Board of Finance: Bixler Elected Chair, Murdock Fills Vacancy, Title 67 Funds Eyed
February 26, 2025
In attendance were Vice Chairman Ned Bixler, Bob Valentine, Scott Tillmann, James Korner, Russell Murdock, and Patrick J. Reilly Sr.
The members started the meeting by relating their memories and sharing their grief at the loss of their Chairman, Mr. Allan D. Walker Sr. In his stead, Mr. Bixler was acting chairman.
Mr. Walker’s regular seat was filled by the swearing in of Russell Murdock. To fill the alternate seat, Mr. Valentine nominated Carl Contadini. Mr. Tillman nominated Lorraine Lucas. The nominators spoke on behalf of their nominees. The Board voted by “show of hand.” Mr. Contadini won 4-2 and was subsequently sworn in as an alternate member.
It was noted by Mr. Valentine that there aren’t many people looking to be on town boards or commissions. Mr. Bixler remarked that, “in 20 years of being on the Board of Finance, I've never seen a contested spot. I mean, it's so welcome. I mean, it's a beautiful thing.” Mr. Bixler was elected Chairman. Mr. Valentine was elected Vice Chairman. Both were unopposed.
During the discussion of the Financial Report, Mr. Valentine proposed the idea of rescinding Title 67 Land Acquisition Fund. The Fund, as stated by The Board, holds $1 million. Mr. Valentine remarked, “The townspeople are very much split over what to do with those funds. And we have very specific needs. And were we to rescind Title 67, that would put essentially a million dollars back in the town coffers.”
Board expressed the fact that rescinding Title 67 would require a town vote. The discussion to recommend rescinding Title 67 was placed on the agenda for next month's meeting.
Upon reviewing the Board Projection Review, The Board had some concerns for certain budgets. Concerning the increase for the Cemeteries proposed budget, Mr. Valentine asked, “Did we go out to bid? Is that why we have increases here?”
In response to Mr. Valentine’s question, it was stated that the way the invoices were being received was part of the issue. Mr. Valentine replied, “So there's no increase? Because the budget represents an increase.” Mr. Valentine added, “Spring cleanup has always been a flat fee… So, if they have 10 more sticks to pick up, it's part of the bid.”
Mr. Valentine also related during the discussion that, “The most confusing thing about this budget for those of you who are not familiar with it, we have some cemetery trust funds that offset the expenses. And so, you'll always look to see cemetery as being over budget at any given point in time because the transfers from the trust funds don't happen until year-end.” The Board decided to receive and table the Cemetery Budget for further review.
The budget for Civil Preparedness was also received under discussion. Mr. Valentine asked for clarification on the compensation for the Emergency Management Director and stated, “Historically, the Emergency Management Director has not been a paid position.”
Mr. Valentine explained that grants had been applied in the past to some projects, but that a concern was raised about setting a precedent in paying volunteers. Mr. Valentine added, “much like we don't pay our library board members, we don't pay our funding commission members, we don't pay our name it, the fire commissioners… so I'm just asking why?”
Mr. Valentine was told that compensation was meant for “manhours spent during the storms last year and this year going to training.” The Board tabled the Civil Preparedness budget for further review.
Other Budgets that were tabled for further review were:
Fiscal Office Budget to discuss further the notion of having staff replace the current consultant for grant applications.
Library Budget where The Board invited the Library Chairwoman, Mrs. Henrietta C. Horvay to discuss utilizing Town Topics instead of paying for postage for the library’s flyer.
The Board will review the Public Works, Fire Protection, and Library budgets at their next meeting. The Board also considered the possibility of discussing the Recreation Budget in April.
The next Board of Finance meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, at 7:30pm.
