The meeting’s primary focus was on a presentation led by Town Administrator Francine Ramilia, who detailed the financial implications of transitioning from the current legal setup to an in-house model. Ramilia’s analysis revealed that the town could potentially reallocate $382,000 to cover a $375,000 shortfall caused by reduced assessments. The in-house model, budgeted at $360,000, would include the Town attorney’s salary, a paralegal position, and a $56,000 allowance for outside counsel if necessary. The Council debated the need for this transition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity in ongoing legal matters, particularly significant land-use issues.

Council members questioned the potential need for outside legal services for Human Resources (HR) matters, as the new model might not fully suffice. Ramilia highlighted the necessity for a careful negotiation and transition period to ensure that current legal matters are handled seamlessly. Throughout the discussion, the Council expressed the need for a balance between in-house capabilities and the necessity for outside assistance, especially for complex legal situations.

Parallel to the legal counsel discussions, the Council reviewed proposed salary structures and budgetary allocations. Robert Shorr presented a comprehensive pay plan spreadsheet, which led to a debate about the appropriate salary ranges and cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), with proposed ranges varying between 6% and 8%. The Council acknowledged the importance of fairness and equity in salary determinations, noting the need for further information before making final decisions.

The Council also delved into the town’s budget adjustments. Ramilia presented a detailed overview, including a $100,000 deferral of grant monies, a $75,000 saving from converting Town Hall into an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and projected revenue increases totaling $54,000 from RV registrations and solid waste. These adjustments, along with cuts to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and special events, amounted to $244,000 in proposed changes. The Council scrutinized these adjustments, debating the best allocation of funds to balance the budget while ensuring essential services are maintained.

In addition to these financial deliberations, the Council addressed concerns about vendor performance and the efficiency of the permit review process. A Council member raised an issue involving a resident with a temporary Certificate of Occupancy (CO) facing potential homeowners insurance loss.

Further, the Council explored the implications of using external vendors for site development application reviews. The transition from one engineering firm to another had increased costs, raising concerns about the financial burden on residents. The Council considered in-house solutions for permit reviews to reduce costs and improve efficiency, with a proposal to use sole practitioners to handle some of the reviews.

The meeting also addressed property tax assessments and the complexities surrounding them. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of assessments for mobile homes and commercial properties, with suggestions for further investigation into discrepancies. The Council debated the appropriateness of maintaining or raising the current millage rate, balancing the need for fiscal reserves with the financial burden on residents.

Throughout the discussions, there was a clear emphasis on ensuring transparency and accountability in the town’s financial decisions. Council members expressed the need for better communication and coordination between the Council and advisory committees to facilitate more informed decision-making. The meeting concluded with a call for increased public engagement, inviting residents to participate in future discussions to voice their opinions on budgetary matters and taxation.