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FINANCE COMMITTEE – TOWN OF STOCKBRIDGE

MEETING Monday, February 13, 2006, at 7:00 PM

Revised Draft Minutes

ATTENDING – Berger, Bertocci, McMenamy, Morse, Murray, Raftery, Rousseau, Schneyer

1.	Minutes of previous meetings  -  January 23, 2006 - Approved

2.	FY2007 Budget Review

·	Town Collector J. Ruggio appeared and presented his argument for 10% salary increases for self and assistant based on his belief the salary peer review was flawed. No action taken.

·	Status of departmental budget reviews:

1/ Reviewed and approved to date:

Assessor
Animal Control
Building Inspector
Conservation Commission
Council on Aging
Electrical Inspector
EMS
Fire
Gas Inspector
GIS
Highway
Snow and Ice
Street Lighting
Highway Machinery
Compactor
Hydrant Rental
Cemetery
Mental Health
Parks and Rec
Planning
Plumbing Inspector
Police
Public Library
Rubbish (query)
Sewer (approved subject to readjustment for elec)
Town Accountant
Town Clerk
Elections and Registrar
Treasurer (expense line, not salary)
Tree Warden
Veterans Services
Water (approved subject to readjustment for elec)
Wire Inspector
Zoning

2/ Not yet reviewed :

Berkshire Hills School District
Chime Tower *
Executive Secretary
Historical District *

Insurance
Lee VNA *
Memorial Day *
Plain School Maintenance

Town Hall (consult Jorja)
Town Counsel *
Tri-Town Health
Employee Insurance *

*  In books, ready for review

3.	Old Business

·	Insurance Premiums – LSchneyer reported discussion with Jorja. Expects 2 ½% increase in property/casualty premiums, 11% to 15% increase in health care premiums. Also a new mandated requirement to provide AD&D coverage for volunteer firemen and other Town volunteers – cost estimated to be in range of $7,000 per annum.

·	Williams School Lease – JJR provided an explanation of the terms of the Williams Academy deed (funds and property) and the 1911 legislation transferring both to Town ownership, and also current plans of Town Counsel to clarify Town title to the property.

·	JMcMen gave a brief sketch of GASB 45 requirements for accrual and balance sheet recognition of past, present and future health care and other non-pension liabilities. JMcM and JJR to study further and report in detail to Fin Comm. 

4. New Business 

·	Raftery reported that the BHRSD Board has voted $200,000 from its Arts Show Fund to finance a study on work and costs to update the high school building to 2006 standards.

·	Several members suggested that the Town commence quarterly mailings of all tax bills

5.	Next Meeting Date – 

·	Feb. 22 at 7PM at Town Hall (jointly with Selectmen for a review of general obligation bond issuance to finance Plain School renovation.

·	Feb. 23 at 4PM at Town Hall for final (?) Budget Reviews

6. Adjournment – 8:44PM