Board of Finance
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 18, 2007
Present: Ralph C. Gold, chairman, Thomas Bechtle, Anne Ingvertsen, Sally Hart, Earl Brecher, Celia Senzer, members. Ginger Betti and John LaPorta alternates. Gordon M. Ridgway, first selectman. From Region One, Patricia Chamberlain, Sam Herrick and Theresa Terry. Phil Hart and Wynne Kavanagh, Cornwall Board of Education and Judge Manning. Board of Education chairman for Region One.
The minutes of the December 21 meeting were approved as presented.
Sam Herrick introduce the budget challenges for FY 2008 for Region One, led by a planned 16.4% increase in costs for Pupil Services to cover increased out-placements for special needs students. The total planned increase for the Region is about 4.97%. Sam explained that enrollment has dropped heavily at the high school and that any new cost adjustments will be in programs and/or personnel. Because of declining student population the per-pupil cost has risen to $16,800 – a function of required, necessary programs serving fewer kids. Cornwall sends 129 of the 553 total number of students.
Sam announced that the budget will be approved at the March 5 meeting of the Region One board. A comment period for town board members will likely follow. Chairman Gold asked if high school staff will be reduced owing to low student numbers. Sam said “the trend is down” and the principal is beginning to look at staff options.
The Board expressed its appreciation to the Region One board and staff who had come to the meeting.
Gordon Ridgway reported on a legislative proposal by Sen. Andrew Roraback to allow municipalities more revenue options – such as a local income or sales tax. The aggregate property tax statewide in all 169 towns is estimated at $8 billion.
Earl Brecher moved and Sally Hart seconded a motion to recommend approval of the following call at the Feb. 8 town meeting:
1) To adopt a resolution authorizing the Board of Selectmen to execute and file an application with the Department of Economic and Community Development of the State of Connecticut to receive a grant of $250,000.00 from the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, such grant to be used for the renovation and expansion of the Cornwall Historical Society building on Pine Street in Cornwall Plains. A copy of the resolution is available in the Town Clerk’s office at 26 Pine Street, Cornwall.
2) To adopt a resolution authorizing the Board of Selectmen to execute and file an application with the Department of Economic and Community Development of the State of Connecticut to receive a grant of $200,000.00 from the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, such grant to be used for the renovation and expansion of the Hughes Memorial Library on Lower River Road in West Cornwall. A copy of the resolution is available in the Town Clerk’s office at 26 Pine Street, Cornwall.
3) Upon recommendation Planning and Zoning Commission to accept a deed of .45 acres of unimproved land adjacent to the Town of Cornwall landfill from Mr. John Goodrich. Location map is available in the Town Clerk’s office at 26 Pine Street, Cornwall.
The VOTE to approve recommendation was unanimous.
The clerk presented the Finance Office budget for FY 2008 which is $5,000 more that FY 2007 to ensure a smooth transition. The present clerk will retire June 30, 2007 and train her successor during July. She will also see the FY 2007 audit through to the end.
Brecher moved and Tom Bechtle seconded a motion to submit the proposed budget to the selectmen.
The VOTE to approve was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Lisa Lansing
Clerk