City Council Finance Committte

AMESBURY CITY HALL 62 Friend Street Amesbury, MA 01913

City Council Finance Committee Budget Hearings Monday, May 19, 2014 City Hall Auditorium

Councilor McClure called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Councilor Sickorez, Councilor Ferguson, Councilor Moavenzadeh, Councilor McClure, Councilor Sherwood, Councilor Bartley; and Councilor Kelcourse arrived at 7:05 p.m., and Councilor Lavoie arrived at 7:50 p.m.

Members absent: Councilor McMilleon

WHITTIER – William Derosa, Charles LaBella and Anthony LeSage presented the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School budget. The priorities in the budget included replacement of busses, healthcare, replacement of equipment, and staffing. Enrollment for Amesbury is at 74 students. The increase for this year is $110,593 and $52,160 of the increase was from the State. Leasing busses was a better option for the school. Councilor Sherwood asked about any additional capital needs. Mr. Derosa responded that they hired an architect who is doing a building stud and that any large capital would come in the next 2-3 years. There was a conversation about bussing and transportation. Councilor McClure asked about Chapter 70 funding. Mr. Derosa explained some of the changes.

ASSESSORS – Jason DiScipio presented the budget. There are two areas of reduction, which are in salaries and other expenses.

COLLECTOR/TREASURER – Donna Cornoni presented the budget. There is a 2.5 percent increase in salaries, and a reduction in other expenses. MIS – John Dubuc presented the budget. There is a 2.5 percent increase in salaries. There were cuts made in vehicles and equipment. The overall cut is 2.1 percent. Councilor Sickorez asked about fees when making on-line payments. Mr. Dubuc explained that it is through Unibank (a third party vendor).

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE – Mike Basque presented the budget. This budget is down $20,799 because of changes in personnel.

LIABILITY INSURANCE – Mike Basque presented the budget. This is level funded.

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS – Mike Basque presented the budget. There is an increase of $7,000. This is for the condo fees for the Millyard condo.

LANDRY STADIUM – Mike Basque presented the budget. This is maintained at $9,000. They had some work done on the ceiling of the stadium. It is in good shape. They are trying to find ways of funding for the scoreboard. It is an enterprise fund. There was a conversation regarding admission prices.

CENTRAL SUPPLY – Mike Basque presented the budget. There is a small reduction. Postage is the majority of this budget.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING – Mike Basque presented the budget. The budget is increased by $18,000 for FY2015. This line item includes outdoor street lights, and parking lot utility fees. He thinks there should be review done for this to see if there could be reductions made in this area.

SEALER of WEIGHTS – Mike Basque presented the budget. This is the fee we pay from the assessments from the state. This is a state contract.

STATE & COUNTY ASSESSMENTS – Mike Basque presented the budget. He doesn’t anticipate the numbers changing much at all.

RESERVE FUND – Mike Basque presented the budget. This is level. This is for transfers or emergency funds. It is an annual appropriation.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Mike Basque presented the budget. This is basically level funded.

OTHER ASSESSMENTS – Mike Basque presented the budget. This is up $223,000 (Whittier and Essex Agricultural)

DEBT SERVICES – Mike Basque presented the budget. This is up $311,000. We are feeling the impact of all of the projects including COA, Fire Safety, Garage, and DPW. Councilor McClure announced the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dawne Warren Administrative Assistant Office of the City Clerk