1.    5:00 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM

 

Present:   Pres. Duhamel

                 Councilor Ahern

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Vice Pres. Giorno,

                                            Councilors Cioffi, Aiello, Cooke, McCuin

 

Absent:    T. Sol. Conley

                 Co. Clk. Giordano

                 T. Sgt. Falcone

                 Cameron Moore, Town Council Student Representative

 

 

 2.    FY2020/2021 Budget – Discussion and Possible Action

 

Present:   Dyann Baker, Finance Director

 

     Discussion was held regarding the three options that were suggested for an increase in the budget of 1%, 1.5% and 1.75%.  Town Manager Rooney explained the spreadsheet, which is attached hereto and made a part of the record of these proceedings, of alternative budget scenarios, noting a reduction in budgeted revenues, particularly the 40% in hotel taxes and 60% in meal tax and Investment Earnings, and a reduction in the budgeted expenses for Department of Public Works, School appropriations and capital, Staff Reductions, Operating Expenses, and OPEB.  He urged that every step be taken to not show a need to use Fund Balance and suggested other areas where reductions could be made.  He requested that the Council approve the 2% levy.  Mr. Rooney explained the increases in the Mill Rate based on the three suggested budget increases.  He discussed options for operation of the Transfer Station, which could incur savings.

 

     Councilor Ahern felt that keeping the levy at 1.5% would achieve a balanced budget.  Councilor Cooke concurred with the 1.5% levy.  Councilor McCuin felt that, out of an abundance of caution, the levy should be at 1.0%.  Councilor Cioffi felt that there were areas in the budget where reductions could be realized, particularly the OPEB and the $1 million grant match.  Councilor Aiello felt that the levy should be a little low and if additional revenues were received, items could be added to the budget.  He also noted other areas in the budget where cuts could be made.

 

     Discussion was held regarding funding for the School Department’s operational and capital improvements budgets, funding for subsidies, and the need for the Town Manager and Finance Director to find $611,000 that can be removed from the budget.

 

     Council President Duhamel recapped the issues that the Council would be discussing at the next budget workshop.

 

 

 3.    ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:00 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

 

 

     Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on video on the Town of Westerly website.