D.        Public Hearing on the proposed FY22 (JULY 1, 2021-JUNE 30, 2022) Municipal Budget

K. Benoit updated the body on the assessed values of the tangible tax.  They lost about 5.5 million in value.  They decided to keep the tax collection rate at 96.8 due to the uncertainty of the year ahead.  She revised the spreadsheet that was sent out.  The proposed budget has a 0% increase including the amendments. 

D. Gosselin will review the budget by department.

Revenues

M. Williamson thinks that switching back to the 96.8% collection rate is smart.  This year has been filled

with uncertainty.

No questions were asked.

Town Manager

Town Planner

Personnel Department

Town Council

No questions were asked.

Board of Canvassers

Discussion ensued relative to the funding of the Special Election.  It was determined that most expenses for for election would fall under FY2021.

Legal

No questions were asked.

Probate

No questions were asked.

Emergency Management Agency

No questions were asked.

Town Sergeant

No questions were asked.

General Government

K. Benoit states that they have adjusted the Fund Balance Line by $75,000.  It went from $450,000 to $525,000.

J. Messier asks about funding for the Artic Village Association. 

D. Gosselin suggests funding them under the Recreation budget. 

K. Benoit confirms that it can go under the Parks and Recreation budget. 

Finance Department

D. Gosselin asks about the $25,000 part time position. 

K. Benoit expresses the need for the position.  There are projects that need to be completed such as updating manuals.

M. Knott supports the part time position to assist the Finance Department. 

K. Benoit is hoping to find someone in the accounting field that may be retired or someone looking for extra work.

J. Licciardi does not support adding any new positions this year. 

J. Messier sees the need for the position.  If they can stay within the 0% increase, he supports it. 

ROLL CALL VOTE on adding part-time position in the Finance Department:

J. Licciardi – No

J. Messier – Yes

M. Williamson – Yes

D. Gosselin – Yes

APPROVED 3-1 BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Tax Collector

No questions were asked.

Tax Assessor

No questions were asked.

Board of Assessment

K. Benoit notes an increase in board member payments from $30 per meeting to $50 per meeting. The total increase is $1200. 

No questions asked.

Police Department

No questions were asked.

Fire Department

K. Benoit notes an increase to turnout gear by $18,700 and the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus by $7,000.

Chief Verone explains this increase is to refill the tanks and maintain them. 

No questions were asked.

Department of Public Works

J. Licciardi asks if they are still proposing a 0% tax increase with all of the changes.

K. Benoit confirms. 

D. Gosselin asks about the $5,000 in the trees and beautification budget.

D. Ouellette states that the $5,000 for the trees and beautification is for the Pawtuxet River Authority.  He suggests adding an additional $5,000 for the Artic Village Association. 

Discussion ensued relative to the Artic Village Association budget and the appropriate way to fund it.

It was determined that $5,000 for the Artic Village Association would be funded under General Government. 

M. Williamson asks about $1,500 re-imbursement for the Police memorial.  She asks if it will be paid out of General Government.

D. Gosselin confirms.

Town Engineer

No questions were asked.

Street Lights

No questions were asked.

Building Department

No questions were asked.

Zoning Department

No questions were asked.

Senior Center

No questions were asked.

Housing Board

K. Benoit notes an increase of $2650 for commission members payment for meetings.

Library

No questions were asked.

Parks and Recreation

No questions were asked.

Debt Service

No questions were asked.

Capital Expenses

K. Benoit notes two capital expenses that were added.  Body cameras in the amount of $60,000 and Hoses For $15,000.

J. Licciardi notes the sewer administration fees.  He states that the Town Manager spends 30% of his time dealing with the sewer department. 

D. Gosselin asks how many sewer bills go out.

K. Benoit answers approximately 11,000.

D. Gosselin asks if they are processed by the Finance Department.

K. Benoit answers that the Tax Collector processes sewer payments.

Discussion ensued about the amount of Town staff time spent on the sewer department.

School Budget

No questions were asked.

Civic Center

J. Licciardi notes the $500,000 in expenses, and $450,000 in revenue.  He asks what the plans are to increase revenue. 

L. Swanson does not think that the Civic Center will run in the red this year. 

J. Licciardi states that they need a plan. 

M. Williamson asks if the Civic Center can cover the cost of the $5,000 water pump.

L. Swanson is confident she can. 

D. Read, of 62 Andrews Avenue, states that the Civic Center has run at a deficit for the last five years.  He asks when the enterprise will pay the town back. 

K. Benoit states that the assets of the Civic Center belong to the Town. 

D. Gosselin adds that parents in the Town would be upset if the Town sold the Civic Center.  The kids use it for various sports activities. 

School Department

No questions were asked. 

ROLL CALL VOTE for approval of amended budget adding $186,090 to the General Fund Budget

and a 0% tax increase.

VOTE:

J. Licciardi – Yes

J. Messier – Yes

M. Williamson – Yes

D. Gosselin – Yes

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY ROLL CALL VOTE