Minutes
Present: Ketcham, Pemberton, Takacs
Also present: S. Gniadek, Finance Director; C. Hocker, Region 9, and a representative of the Redding Pilot.
First Selectman Ketcham called the February 25, 2013 meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
APPROVAL OF BUDGET
Mrs. Ketcham noted that this special meeting was called to review the changes to the budget since the last meeting as the legal notice for the March 7th Public Hearing must be placed tomorrow, February 26th.
Mrs. Ketcham indicated that based on a discussion between Mr. Gniadek and the auditors the proper way to account for the additions in personnel approved at the Town Meeting is to add the expense to the current year’s budget, which revises the town budget to $13,385,883.
Medical insurance for FY 2013-14 is out to bid, and options include the opportunity to be self-insured. The budget originally allowed for a 7% increase but has now been increased to 25% based on the actual figure provided by Anthem, thereby increasing the budget $200,000.
Actuals for Unemployment Compensation calculated by Mr. Gniadek, specifically by former employees, showed it to be under budget for the new fiscal year requiring an additional $16,000 to compensate.
Police Department adjustments allow for step increases for personnel. Mrs. Ketcham indicated that from meeting with Chief Fuchs and discussing the impact of the additional personnel approved at the Town Meeting a $20,000 decrease in police overtime is expected. These allowances, along with a contractual increase of $2,000 clothing allowance, nets out to a revised Town Budget for this year at $13,507,790, an increase of 0.91%.
Region 9 budget is anticipated. Mrs. Pemberton indicated that budgeting is starting tomorrow. Mr. Hocker stated that the initial presentation is expected to be 2.17%. For the legal notice, the Town and BOE budgets will be included, which combined stands at an increase of 0.66%, and Region 9 budget will be noted as Estimated. Mr. Takacs commented that there is a potential reduction in the budget depending on medical insurance options. Mrs. Ketcham indicated that if self-funding is suggested that the Selectmen then meet with the Board of Finance to discuss the potential savings vs. risks involved before a final decision is made. Mr. Takacs asked if there is historical data available of Region 9’s self-funding program. Mr. Hocker indicated that the three schools have been using a self-funding pool and the savings have been dramatic thus far. Mr. Hocker did indicate that there were risks especially if there is a bad year which would require adjustment of reserves for the following year. Mr. Takacs asked if the medical insurance costs are impacted by the recent healthcare regulations. Mr. Gniadek indicated that our insurance broker felt that 5% of the increase is attributable to the Affordable Health Care Act. Mr. Takacs asked if there is a three- or five-year estimated projection for Anthem, and Mr. Gniadek indicated it is estimated on a year-to year basis based upon prior year claims.
Mrs. Pemberton questioned the reduction of $10,000 for Police Department driveway improvements. It was noted that Chief Fuchs had agreed to the postponement of the driveway improvements for one year to reduce the Police Department budget for FY 2013-14.
Motion: move to approve the Board of Selectman budget of $13,507,790 for FY 2013-14. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
APPOINTMENTS
Board of Ethics appointment:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen re-appoint Susan Green term to 2/17/2015 and Linda Kotch term to 3/4/2015 as members to the Board of Ethics. Takacs, Pemberton. ~Approved. Unanimous.
Water Pollution Control Commission:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen re-appoint David Pattee and Amy Atamian, term to 2/28/2017 as commissioners to the Water Pollution Control Commission. ~Pemberton, Takacs. ~Approved. Unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Krista Gramer, Recording Secretary