Hey folks, how you doing tonight? This is the uh finance committee and today is November 18th, 2025. That's a little after 5:30. Sorry about that. We got to send a quick email out to get somebody to somebody. And um up
first will be public comment. So anyone Oh, I'm sorry. Let's introduce ourselves. Joe DV, chair, >> David Mey, >> Karen Deo, Sher Nolton, >> Paul Connley, Robert Roch. >> Great. Thank you guys. So, up first we're going to have is public comment. Uh, anyone have anything they'd like to
say? Please state their name and address for the record. There's no one in the room here. Anybody online? Okay, quiet. Okay, Cliff is quiet. Good. I don't see um >> Cliff is recording. >> Yeah, that's fine. Wonderful.
>> That's fine. It's all good. All right. All right. She's a beautiful. Okay. So, public comment, we have none. Uh, up first, we're going to approve the minutes for 10212025. >> We don't have time to look at them. >> Yes. >> All right. I need a motion.
>> Motion. >> Was there a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. Did you get that? >> We made the motion. I'm sorry. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. All those in favor? Joe B. I >> David. Karen to sharing alternate
>> I have to abstain. >> Okay. Robert Ro. Thank you. All right. Up next will be the um framework for the 2027 budget. I asked Nicole Fer to come to this. She's online. Hi Nicole. >> Hi.
>> I think we just emailed I don't know if you can get that um if you look at your emails. And what it is is a copy of the lake management just for the look of it. Um, you should see it in your emails.
>> I'm in my email. I've been at a meeting since 4. I'm just stepped away from it. So, >> um, okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Got it. Okay. So, first page basically the minus five is there. The level funded is there. And then today the the
folks upstairs added department request on the end. >> You see anything else that you might want us to take a look at? No, I think it's perfect. I think it's lovely. It looks really nice. >> Okay, so you're comfortable with all this. Are they just going to put a
number in? Sorry. >> Go ahead. >> into the uh >> department request. >> What do you mean? >> Well, what what is the department request? I'm going to say >> department request. >> In other words, if they want $30,000, >> put a number there.
>> Yeah. So, it's not necessarily a 5% increase across the board. It's like if it's a specific line item you want to increase, that's the request. All right. >> Or decrease >> or decrease or or whatever, right? It gives them a place to vent, right? Okay. >> Honestly, >> and maybe they have something that came up that they know something's going to
die and that why and they want to be able to have it stand out and it's valid, you know, >> and it will there, right? Versus buried amongst the three or four pages, >> right? We want it to show up so we can ask questions, >> right? And they may go into detail in the back of course, but >> you'll know to look there because you
see it there. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Excellent. >> The dates, anything been back about the dates yet? >> No, I haven't brought it to the board. >> Okay. Just one more note about that. When they see that, will they know to
put, you know, will they put the total amount that they want or just the increased amount that they want? Maybe we need to clarify that so there's no confusion. and we can as we go forward. This was this was more to get Nicole on >> okay >> before we send something out and have
her go uh Yep. No, you know, that was and I think it's I think it's important to to go through that once again and exercise just to see if a department head says, you know, look, historically, um, look at this line item. It's gone down to zero and I can't buy the, you
know, I couldn't I wasn't able to do this and I I think that we should increase this line or something just to give them that opportunity to um to, you know, go up. I mean, we we're not certainly not I want the world, but just an opportunity to um have a request, not
that it will be approved or whatever, but can still be discussed and >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> It's part of the process. >> Great. >> Okay. >> All right. So, that's really the only thing we had about the the budget
entails, what the details of this. The only other questions we did have for you tonight was the 20% difference on the insurance. I know we covered the 18 because that was all in our budget. In years past, we would freeze purchase orders to kind of hold on to that monies
that were maybe needed at the end. Where are we at with that 20%. Have you found it anywhere? Um, let me >> look at the numbers again because it was
>> it was 20% but it was 10% for us, 10% for >> for them >> them. So it was, you know, we it still might be in there as we do, you know, put extra in there and we always use the top tier insurance and because people that might buy it, you know, might take
it will possibly take the top. So, it might I'm I think if it's covered, but I think I should go back with Laura and look again before I give you the exact answer whether or not it's I think that 10% is still in there though in the line in the but in the insurance line item.
>> You think there's enough in there? >> Yeah. >> Okay, understood. And if not, we can always, like we talked about, purchase orders or just accumulating some money somewhere and not, you know, hold off on that go towards the end of the year and then if we need it, we need it, we don't, we don't.
>> Um, and we'll wait and see. >> I just wanted to >> and I can get you that answer. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, no issues. Is there going to be the special town meeting? >> There is going to be a special town meeting. Yes, there is. There definitely
is. Um we have to bring this insurance question to the to the town's people. Um and we are looking at mid January. We had to coordinate with the U moderator and make sure that she was available and then make sure that the school is
available. So, um, somewhere in mid we have, you know, the board has to formally make that decision and we have to shore up that Celeste is available and that there's no like basketball games or something happening at the school to make sure that we can do it. We're getting kind of close to crunch
time with the holidays and stuff, so we're just thinking right afterwards. >> Okay, that's that's a same theory. I'm just wondering it's getting rather close. So >> yeah, >> at that special all you're really doing is getting approved to then move forward to look at numbers and different
>> thoughts. Correct. >> The only thing that the town meeting question can do is approve or deny paying more than 50% of health insurance. So whether the board goes back and negotiates 51% or 60% or
whatever the case may be um that they that has to be bargained. But I do have the numbers on the impact of the tax rate and of you know how much it will cost per percent. So people will at least know what it's going to cost h you
know however many percents we go up. >> I don't have it in front of me. I'm sorry. I am in a school meeting right now but >> um that's fine. >> I I can I can I have it. So, I have that. I, you know, I have a small PowerPoint presentation um just, you
know, for graphics and and and for visuals. I don't it's I don't even know. I haven't brought it to my board, so I don't even know if that's what they're going to want to do. Uh so, it's certainly not finalized, but we do know that we have to go have a special town meeting. >> Understood. Thank you.
>> Now, question about our insurance. Yeah. Is our town in with other towns? It's like a consortium to try to negotiate our insurance. >> Yeah, we're in the Hampshire County Trust which has 73 units. So whether they're fire districts, towns, schools,
um we're in with a bunch of other towns, >> right? >> And our school department is not they're in a separate. >> Yeah, the schools are are with Maya and and we are exploring that too. We have them for property casualty insurance,
but we don't have them for health. Um, oh, sorry, my car just made a funny noise, so scared me. I thought somebody came up to my car. Um, okay. So, um, so we don't have that, but we're exploring all the options because it needs to be, >> you know, we need to we need to be
fiscally responsible for the town and we need to also, you know, have insurance for our employees. So um absolutely exploring all the options for and and for the town's people to make their informed decision >> and after that meeting do you know what the process is moving forward is an uh
do we have to go to an election to to finalize all that or is it just the board of selection? As far as I'm as far as I know and see from Mass General Law and from our council, it has to go to a town meeting and then it gets approved and then the percentage gets negotiated
by the unions. >> Oh, >> but also the town has obviously an advantage because you can say, you know, we're not going to go crazy. I we we certainly have to be responsible about it. So, um, you know, we're we are at 50
and I I don't see us getting much, you know, too much higher, um, to impact the budget immediately. Uh, we have to figure out where the funding will come from, right? There's there's so much so many variables there. Um, but, you know, it's very important obviously to take
care of our our employees. So hopefully after the town meeting then that's more or less it other than union negotiations. It doesn't sound like we have to go back to another town meeting for it or anything like that. >> No. The council and mass general law says you know that this this vote from a
town meeting allows the town to negotiate a higher percentage than 50%. 50% is mandatory and then if you want to go more than that it has to be has to go through town meeting. >> Perfect. Thank you. I appreciate that.
>> Thank you. >> Um that's all I had. You have anything for us? >> Uh not at this time. It's a little early, but um you know, I'm really working with Laura to try to get revenues and expenses together for you guys. So you can you know so we know
what we have you know so when when um the the time comes we we we'll know the ex the revenues as well as the expenses because like last year we didn't know the expense the revenues for quite a quite a while. So we're going to try to get those together earlier this year.
>> Gotcha. All right. Well, thank you for your time. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Bye everyone. >> Bye. >> Great. Okay. So, our forms are decent. She's she's happy. We're good with that. And yeah, we'll work on this. This was
more just to what happens is she probably looks at it. I probably look at it, but we don't talk. >> You know what I mean? So, I wanted her on just to say, are we all on the same level playing field so these can get sent out here shortly? Y >> and that's what that was really all about. And yeah, we so department request I you know, you got your minus
five, you got your level. >> I I don't see what do we know, right? We just been doing this for a few few too many years. Um I just don't know what they're going to put there. >> Yeah. Know, >> which is okay though. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? Because it's that's part of that Saturday afternoon.
Yes. >> Right. That's all that's what that's really for. >> Yeah. >> Um I I I think we weren't going to put plus five because that's kind of how we had it rolled. I it personally the minus five we we did a heck of a job last year. So I don't know where there's
trimming of the fat as we want to call it. I don't know if there's any of that left and there may be, don't get me wrong, but so that leaves your level funded, you know. >> Yeah. I wonder if we could have a text column, too, so they could explain or put a footnote as to what they're why
they're asking for that. >> Well, we can put a we can put something go they can add pages in the bath of what they're looking for. Yeah, because that was the whole theory of of getting rid of a few things was to make this bigger, more legible for all of us. Some of us are aging, you know, and and me
right here. I can't see nothing, man. >> Yeah, I will speak. >> No, you can speak for me, too. >> No, no, it's all good. Um, but that's kind of why we cleaned this up and we made it go this way. Remember a year or two ago? >> Oh, yeah, >> David. That's So, so we're getting there. >> Yep. >> Okay, >> so that's all set. We got some questions
answered so we know where we stand. So, I'm assuming folks sometime in January there's going to be a special town meeting. Um, there's dollars involved, but there isn't dollars involved that night. It's more about can we open up the box and and reook inside >> the authorization. >> Yeah, the authorization. So, I don't
know if there's a pro or con to that. And I don't know >> where we're going to be at with that. And I guess as we get closer, we will know. >> I can tell you though in January I will not be here. >> Okay. Thanks for the warning. >> Yeah, appreciate that. Just look on the side of the road for me. I should be
there. >> Okay. So, >> okay. >> I can only wish certain days I can only wish. But, uh, that's that. All right. So, that's done. We did our minutes. Well, there is no reserve fund transfer.
We have to talk to Nicole. Got all that out of the way. Reconstitute the finance committee. So, anybody want to be chairman? >> I nominate Joe Daily to be chairman of finance. >> Second. Second. favor. >> Are you sure? >> Yes. >> You know, David, I think
>> positive. Follow the vote. >> You call the vote. >> Why you want me to be chairman? >> Sounds great. >> I think some people would like that. >> You think so? What you got to do? >> I'm good. >> Who isn't the last while I can last? >> That's good. >> Um, and I do appreciate it. I I enjoy
it. I really do. Which is weird in its own right. >> All right. So, I need a motion. >> I did. >> Is there a second? >> There was second. All right, Joe Diddy will abstain. >> David Mephy I >> Sheridan >> Paul Connley I Robert Roch.
>> Wow. >> Good. I'd like to nominate Robert Roch to be the vice chairman of the finest commission. >> I'll second it. >> Oh wow. >> Motion made second. All those in favor Joe EDI. David Matthew Sharon to my wife
Sharon >> Alton Paul. Yeah, you get the big bucks. >> Sure. Cool. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Make sure they have all your addresses and stuff or the check so don't forget the posit.
>> Thanks, Robert. Yeah. Appreciate that. >> We do appreciate it. Thank you. >> Was that a surprise or >> uh Alita had reached out um >> not not a total surprise. Yeah. I've only asked him for two years or three years like, "Hey, you got to start >> learning learning the ropes."
>> I'm like, "Do you know your father?" >> Yeah. >> Your dad was a heck of a guy. >> Yeah. And honestly, he would be right. >> You know, he was very >> I don't want to say judgmental because he wasn't judgmental, but he was very strong in his beliefs, >> right? >> For sure. Yeah.
>> Tell me about it. And we would like I would argue with him. I can't And I'm not his son, so I can't even imagine what you went through. >> It's true. >> Yeah. I know what my son goes through with me. So little kid. Yeah. So >> but well thank you. We do appreciate that. >> Sure. I'll give it a go. >> Yeah.
>> All right. So that is done. Vote to authorize the committee vice chair, please. All right. So next up, we have to vote to authorize the finance committee chair and vice chair to approve reserve fund transfer request. >> Make the motion. >> Second.
>> Motion second. Do you have that? >> Yes, I do. Thank you. >> On top of that. All those in favor? Joe DD I >> David I >> may I Sharon Alton I >> Robert. Okay. >> Do we know what the limit is for the re
reserve fund request? I know >> we said it. >> Am I thinking the right way? I know in the past we had a number >> that we could No, that was something different, right? We could authorize a dollar value without having a meeting and then reaffirm it at the next
meeting. >> Meeting and $20,000 20,000 >> in the past as well. >> That was like we all comfortable with the 20,000. Absolutely. >> Okay. So, just make a note of that so we know it's on paper that it was 20,000
>> and it continues to be 20,000. >> Okay. Vote to assign finance committee chair and vice chair access to all documentation relating to financial matters of the town of Southwork. >> Make the motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Joe
>> DD I Sher. >> All kind. >> Robert Ro. Um any new business? Nothing. Any old business remov? >> Nope. >> Nothing. Okay. So, I want to talk about
the health insurance only just to get everything out there. >> Sure. >> I've been approached a million times already. We, you know, I've been told in the past if the finance committee approves something and the select board approves something, it passes. So, that's why I had asked, are we even going to have a say in this or not? Because I don't, the dollars are there
eventually, but that town meeting will be to open up >> negotiations of some sort. I'm surprised it's just the unions, but it is what it is, you know. Um, and we'll get and I'm sure she'll give us all clarification on everything when she >> employees that aren't union.
>> Yep. >> Yep. I mean, the union is probably the bigger piece of the pie, right? Because you have so many members on each fire, police, DPW, >> clerical. >> So, you know what? There's probably very few that aren't in the union, but there are department heads aren't
>> right. They're separate. >> Yeah. Okay. So what I've told people, and this is just Joe's opinion, is as much as whatever that number may come out to be, if it does change at all, you have to remember what our investment was from day one.
Listen, healthc care as a whole right now, >> the way this country is, is all over the place. I cringe >> to see where my numbers are going to be. Um, I'm a family of two, >> you know, thank god the kids aren't on it. Um, but we're still a family. number two. So, it's going to be interesting.
Um, and I can tell you there was probably 15 years I didn't have healthcare. Yeah. But I was a rock star. I didn't need it then. Now own an old bag. Now I need But it's okay. That's that's that's what uh that's where we're headed, right? That's the journey. Um, so I just tell
people that as as much as you you freak out over a dollar or a percentage, you've already invested in these and I'm going to call them kids, okay? because they are I mean we look at these young men and women that work for this town they're kids you know and some of them are still under parents insurance but they're going to time out as you all
know um so as much as that insurance is there there is the investment of the person whether it's a police academy we've paid for whether it's a fire academy whether it's lure for those DPW trucks over time so we're we're already invested and we've lost some really
great people in this town and I hate to say it over this healthcare right 10 years ago, healthcare didn't matter. It was 50/50. >> We didn't have these huge 18% jump last year and a 20 sitting in front of us now. We didn't have that. >> And it does add up. >> Um, and I'm not saying it's right or
wrong. I'm just saying as you guys get talked to on the streets, >> you have to look at the whole package. And it's tough sometimes. But, you know, we've had some we have some we've invested a lot of money over the years and it's been good investment on our return. I just hate seeing people leave
this town. Usually you have a retirement party. You don't have, hey, he left. >> What do you mean he left? What do you mean he's leaving? He's not 60 yet, 65, 70. No, no, no, no, no. He's 48 and >> he can't afford to stay in South. >> I think that the thing that this the
citizens will have a problem with is you're it's a wild card. You know, once you say yes, what is the union going to negotiate? What are you opening yourself up to? >> Yeah. But also the selectment, too. It's it it's not just the you know what I mean the unions have to negotiate with somebody
>> who they who with who the select >> it would be the select there was in the past for me >> and you and you would hope that reasonable you know heads would prevail and hope so >> I I mean I totally agree with I think your sentiment is that uh 50% is is
tough for anybody to manage and you know I'm fortunate I work for a good company and it's >> it's you know they're paying much more than 50% and I would usually It's an 820 split unless it's chang. Yeah, >> that's what I was just going to bring that up. You know, our employers, what
do our employers cover versus what the town is covering because I had a conversation with one young person about a week or so ago and when they told me how much their insurance bill was going to go up. >> Yeah. >> And they are getting married. So putting
their spouse on the insurance to this person had a part-time job and now increased the hours that this person is almost working two fulltime jobs so that they can go on the other company's
insurance and like that is ridiculous ridiculous. So >> yeah, it's an interesting road and and it's going to be it's going to be >> I'm sure they'll have um you know information about what other what's what's the and that's where that's
running. What did we say with the other >> all the towns around us are either >> they do more right >> 8020 7525 7030 including the state the states is rather up there too I think I want to say 8020 but it probably isn't it's probably 7525 >> so when we lose people we're not losing
them because they're getting more money we're losing them because the health care >> dollar value is better >> right so therefore they're getting more money >> they're getting more at least more money >> but it's based on the insurance costs exactly it doesn't matter if it's pre-tax or they can actually take a bit. It's not a little bit anymore. It's a
lot of bit better. And not every one of them, >> don't get me wrong. But >> so years ago, it didn't matter, right? We we you know, you guys, you know, we took care of our town employees, right? And the insurance was always there. It wasn't as I don't think it mattered as much. But now that things have gotten so
tight everywhere, now it's a bargaining chip. >> Well, now you have to have your deductible up front and you got to save that money, so you're paying all that. It's not like you could walk in the doctor's office and give your $10 copay, >> right? That's non-existent. It's got to be. >> Yeah, I understand. >> You know,
>> right? So, that's all I got. Um, sorry to vent, but I just thought we should get it out there because if we don't have another meeting before the special, >> they don't know their date yet. So, I can't sit here and say we're having another meeting. >> And do we need to if we don't if we have no say in it, which is fine. Then we
don't need to have another meeting. I just tell you to guys, you should probably show up on that date for that meeting. >> Yeah, it's a big deal. Yeah, I'd say could zoom in, but we're not we're not live on those meetings anyways. It's recorded. So, um, >> anything else tonight? >> I don't think so. >> We're okay.
>> I'll take a motion to return. Make the motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Joe D. I >> me I >> Sharon >> Paul Connley Robert. >> Cool. All right, guys. Thank you for your time. And