1984/01/26336
second phase of the communications system. He stated that one mill at
36.1 equals $350,000.
Mr. Clinton stated that the Mayor had been informed of the possible
mill increase.
Chairman Bernardi sta~ that there is $400,000 in increased debt
over last year. ~.
Considerable discussion ensued on the possible mill rate which would
be presented at the Budget Hearing. It was generally agreed to present
a 4 mill increase. Mr. vandrilla stated that if we go in at a 4 mill
increase we will go through it at least twice. Chairman Bernardi
stated that he felt treat the taxpayers should know what the demands
are on them to maintain the present services. He stated that we should
be prepared, prior to this Hearing, to make reductions in the budget
if there is a strong outcry for reductions. Mr. Clinton suggested
Board of Finance
Meeting of January 24, 1984 -3-
that this be done beforehand to make sure that it is done properly.
He also suggested that a "Cogent List" be handed out at the Budget
Hearing.
Chairman Bernardi suggested that a tier process be initiated with
beth the General Town (~vernment and the Board of Education. He
suggested starting out with 4 mills and making specific reductions.
It was agreed that the Executive Board be asked to meet with
the Board of Finance on Thursday, Janaury 26, to discuss the
budget for 1984/85.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 P.M.
Respectfully sukl~itted,
Alexandra D. Dempsey
Secretary
MINUTES
BOARD OF FINANCE
Regular Meeting
January 26, 1984
Members Present:
Others Present:
Joseph A. Bernardi, Blanche J. Delaney, Dr. John P.
Hclntosh, Ange)o J. Tiezzi, Richard Pentore, Steven
Vandrilla
Gary S. Clinton, Finance Director; Mayor Warren E.
Kingsbury; Deputy Mayor Robert A. Argazzi; Leonard
Felson, The Courant; Thomas Shiel, The Herald
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Chairman Bernardi.
MINUTES
Motion was made by Mr. Vandrilla, seconded by Mrs, Delaney,
and VOTED to apprcve the Minutes of danuary 24, 1984.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Mayor Warren E. Kingsbury dated January 2h, 1984,
requesting that the FIrance Board reconsider their action in denying
the $1,035 (sic) requested in Account #1968 to be used to recondition
the chairs at the Timberlin Clubhouse.
A letter was received trom Donald Prue, President, The Town of Berlin
Middle Management Asso¢iatlon, dated January 19, 1984. Mr. Prue requested
that budget reviews, with department heads who request it, be scheduled
durin~ the evening hours of the week and not on a Saturday.
letter was received tram Joseph F. Scheyd, Assessor, Town of Berlin,
dated January 25, 1984, enclosing copies of last year's and this year's
Grand List summations for the Water and Sewer Commission. Mr. Scheyd
stated that there is a healthy increase by itself but adding motor
vehicles results in an additional $8.5 million (approximate). resulting
in an 18% overall increase.
Chairman Bernardi requested that the Water Control Commission
be contacted to determine if the mill rate could be revised
from 2.1
A letter was received from Joseph F. Scheyd~, Assessor, Town of Berlln
dated January 25, 1984, regarding the Town of Berlin Grand List.
Mr. Scheyd enclosed copies of the Grand List for the Board members and
stated that the increase is a little over $15,000,000 -- the largest
in personal property and motor vehicles with a decent increase in real
estate valuation. Ne stated that it is the largest increase in his 20
years of serving as an Assessor, with the exception of the revaluation
years.
Board of Finance
Meeting of January 26, 1984
-2-
OTHER BUSINESS
Budgets 1984/85
Chairman Bernardl opened the discussion with Mayor KIngsbury by stating
that we are )ooklng at a 5.6 mill Increase, assuming revenues are the
same as last year. Other revenues: i.e., Golf Course end what we can
expect from the State, are the only question marks. We can reduce the
mill rate with the additional revenues that may come in from other sources
and by eliminating certain capital projects. He stated that over the years
we have treated our debt services and capital programs differently. A
good number of our projects have been rolled Into permanent financing.
This year alone we have $400,000 of debt services -- refinancing Is coming
on very heavy In this year's budget, He continued by stating that we
have agreed among ourself on a mill rate of between 3-4 mills, after we
have made specific reductions. We would llke, If it is agreeable to
the Executive Board and the Board of Education, that any decrease in
mill rate be shown to the taxpayers so that they will know in advance
what services will be eliminated. The Board of Finance is attempting to
make the taxpayer aware of the cost of the present services and, if they
are not going to accept the cost of these services, they will be eliminated.
Mr. Clinton stated that one mill equals $314,500; the General Town Govern-
ment's share is 40% ($125.800) and the Board of Eduation's share is 60%
($188,700).
Mayor KIngsbury replied that he has been thinking about it. He stated
that he would like to go to the people before the Budget Hearing and
present them with the whole bowl of wax. He would like to tell them
that this is what the needs of the Town are and tell them what has al-
ready been dropped. The people of Berlin have never had the opportunity
to say that they want more. He continued by stating that he would go
into every house with a mailed brochure stating the programs and what is
involved. He has discussed this with Ms. Boscolo and Dr. Giandomenico
and they have offered to ¢1o all the graphics.
Chairman Bernardi suggest~d that if the Executive Board agrees with the
Board of Finance's philosophy, they should talk to everyone under their
control and everyone who is involved in tier reductions. He would llke
this available at our first Budget Hearing. Chairman Bernardl stated that
we have the right to cut, however, we would like to do it in a amneable
way.
Mayor Kingsbury stated that he believed that he could work on this approach
with the Board of Education so that we will be able to present a unified
budget -- a budget that everyone can recognize and support and knowing
what will happen If reductions are enforced or if additions are made.
Board of Finance
Meeting of January 26, 1984 -3-
Mr. Vandrllla presente~the following formula for the 1984/85 budget:
Subtract a11 vita'l capital (not mandated);
Provide only last years actual maintenance (and known |ncreases);
Subtract all new positions which are not mandated by law; and
Figure ~n contractual factor.
Chalrman Bernardl stated that the Board of Education has over $~00,000
~n new programs. Referring to the 'lSuper)ntendent's Budget Recommendation
for 1984/85" Chairman Bernardl stated that the major cost increases amount
to $962,529 -- 11.91~ of their budget.
Chairman Bernardl suggested that Mayor KIngsbury entertaln these thoughts
with the other members of the Executive Board, Mayor Kingsbury replied
that he felt very confident that the Board of Education would .react favor-
able to this suggestion. He then asked Mayor Kingsbury If he could have
his recommendations by March I. Mayor Kingsbury replied, certainly,
Capital Equipment - Computer. Mayor KIngsbury stated that he has appointed
a Data Processing Committee and the Chairman is Sebastian Sorrentlno and he
is using expertise available In Town. He has instructed all Town Departments
to give this Committee thelr full cooperation and has requested that their
report be ready, if at all possible~ by Apr!l 17. He told them if they needed
more help he would get It for them.
Discussion followed concerning the future growth of the Town and multi-family
dwellings.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
MINUTES
BOARD OF FINANCE
Regular Meeting
January 31, 1984
Members Present:
Others Present:
Joseph A. Bernardl, Blanche J. Delaney, Angelo J.
Tiezzl, Richard Pentore, Dr. John P. Mclntosh,
Steve¢! Vandrilla
Gary S. Clinton, Finance Director
The meeting was called t:o order at 7:45 P.M. by Chairman Bernardl.
MINUTES
Motion was made by Mrs. Delaney, seconded by Mr. Pentore, and
VOTED to approve the Minutes of January 26, 1984.
TRANSFER
A Budget Change Form request was received from Theodore S. Hrublec,
Superintendent of Public Grounds, dated January 31, 1984, requesting
$1,125.00 to Account #3517, Snow and Ice Removal, Equipment Rental,
in order to cover the cost of snow removal at the High School and
McGee School. These funds will cover two additional storms (along
with the $525.00 remaining in this Account).
#84-25 Motion was made by Mrs. Delaney, seconded by Mr. Tiezzl,
to appropriate $1,125.00 from Account #240, Contingency,
to Account #3!;17, Snow and Ice Removal, Equipment Rental.
OPPOSED: Dr. Mclntosh
ABSENT: Mr. Vandrilla
MOTION PASSED