >> Um, but as much as we know everything
and hear everything, I I think sometimes we just don't hear it. I I had to laugh cuz he said to me, "There's duct tape holding on the wiring harness." And, you know, that stopped me really quick. I'm a car guy. >> What? What did you say? >> You know, and if we're two years out from getting a truck, you know, shame on me last year, I guess, from cutting it,
but we we had to make cuts, you know. So, this year, is that on the front burner? Yeah, it's got to be. Same with the, you know, the DPW pickup truck. You said no last year and I think it came in front of us last year and maybe the year before or something about a transmission could go. >> We have picked that can
>> right. So transmission is still good but if you go look at it the rear quarter as a whole >> the body >> the body is falling off the truck. So do we get our money's worth? Absolutely. You know and is that in the the pipeline this year? It better be. You know so it just I I but that doesn't come across in
the book >> is what I guess I'm getting at. It just doesn't. Yeah. >> You know we see line items. we see numbers. >> Um, you know, you know, the big thing too in the end is like if you if you have to if you're looking for like a half a million dollars, >> you know, you're going, "Well, what can
we cut?" Well, let's let's cut that $300,000 truck. Okay. Well, guess what? This year was $400,000. Oh, and that's going to happen no matter what. >> Next year it's going to be 500,000. >> Yeah. So, >> you want to keep picking that can? >> Go ahead. >> It's It isn't going to get any cheaper, you know? I mean, so you can only be
thrifty so long and uh but you can only afford so much. >> You can only afford so much, too. So, yeah. What Nicole is trying to do this year is she's really pushing for >> I guess so. In our past, we would do the budget book, right? Selectman Finance,
we do it. We're done. We've shaved. We've looked, we've tweaked our last meeting, we have a rough number, >> but you're always waiting on those other numbers that we don't control from the state and everywhere else. So Nicole this year is really really pushing to try to get those numbers as soon as
possible and probably some of them are going to be Joe they're from here to here and we'll just go in the middle right so when we do do this we'll probably have a better understanding of what we I I laugh because people say to me geez every year your taxes you know if you
look at this 15.7 12.6 six three point over here our taxes are going down you know why why are they going down and I'm like well no we do the budget and and we scrimp and then our new growth is more than it was we didn't know that right because it's everything's hypothetical
>> and in the end oh my god your numbers look like they went down well we fought us and this selectman fought a hard fight all the way to the end to to keep these tight and then you let six months later you see that >> oh you know I guess we could have got a
little more or not. You know, you're still against the levy of 2 and a half%. >> No matter what. And this year, there the talk is doing something a little different with the free cash. >> In years past, we would put some on the budget. Um last night's discussion was they're going to Oops.
We'll see if it works. They're going to try to push away from that if they can. Okay. You know, we usually buy free cash for our big capital items. Yeah. You know, I think that'll probably still stay, but that almost affects the budget, too, because it never went in the budget.
You know, $600 for a truck and a rolloff. It never went in the budget because you use free cash, >> right? >> So, it it, you know, this is I guess we're going to get more modern with Tom >> is what it is. Um, I haven't looked at other towns to see how they roll it in in the end. Probably should go in some
of those meetings just to see how they do it. >> Just get a better understanding of what we're going through, you know? I don't think any of us are against it. It's just this year is going to be interesting to see how we get to that to the end >> and then you know next year maybe a little smoother um and so on and so on
and so on. >> Yeah. No, I >> do we have any concept where we stand with the schools as far as local and how far in the hole we're going to be? I'm assuming they're not going to give us any more money than than we and
I'm sure they're going to short us. >> We have to make that up. So we're gonna, you know, and then which affects the the whole total budget, you know, I mean, if school comes up like a million and a half dollars short, we got to make that up. So everybody else's wish list, it's like, well, sorry, but state, you know.
So where do we stand with that? I sat in their meeting last night. Um, well, I was choking. I think they're going to kill me now that I think about this. Hey, wait a minute. Take me out. Um it >> and they so their meeting was recorded
live so I'm not gonna get in trouble what I was saying. Okay. >> Okay. >> About 2.1 million. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So the 18th um is the meeting at Powder Mill
>> where all three towns get together and they do their presentation. I guess I saw that last night or pieces of it because I happen to be in the room. Um so the 18th write that down. 5:30 powder mill will be that presentation. >> And that's and that's what drew the
21st, right? Cuz they have their meeting which isn't locked in stone. It's their budget proposal. We would see them on the 21st, which is a Saturday. >> Yep. >> The following week they lock in their budget. So that kind of drove that 21st again. >> Okay.
>> You know, to have them in front of us. >> Y >> um I'll be at the meeting. I took enough notes last night, I think, where I can come up with a >> I always have a comment over there for some reason. >> Oh, absolutely. >> Yeah. So, I will have a comment. >> Nothing less from
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> Um, so yeah, 2.1 and I think there's they're talking about a plan B. They're really not sure >> um what they can or can't do. >> Y >> and um >> Yep. >> Yeah, it's scary. Yeah. Yeah. Did you say 5:30 powder mill 18th
>> 21st here? What order do you want those folks to go in on Saturday? >> The sheets. All right. I'll just >> I'll meet with you tomorrow and we'll come up with >> times. We'll look at last year's to see what time they had. >> SP will be last of course. We know that
because they'll be meeting >> I think one and only because the ones that are level funded in here said you don't really need to have them come in front of you. >> Um and she's right. So >> unless you want to. I'm not I'm not saying no. I'm I'm trying to be
respectful of people's time and energy. And again, you know, if it is level, are there really any questions to be had? If there are, please, you know, let Joe know and let Joe that you want to see them or if you have questions that I could possibly ask since I met with all of them already.
>> Um, I do have some documents that were sent to me over from the business manager over at the school and their increase is 9.26% which is outrageous. Um, and it's certainly not some >> I don't know who else is talking. Should
I um >> let's Who's not muted? >> Okay. Okay. >> Oh, it stopped over. That wasn't a great >> So, it's it's not something that we can absorb. It's just I mean, nothing is going up 9. I mean, maybe some of our health insurance and that's probably where they're coming from, too. But
>> there it is again. But anyways, it's 9.26% 26% and really hope they can go back and and find some more cuts. >> Is that So, was that 2.1 or was I close? >> I didn't look at I didn't do the math. I just looked at the percent, you know, and I'm as I did them the percentages
over the past five years and how they've gone up like 30%. I mean, it's just destroying our budgets. >> It is. It absolutely is. >> Yep. And I don't know where you go with that, Nicole. Do we regionalize again? Awam's building a beautiful school. >> Awam. I mean, regionalization is what
kills us, right? So, if you have your own school district, >> you you tell them with the percentage that they get, just like we tell all the other departments, but with the regional schools, we don't have that ability to just say you're getting 4% and you're going to have to figure that out. They come to us with their assessment and we
pay it >> and that's just how that goes. And with regional schools. So, so it's it's good to have regional schools to share the resources. And then you also are kind of really your hands are tied when it comes to any of the enforcement or any kind of
author authority over them. >> Gotcha. >> Yeah. >> All right. Paul, I have a question for you. I know at the town meeting they voted to authorize them to go up to 70% for the health insurance. Um let's just
say in theory that it did land where they decided to pay 70% of the health insurance. Do you have any idea how much of a dollar increase that will be to the town >> going from? >> Not really right now. I will in the next
couple of weeks because we have secured a a vendor that a broker to help us which we haven't had before and so we don't have to pay the broker. The broker is paid through um you know different aspects of the through the insurance company. But we are looking at all
avenues, all avenues for our health insurance, whether it stays with who where we're at, whether we uh go to a different carrier. So, we are really in the throws of it all right now. Naen and I, we're really digging deep and trying to find
the best value for the town and then also giving, of course, good quality insurance to the employees. So, I don't have a dollar value. Um, I would imagine I if you had to if you just had to say, "Nicole, you don't have tomorrow. Tell
me right now." Um, you know, I don't I don't see 70%. So, uh, it's just not fiscally responsible if we if we're going with the carrier that we have now and the amounts that they go up and how volatile this trust is. So, uh, there's just so many variables. We don't have
the exact figures at the moment. Uh I think we put something preliminary in the budget which I over I over um estimated intentionally to you know to make sure that we have enough but I I'm I know I way overestimated. So, we'll be
able to reduce that. And uh I think I think the option options that we have now are going to be favorable for employees and for the town of Southwick. It as soon as I know I can't shoot from the hip because I somebody would take this number and and take it for you know
gospel and it's not. So when I know I promise I will uh get it to you guys as soon as I as soon as I have better numbers and and you know better options for us to choose from. How will that process work? Not not so much the number. So, like you said,
you'll come up with something to put in there, but it won't be it won't be done with all the the unions and everything. You still have that whole >> Well, so if we change the plan, we have to >> um we have to bargain it. If we keep the
plan and enhance the plan or offer other plans, then it's not necessarily bargaining. It's just an inclusion of new plans and of new of of different carriers. So, >> yep. So, um so it depends, but you know, it's definitely on the table. We're negotiating with um
>> uh three CBAs, three collective bargaining agreements right now that it's due by June 30th. Um so, uh and if we do decide to change the plans, we do have to open them all up. And uh so that's everything's on the table.
Everything is in a time crunch really. We are It's like we have time, but we don't have time. So, we're working every day making this a priority and trying to really make sure that we're just doing the best for the budget for the town of
Southwick and for the employees of Southwick. >> So, by by town meeting, you should have a real close number is what you're thinking. I I hope far before town meeting we bring to the select board for
their approval of um of a either a new or a changed or an an improved or enhanced health insurance plan >> something. >> Yeah. >> Cool. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions?
>> Well, I met with the fire chief the other day. >> Yeah. Um, the renovations are all done upstairs. Come out beautiful. The the new silent alarm systems in. I mean, everything is like state-of-the-art. >> They're done done. >> Yep. It's done done. It's a great deal.
Um, it was expensive, but that's just because the state makes us put everything out to bid and that was that's on them. You know, what was probably 100,000 job cost us 300,000. But okay. >> But they stay within budget. It sounds like >> stay within budget. Everything's good.
>> All we can ask for. >> But he's looking for four more EMT paramedics, which is, you know, you're talking2 $300,000. That's why I was just kind of curious if she knew what at a dollar
figure, right? >> Cuz you know, you start 300,000 here, 300, all of a sudden we keep reaching in the pot and there's nothing left in the pot. Yeah. >> Okay. Y >> and um so but that's that's that's something coming down the line, but that's that's done. Y
>> but they do need new fire truck. That's a million dollars. >> Yep. >> Um you're looking at a 2year could be a three-year delivery time. >> Yep. >> So a million dollar fire truck turns into $1.3 million firet truck because the cost increases. They're going to
pass it along to you. It's going to be in a contract. Y >> and along with everybody else that needs something. So, we're looking at some pretty big budget items coming down the line and um so yeah, >> looks like the fire truck is looking for them next year. >> Yep.
>> You know, just so but it's there. Yeah. >> Yeah. And it goes right back to what the selectman said, like you know, where's the list of right >> one through five years, you know, where's the bigger picture? So, we're looking at some big items and uh and I mean as as much as we basically cut everything to the bone the last four or
five years, which I mean we've really beat everybody up >> and there there's I mean just in my own estimation there is really nothing left to cut. You know, we're we're at that point that like we're going to start going backwards. So, you've either got
to reach a realization. Look, if you want to maintain the lifestyle we've had, you got to cough up the money. So, it is what it is. >> So, I mean, we can sit here and do our due diligence, but uh sometimes doing your due diligence, you fall too far behind and it cost you too much to get
back to where you were. So, um just my own thought, but that's what's that's what's coming down the pipe and it is what it is. So, I mean, if you don't want to give it to the town, then live with the consequences. Very simple. >> Yeah. Ain't hard. >> Thank you, sir. >> Sure.
>> All right. So, that's our talk about the budget. Um, new business. Anything? Um, nope. I ain't got nothing >> online. Anything for new business? Just holler? >> Nope. Okay.
>> No. >> Thank you. Old business? Well, good. >> Last meeting was >> Joe. Can I I'm sorry. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Can I I don't know if it's old business or new. It's just tonight's library electricity
>> that I wasn't necessarily aware of. Um, you know, I know that everybody's having trouble with their electricity and the library especially was um Laura, they they're the NG customer, right? >> Yes, I believe so.
>> Yeah, they are. So, um, with our electricity, we have third-party suppliers, and if you don't pay close attention, and it happens at home, too, and now we have the municipal aggregation, so we're good there with First Southwick. But if you have these third party suppliers and you don't know
when that term ends, they're going to jump those rates like crazy. And that's what happened at the library. And so, I have terminated the third party, NG, right? That's the third party company that that is used at the library. and
talking to direct energy who is another third party uh contractor that we use that is actually less than our municipal aggregation. So tomorrow I'm going to talk to them and if they can't go lower than MUNAG then library is going to go on to MUNAG. So 13 cents instead of like
I don't even know 42 cents or something a kilowatt. So it it can it really makes a difference. When she says her electric bill is 2,000 it could be 1,200 if you're not using the right supplier, right? or if you're using a better supplier. So, um the costs are fixed and
the costs are what they are, but those little details are very important to always be looking at to make sure that we're always staying with those third party suppliers that are giving us the best deals. So, >> yeah. Yeah. >> So, how do you how many uh different
contracts do we have with third parties? >> We have two. We have Direct Energy and we have NG. So, NG is done. that contract was actually up in like 2024, but whatever the case may be, we're canceling it now. So, um it was up then,
so that's how we've been we've been paying the extra for all this time. And it's not a bad idea to get into these contra, you know, these third party suppliers because you get a better rate for the kilowatts, not the delivery, remember that. Um but for the for the actual supply and and they were I don't
even know like 9 cents. If we can't get there, then we'll use the Munag, which is 13 cents. So, you know, those little things we can do. I mean, overall, we we're all using too much electricity. Town halls way over. Um, I think at home is the same, right? Mine's almost
tripled here at home. So, uh, you know, those those types of of, um, of fixed costs can't really change, um, unless we start really looking at, you know, the building use, you know, that kind of
thing. So, that's in the future. But I just wanted to kind of say, you know, there's a little control and and and I don't honestly the library doesn't even know. They don't even know the contracts. They don't know the third party suppliers. They don't know. They're just paying their bills. So,
it's really us. We have to look at it closer and and so we're doing that right now and going they will get a better rate um in the next couple months now that we're not using that NG supplier anymore. >> Dumpsters are the same way, right? You turn around and the dumpster fees are
all over the place and they're another one you get, you know, you have a contract and you don't think anything of it, but next thing you know it's been out for a year and your prices just tweak up. So, >> Nicole, while while we're talking about stuff, >> you mentioned at the select board's meeting,
>> uh, reserve fund transfers. >> So, they county has them. >> They usually come to us first. Is that what you want or do you want us to >> I just want to be able to have a conversation because I think that you know for somebody to come to for a
reserve fund transfer $600, you know, we could probably find that where this reserve fund I think is really there for a an outstanding, you know, transfer that you need to really, you know, have a lot of thought into to be able to to
give that money out. you put that money in there and I and I and I the 12,000 is significant, but like somebody that just wants 300 bucks or 600 bucks, I mean, I think that that's a little bit I don't know, a waste of time. I you know, I just I'd like to have a look or I'd like
to just see what the what the request is. I know it goes to you and then it comes to the select board and um you know it's not that it would be denied but I think like if I talked to Dick I might have been able to just go oh you know I think I can pay for that out of here or something like that instead of you know there might be we might have to
come to you guys and ask you for $75,000 for electricity or something you know so to take a little 600 here or 300 here when we I have you know I have money in accounts and um you know and that's what I've done always too. I have I have an
an account in the select board account that's hired service, right? And it's not just for me, but if somebody needs something, I I got the treasur collector somebody when they needed to hire somebody for some forms. I was able to give the accounting uh some, you know, a hired
service when they needed to um you know, do some work that that they didn't have the capabilities to. So, you know, I have we have I have some I think a little bit of flexibility to be able to find those things for the departments. And that was that's all that's all I'm saying is like I I look and I'm like,
"Wow, somebody just wants to $600 like it it seems it seemed a little bit out of character, you know, that we that to come to you for such a small amount." Um, but I just I just would like to have a look at it. It's not that I would say
no or yes, but really I probably could have found that and then given this to you know that the electricity for for him and and again maybe me and Laura or you know the select board and and the town hall or the maintenance are going to have to come to you for a significant
amount and that is I think really what the um purpose right is for for these for these this reserve fund is for something that we is extraordinary and that we can't really find in the budget and that you know we need some extra extra outside help with. Do you agree
with that or do you guys uh think that you think they should just come to you no matter what? >> Oh, I I don't have a problem emailing you every time one comes in. Absolutely. Because you should be aware of it. >> Um I guess it depends on how you look at how financing works, right? I mean, it's great that you can find 600 bucks and
pay a bill, but if it's a oneand done, it's a oneand done. But I think if everyone's aware of it, like you said, you know, his 600 for power is a 600 for power. um the 1250 for the knock boxes. I don't know, you know.
>> Yeah, the knock boxes. He had actually talked to me about Nox boxes and I said, "Go to Amazon and get something for $40." >> Did you hear me trying to I was trying to convince that, but >> Oh, I didn't because I I I when I as soon as I got home, I got on because I was driving and I was too nervous
because it's I see out to get on on my phone when I was driving. So, I didn't see any of that. But I had talked to Dick before because he asked if I could buy him some >> and I said, you know, that I think that we should just buy some Amazon boxes. And um the fire chief was really the one
that thought, you know, that they should be uniform and if they're going to have them, then they should be the same for all of the um for all of the boxes that they have. So that's where I said, "Well, those I can't buy for you or I won't buy for you. So go ahead and
>> finance." But uh so he did come to me about that. But I just um I I don't know. I just I just want to be aware. >> Yeah. So there he wanted three of them for 2,000. Um it's it sucks sometime when you know too much. And I I was right along your
lines. Amazon are 39 bucks. Um and you put the code in, you you call fire, they put it in your system and the computer, everyone's aware. Um, and I unfortunately was at the police department yesterday and I brought that up and come to find out blue is for police, red is for fire. They don't
co-mingle. Fire police department cannot get a fire department key. What a mess. What a mess. And if you look at our school systems, they have red and blue. Um, so we did negotiate down to two knock boxes instead of three because you don't need one on the shed and the building right next to it.
>> What color do you really want to know? >> Is it red or blue? It's bronze. Don't I just then I just figured out I was going to lose this battle, so I shut up. Um >> Yeah. Well, I think boxes are so
important to have for and every building is important, but you know, for absolute um >> emergencies, you know, and I I think a shed >> um could have used a $39 buck. So, that was the conversation that I had with him. And when I when he said, "No, I want the actual Knox boxes," I did say,
"Then you can go and ask finance because um I don't I don't support that purchase." So, >> yeah. And just to be fair and clear as we were going through these budgets and I was meeting with all the department heads >> um I did tell them all um you know my
recommendations and and this year with the insurance and with the unknowns and with the energy and with how these the state is not giving us our local aid like they used to and we're falling down so you know that the percentages that they're giving us are dropping so much that I was absolutely going to recommend
to the finance committee and to the select board that we for level services to the most extent possible with no new hires this year. So that that was all along what I've been telling all of the departments and rightfully they are putting them in their budgets to ask you
guys and to ask the select board um because I'm not the one to make that decision. I am one to just make recommendations once we've been able to balance the budget and that it doesn't matter how balanced we get. It's it'll still be my recommendation for a in such an unpredictable year.
We've we've done some great hiring over the last few years and sometimes you got to just take a breath and slow down. You know, I know fire's looking for four and I'm sure we could use them, but the dollars that come with that and like you said, you're trying to balance first and and you know, if we get the grant
someday, we get that grant, right? But >> yeah, and then and that's, you know, that's temporary, too, because then eventually you you you have to fund them, which is also fine. And I think it's important to think about uh revenue capturing that we're not doing and and
whether that is through local taxes or other way other methods. I don't know. I you know I don't want to be hung out on the town common and thrown rocks at you know but I don't know if meals tax is something if uh you know excise boat excise is something I I mean I can get
figures and see I know you know we don't want to I know the thought is always not overt taxing but honestly and truly if you think about the people that are coming over to eat aren't always you know they're the ones coming boating for the day and then going to the restaurant as well and um you know it's something
that I've broached with the select check board that is not that well recepted and understandably I I I can sympathize with that too. Um but as we are going along and we can't balance our budget because because we're simply not collecting
enough. We have to start exploring those possibilities. >> Well, we're a pretty conservative town as you know and I I you probably would have the same feelings on the finance committee um more or less. But uh you are right. It's just a matter of when. Cuz >> so I had said my scenario was somebody
is at Roma and they're eating and they're spending a hundred bucks and I walk up to them and say, "Would you guys mind giving me 75 cents for the town of Southwick included in that $100 because that's the percent that we would get cuz the state still collects their 6.25. We
don't get away from that. That I don't think that that would be, you know, too too much to ask. When when I asked the state and they had uh between $140 and $165,000 that we are not capturing in the meals tax by that small that just that 75
cents that somebody would give and I can't Fancy Bagels was charging it for the longest time because they didn't even know until somebody brought it to my attention and I went down there and told them. So people have been buying it. I don't even know where that tax money is going. State's probably going to keep it. So that was all along, you
know, for months or years, however long that's been open, they were they were charging that local tax. >> Well, you know, if we could just get what's owed to us out of the state, >> we would have to have this conversation. >> I am fighting and fighting for that. I'm on stam the small town administers in
Massachusetts. I'm on the fiscal committee for the Mass Mutual Association. And um did I say Mass Mutual? Mass Municipal Association. And that's all I'm doing. Going to Boston on Monday. And you know, all I'm doing is constantly trying to fight, especially
for us rural western mass towns that they forget exist all the time. >> Yes, they do. All right. Thank you for your time. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> What you got? You sure? >> I got nothing.
>> Really? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> What time is it? Let it be noted. 6:38. He has nothing. Okay. >> All right. So, no new business, no old business. It looks like our free cash number is still
4,527,287. And our stabilization account is 3.09 million. Uh reserve fund transfer account other than today's projects that was at 130 13481. >> Joe, can I ask a question real quick?
>> Yeah. at the special. Did we Did we reduce that free cash amount, Laura? Because we took money out on the special for the tower. >> Has that been reduced from the free cash amount? >> I don't think so.
>> I don't think so either. I mean, I think that was the number that we got before we went to the special. >> So, that'll be actually reduced by 220,000. >> And and just to make a note, it does say physical year 2026. So it doesn't it's not showing a up to date
>> next to it. That's all. So yeah, it probably hasn't been taken up. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah, we haven't used it yet. So >> we haven't used it but >> Yeah. >> Oh, true. Right. You haven't even Right. >> We haven't used it, but it has been allocated. Just Sorry. >> Pull it out. Yeah. Understood. >> Okay.
>> So, we've gone through this. You guys have talked about our packets. Uh any Zoom has been awful quiet. Do you ladies have anything you'd like to say? >> Oh, good. the >> you're aware of the 18th for the school. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> 21st we talked about. You guys are good
on that. >> We'll have time shortly. I'll deal with that tomorrow with Elizabeth. We'll come up with some times if anyone else moderator is on. Celeste, do you have any questions? She doesn't. She's probably taping it for later.
>> Okay. >> No, I I have no questions. I just have trouble unmuting. >> Understood. >> I appreciate but I appreciate all of you. You're doing a great job. >> I got to tell you, they all try. You know, it's a great group that you put together. That's for sure. We're all a
little different, but at the end of the day, we all understand numbers and um I think it's worked out extremely. >> Don't have any changes. Let's keep everybody right where they are. Okay. >> Oh, don't worry. They're trying. Don't you worry about that. >> Thank you. I do appreciate all your work.
Hey, see is the online version. Was that PDF or is that an Excel? >> PDF. >> Can we get an Excel or is that like not advised? >> Not advantage. >> No. >> Okay. >> And I do visit I wanted to add I do visit the library.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I've actually been there in the last do something here. >> All right. I guess we'll entertain a meeting to No, >> please do the minutes. >> Oh my god. >> Thank you. I'm so sorry. I threw those
away first. All right. Has everyone had a chance to look at the minutes? Take a few minutes because they came in late today, right? >> Does it talk about me fishing? No. Okay. Second. >> All right. I need a motion for the minutes.
>> So moved. >> Second. Okay. All those in favor? Joe D. I >> David Mati >> Paul Iron May I >> Sher Nolson I >> Okay folks >> I just have one question.
>> Um are we going to be meeting with the town club? >> Would you like me to add her to the list? We >> honestly as as I >> Oh, did you see all that? As I was going through the book, I noticed that we've got there's $365,000
in back taxes owed to the town of Southwick, >> right? >> And some of them go back to 1997. So they're 29 years old. So the odds of them people paying their taxes are slim to none >> if they're alive. Okay? If they're alive. But the point being is that we
have some that are $75,000. >> I saw that. And I would just like to know how that is going to be addressed because if you're looking at funding for people for the fire department, >> y
>> there's your money. So you can't let I understand people get into circumstances the whole nine yards. But out of the 4,500 tax bills approximately that are sent out in the town of South 4,475
people pay their taxes 25. >> Okay. Chunk. So I would bring her in on a night >> but I would suggest um if you'd like we would I would try to make an appointment and me you can meet with her. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. You know I just I I just >> because I don't need names out there. I mean, they're public if you want to dig,
>> but um I don't want to. >> But that's that's a lot of money sitting there. It is can fund some stuff. >> Yeah. I have notes on it in here. >> If somebody's like a year behind on their taxes, I can But when you're 20 20 something years behind on your taxes, you haven't paid them. >> Yeah.
>> Let's let's address it. >> And they've been great. A couple years ago, we I had a few folks that approached me because who I am, I guess, Joe. Yep. >> The average guy. And uh I was able to go in and help them make that payment plan. >> Oh yeah. No, you know, so >> no, happy to work with them. But
>> sometimes you just need that person to say, "Hey buddy, how you doing? We got to talk." >> Yep. You know, it's I mean, if it was only a $10,000 thing, it' be one thing, but >> Yeah. No, there's there's some dollars there. >> $365,000. Do we foreclose? >> Well, what they
>> in the past there's been a process. We have the options to do all that, >> right? We have and in the past we have done that on I think parcels. They usually give two or three years. >> Yeah. >> And but the big thing is like come into the town and explain your situation >> and life we understand life
circumstances. It can happen to any of them. >> We'll gladly work with you >> and you either get into a payment plan or >> but you can't go there's one here from 1997. Yeah. That's 29 years. >> What do you think? I mean, it's $78,000
that they owe, >> which is interesting because I thought that, you know, when you owe like that, you lose a lot of your privileges. I don't know what registering your car, but there's certain things that >> for motor vehicles, but for real estate, >> Yeah. I don't know. >> Don't you automatically lean? I'm from
Connecticut. >> Oh, yeah. Well, well, you but but the point being is is that yeah, you can you can throw leans on anything, but you're not going to get the lean unless they try and sell it. >> 30 years, they're going to be selling or dying pretty quick. >> Well, I know, but I mean, how
>> what a do 40 years? No. And I mean, we've got one here from 2018 and they owe actually they owe uh 80 $88,000. It's incredible. And so >> they paid not a penny every year
>> and they I mean it would be one thing if they were on payment plan and they were paying it but obviously not paying it. So >> is that with the new valuation too? >> Huh? >> Is that with the new valuation? Yeah. So, but the point being is in the meantime you're sitting here. If somebody comes before our board looking
for a $5,000 budget >> and you're sitting on >> and you're sitting here and going, "We could easily afford that if >> I mean, you hate to foreclose and somebody loses their property, but we're
look it, we're all in the village. We all pay our part, right? >> It is what it is." Sad to say. So, but anyway, so no, I would just like we can meet with I'll reach out tomorrow. >> Sit with Christie and say, "Hey, you know, what are we gonna do with this?" >> It's Jess. >> It's Jessen's own for that.
>> Oh, Jess. Okay. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Wrong person. Okay. We'll go to the other side. >> Yeah. >> Remember this. >> Okay. I have to go to the right. >> It's hard to remember when you come in with bills now. It's like >> it is. I get all confused. >> See, the money always goes to the right from what I've noticed.
>> It's muscle memory, you know. >> Is it? Yes, >> I think we should put a little carousel when you walk in the door, you know. >> Yeah, >> but I you know that that just that just kind of struck me and I looked at that I went >> on the other page too, right? There's page. >> Yeah, I did. So, yeah. And that that was
why I I raised the question and >> what we got to do. >> Will we have a meeting between now and the 18th? >> Um, let's look. um
>> March 21st, right? And today it No, >> no, there will be no meeting. I don't think so because we don't have much, you know, we're going to peruse, >> right? >> On that meeting on Saturday, we will stay 20 minutes after the meeting after we're done with everyone. Um and we that
may go quick. There's only four, right? So, and we will discuss the book and where we're sitting with the other ones. How's that? >> Good. >> Yeah. >> Good. Glass because I'm not a Yeah. Okay. >> Is that the next meeting? 21st. >> Next one. 21st Saturday. It'll be um
>> 8 a.m. Right. Is when we always start at 8. >> Yeah. 8:00 right in this room. >> You going to bring fudgeicals. >> I can bring fudgeles. Okay. Long as that we don't go over the limit for dollars not being >> Oh, you'd be surprised. You're >> so fudgy.
>> They are. You know, it doesn't help when you're right next to me in that other building. It doesn't help. You know, you're you're you're you're behaving for what we're supposed to be doing this time of year and 10 o'clock at night. He just calls you over.
>> It's usually 10 o'clock at night. >> Is it? Yeah. Okay. Can I get a a motion to >> I'd be happy to make that motion to >> second. >> All right. All those in favor? Jody I >> David I. >> Ar. Conley. I >> Karen Deo I.
>> Sherry Nolen I. >> Alita G Maria I. Thanks for putting up with us, guys. We appreciate it. Have a good night.