ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET SESSION

 

MARCH 6, 2023

 

At an ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, held at the Town Hall, in and for said Town on the 6^th day of March 2023 at 6:30 PM.

 

PRESENT:     Town Council

Rory H. McEntee, President

Patricia A. Alley

Deborah D. Bergner

Jessica L. Rose

 

 

Council Vice President Michael K. Marran is absent due to a death in the family.

 

Also present: James M. Manni, Town Manager; Brian Silvia, Finance Director; Lucas Murray, Director of Administrative Services; Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning; James Gorman, Building Official; Richard Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services; Lori Ann Fox, Director of IT; Mark Russo, Facilities Superintendent; Matthew Moynihan, Police Chief; Craig Stanley; Director of EMS; Lance Whaley, Communications Superintendent; Rex Eberly, Director of Parks and Recreation; Laurel Clark, Director of Library Services; and Sue DiMasi, Senior Services Director.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance is given. The Land Acknowledgement Statement is read.

 

James M. Manni, Town Manager acknowledges the efforts of Finance Director Brian Sylvia, Deputy Finance Director Rose Bouchard, and Luke Murray, Director of Administrative Services in preparing the Town’s budget. Mr. Manni also thanks the department directors for scrutinizing their budgets and presenting prioritized budget requests.

 

The Town Manager gives a presentation of the municipal budget program and upcoming budget meetings, in accordance with Section 4220 of the Town Charter. A summary of the proposed changes in the FY 2023-2024 budget includes a 1.63% increase in the tax levy from the current fiscal year. The tax rate is proposed to increase by 1.10% from $10.95 to $11.07 per thousand of assessed value. Approximately 90% of the Town’s Operating Budget is made up of “fixed costs” including contractual obligations, salary and benefits, utilities, vehicle maintenance, postage, tax bill printing, election expenses, salt and sand, internet costs, motor vehicle supplies, medical supplies, fuel, insurances and debt service. 

 

A summary of the budget drivers is reviewed. They include the new Police contract, legal fees including specialized legal counsel services, and the Harbor Patrol/Natural Resources Officer that was formerly paid with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Reductions include Emergency Medical Services (EMS) temporary reductions to additional staff positions, and shifting funding for Human Services and Outside Agencies to ARPA funds. The Property Tax Transfer to Schools is proposed to remain level with no increase.

 

Brian Silvia, Finance Director reviews the summary of FY 2023-2024 General Fund expenditures totaling $104,997,389. The property tax distribution shows the School Fund at 74% of the budget, and the General Fund at 23%. The property tax levy rate allocation history between the Town and School for the past 10 years is reviewed. The FY 2023-2024 property tax roll is projected at $6,879,654,550, an increase of $36,285,060 or 0.53% more than the current year.

 

A review of the General Fund expenditure detail indicates that the bulk of the funds are related to salaries and benefits. The budget presents a breakdown of the General Fund by function. Special Revenue Funds are outside funds such as the Peace Dale Office Building Fund, Senior Services Fund, Neighborhood Guild Fund and Community Recreation Center Fund. Enterprise Funds include the Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Funds. Other Fund Transfers include those to the School Department, Senior Services, Community Recreation Center, Debt Service Fund and Wastewater Fund.

 

A review of the General Fund revenue sources shows that general property taxes are projected at $17,439,623 and account for 57% of the total, and State Aid projected at $6,321,572 accounts for 21%. Use of Fund Balance is proposed at $1,043,608 or $220,000 less than FY 2022-2023.

 

Proposed funding for Legal Services will increase by $22,000. The budget for the Town Manager’s Office is proposed to increase by $46,000 over the current year appropriation. This office provides for general administrative management, policy direction and oversight of municipal operations. A part-time assistant’s salary and the fees for the RI League of Cities and Towns were moved to the Town Manager’s Office budget, and some cuts were made to mitigate the increase.  

 

Luke Murray, Director of Administrative Services presents the Personnel budget. This office has handled a number of employee retirements and personnel changes, reflecting a nationwide trend. Mr. Murray notes the hiring of a part-time staffer position last year, the new SPARK committee is funded at $1,000, and some new technology purchases were reduced to offset increases.  

 

The Town Clerk’s Office budget is presented. This office has six major divisions, consisting of Town Council Records, Land Evidence Registry, Board of Canvassers, Registry of Vital Statistics, Probate Court and Business Licenses, and this year will add a seventh division with the establishment of a Municipal Court and Housing Court. Most expenses are level funded except for contractual increases. The Canvassing Authority budget request includes funding for upcoming elections, including the anticipated Bond Referendum for School Facilities.

 

The Director of Administrative Services explains the Municipal Court and Housing Court. Interviews of candidates for the Judge position will be held on March 27^th; staff interviews have already been conducted. Mr. Murray discusses expected revenues from this new program, which is hoped to be self-funding in a few years.  

 

The Finance Director reviews the Finance Department budget for FY2023-2024. This department provides Financial Management Administration, Accounting and Cash Management, Procurement and Risk Management, and Tax and Utility Collection. The budget request increase of $50,240 is mostly in Capital Outlay for the purchase of new budgeting software.  

 

Lori Fox, IT Director reviews the Information Technology program. This department maintains computer hardware and software, internet and phone services, provides staff technical assistance and training, and project management. An increase of $15,273 is requested to cover contractual costs including cybersecurity measures required by the Town’s insurer, the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust.

 

Mark Capuano, Town Assessor presents a budget increase request of $35,678. This department assesses real estate and tangibles, administers the Town-wide Revaluation Program, tax exemptions, maintains property ownership records, processes surveys and subdivisions, and prepares for Assessment Board of Review hearings.   

 

James Rabbitt, Director of Planning reviews the Planning Department budget request, which is an increase of $96,710 over the current year. Increases are mainly related to consulting services utilized to avoid hiring more permanent staff for projects relating to affordable housing and mixed use zoning on Old Tower Hill Road. The increase is also related to professional certifications, and minor increases in the GIS budget needs.

 

James Gorman, Building Official reviews the budget request for the Building and Zoning Department which is an increase of $106,730 over the current year. This office provides interpretation and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance and building codes and performs inspections. Mr. Gorman notes that one full time position is being added for a zoning enforcement officer. The Town Manager explains the need to enforce building codes and the future rental registration program that the Town expects to implement. Mr. Gorman reviews the increase in building permits and inspections. Additional increases are related to uniforms, clothing and technology for the new position and pool vehicle expenses.  

 

Mark Russo, Facilities Superintendent presents the Facilities Division budget request which is an increase of $71,919 over the current year. This division provides maintenance, safety code compliance and works on capital projects. Two employees retired this year and two new ones have been hired, one part-time position has been increased to full-time. Full-time employees are allocated across different departments.

 

Matthew Moynihan, Chief of Police presents the Police Department budget request which is an increase of $1,031,756 from the current year. Cost savings are expected with the implementation of a new shift schedule under the new Police contract that should reduce overtime expenses. The Police Chief discusses the addition of part-time community officer positions and hiring a grant writer to pursue grant opportunities.

 

The Town Manager discusses the Emergency Management Director position that has been assigned to the Chief of Police. Fifty percent of the $12,000 cost is reimbursable from the EMA. It is noted that the Town Manager serves as the Public Safety Officer.

 

The Police Chief reviews the Animal Welfare Division. A budget increase of $6,098 is requested.

 

Lance Whaley, Communications Superintendent presents the Fire Alarm and Communications Department budget. The budget request is an increase of $5,671 over the current year. The division manages radio communication, phone lines, burglar and fire alarm systems, maintains all cables, and the public safety radio network. Increases are due to fuel and electricity costs and contractual obligations.  

 

Craig Stanley, Director of Emergency Medical Services reviews the EMS Division budget request, which is $204,649 less than the current year. There are increased costs in the commodities expenses. The addition of 4 positions is anticipated when the new EMS station is built. Grant monies received are offsetting some of the cost. Call volume keeps increasing.

 

Rich Bourbonnais, Director of Public Services reviews this department’s budget request, which is an increase of $58,741 over the current year. This division funds the Tree Warden, Town Engineer, and street lighting program. Increases are related to commodities, tree removal, arborist and professional services, and increased maintenance funding for the street lighting budget due to the LED conversion project but that budget has been reduced from $200,000.

 

Mr. Bourbonnais reviews the budget for the Public Services Highway Division. This division provides a variety of services including pavement and roadway management, winter storm response, and stormwater management. There are no staffing changes, and the budget request is $42,794 less than the current year.  

Mr. Bourbonnais presents the Water Enterprise Fund. The budget request is $95,382 less that the current year. A rate increase implemented during the current year has helped to balance the budget.

 

Mr. Bourbonnais presents the Wastewater Enterprise Fund. This division is the largest user of electricity and with rate increases and the increase in the cost of chemicals, the budget request is $270,843 higher than the current year.

 

Mr. Bourbonnais presents the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. The budget request for FY 2023-2024 is $115,709 less than the current year mainly due to the reduction of debt service related to the Rose Hill site.

 

Theresa Murphy, Director of Leisure Services presents the Parks and Recreation General Fund Budget for six divisions, including the Athletics, Aquatics, Leisure Services, Creative Activities and Stepping Stone pre-school programs. An increase of $160,419 is requested for FY 2023-2024 due to contractual obligations, overtime, seasonal salaries and equipment maintenance.

 

Mrs. Murphy notes that the new Harbor Patrol / Natural Resource Officer is 45% funded by the Parks and Recreation budget with additional funding from the Police Department. The position includes environmental monitoring, public access and recreation programming, harbor patrol responsibilities and boat safety checks, and management of boat moorings. Violations issued by the Harbor Patrol Officer will be heard by the Town’s new Municipal Court. Mooring revenues contribute to this budget. Mrs. Murphy notes a grant was received toward reconstruction of the public boat ramp at Marina Park, and an application has been resubmitted for a Port Security grant for a new patrol boat.

 

Mrs. Murphy reviews the Peace Dale Office Building Fund. This budget is self-supporting from rents and programs and is overseen by the Parks and Recreation Division.  An increase of $15,766 is projected in expenditures for FY 2023-2024.

 

Mrs. Murphy reviews the Neighborhood Guild Fund. This program is basically self-funded by the Neighborhood Guild Trust Fund and program revenues. The Neighborhood Guild houses aspects of the Parks and Recreation Department including Administration and Maintenance, the front desk, youth programs, music programs, adult leisure programs, and an arts program. Programming is being planned for pre-pandemic levels. Staffing costs are split with the General Fund. The budget reflects an increase of $158,577 from the current year.

 

Mrs. Murphy reviews the Community Recreation Center Fund. Expenditures are projected to increase by $95,766. A General Fund transfer of $387,000 is requested for FY 2023-2024, a 2% increase. It is noted that usage of the Rec Center is beyond pre-COVID levels.  

 

Sue DiMasi, Senior Services Director reviews the Senior Services Program. The budget for this program reflects an increase of $28,156 in expenditures from the current year. Less funding is being sought due to an ARPA grant from the RI Office of Healthy Aging. Cost share revenue is also anticipated this year from the Town of Narragansett. This program includes the Nutrition Program, Transportation Program, Senior Center and Adult Day Services. The Town is entering the third year of the agreement with St. Elizabeth for operation of the Adult Day Care Facility.

 

Laurel Clark, Director of Library Services reviews the Public Libraries Program. The Town maintains three libraries: Peace Dale Library, Kingston Free Library and Robert Beverly Hale Library. An overall increase of $23,088 is requested for FY 2023-2024.

Brian Silvia, Finance Director reviews Insurances and Claims. The Town is a member of the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust, through which we obtain municipal insurance. Premiums are based on claims history. This account also provides funding for Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance, Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Health Care, and Fund Contingency. OPEB is now fully funded. Total expenditures are estimated to increase by $25,920.

 

Mr. Silvia presents the Capital Outlay budget, which reflects the Pay As You Go portion of the Capital Improvement Program. Funding is proposed at $1,898,125 representing a 5% increase from the current year.

 

The Finance Director reviews the Debt Service Fund, noting that the budget request is reduced by $115,766 from the current year. This account includes Municipal, Education and Guild Debt Service. Mr. Silvia reviews the revenue statement showing $1,915,386 for FY 2023-2024. The outstanding balance of long-term liabilities, or debt service, is $17,534,321 as of June 30, 2022.   

 

Council President McEntee invites resident to come forward with comments.

 

Dorald Beasley is present and comments on the Community Recreation Center’s cardio/equipment room, and School budget salary changes.

 

Adjourn at 8:57 PM.

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk