02:00The meeting’s most issue was the discussion and approval of adjustments to the fiscal year 2025 operating budget, totaling $347,500. Town Manager Paul Cohen and Finance Director John Souzer outlined these adjustments, which were primarily driven by unexpected expenses in municipal administration and public safety. Legal services exceeded the budget due to an extraordinary year marked by council transitions, land use cases, and labor council involvement related to collective bargaining. Additionally, the onboarding of a new HR director required unanticipated training and certification expenses.

05:00Public safety also faced financial demands. The transition of the seal of weights and measures service necessitated hiring and training a new sealer, an expense not anticipated during budget planning. The police department required vehicle replacements and new equipment due to insurance recoveries and compatibility issues with newer models. Recruitment challenges and officer turnover further strained resources, with some officers leaving for better-paying opportunities elsewhere.

07:44The fire department saw increased utility costs and unexpected equipment purchases, such as air packs and hoses, due to a colder winter and rising electricity rates. Similarly, the senior center faced high utility costs during overcast winter months that hindered solar energy generation.

10:09Cohen explained that the finance committee’s reserve fund would leave approximately $50,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year after these adjustments. He noted that if the proposed adjustments were not approved, the town would need to implement measures to curb expenses, primarily affecting discretionary accounts. Personnel costs would be more challenging to manage.

13:18The committee also addressed warrant article six, which involved collective bargaining agreements with the town’s three police unions. The successful negotiation was a noteworthy achievement, particularly for the newly organized police lieutenants union. The agreements required funding of $37,931 for the current fiscal year and $80,767 for the next, covering a four-year period with wage increases set at 2.5% for the current fiscal year and 2% for subsequent years. Adjustments to the contracts included a restructuring of longevity payments and changes to the patrol officers’ wage structure to enhance competitiveness in recruitment and retention.

21:09As the meeting progressed, the committee turned its attention to the financial implications of certification for various town positions, noting the lack of stipends for certified individuals. They also discussed the pushback against the Brooklyn arbitration decision concerning police compensation, which had unintendedly shifted from addressing underperformance to a compensation benefit.

33:34The meeting concluded with plans for a special town meeting on June 23 to secure funding for a $3 million roof replacement project on the South Row partial roof. A prior meeting was scheduled for May 29 to discuss the matter further, recognizing the need for multiple items to vote on during the special town meeting to justify its necessity. Other potential topics for the special meeting included updates to collective bargaining agreements, language for mausoleums at cemeteries, and a request for a perimeter survey at Kulis.