Select Board Tax Rate Meeting 7-27-2021

Select Board Tax Rate Meeting 7-27-2021

TOWN OF RUTLAND SELECT BOARD OPEN MEETING

RUTLAND TOWN MUNICIPAL TOWN HALL

181 BUSINESS ROUTE 4, CENTER RUTLAND, VT  05736

JULY 27^th, 2021

 

This meeting had a virtual attendance option available for anyone to join.

• Meeting opened at 5:00 P.M. with the pledge of allegiance
• Board members present Mary Ashcroft, Sharon Russell, Joe Denardo, and Don Chioffi
• There were no members of the public present.
• Town Treasurer Kari Clark and Town Administrative Assistant Bill Sweet were present

New Business Board to Discuss Setting the Tax Rate

1. Kari Clark provided a summary work sheet of all town expenses and anticipated income with an anticipated tax rate.
2. When the budget was proposed, it included the grant from CFAC (Child First Advocacy Center) in the amount of $60,000. This grant is no longer available since Chief Dumas left their office. This lowers the anticipated income by $60,000
   1. The hourly rate for the staff has since been increased so there is more equity. This will increase the salary line by approximately $20,000.
   2. These two changes will create a deficit in the Police budget of up to $80,000.
3. The local option tax for last year was anticipated at $1,000,050. The actual received was just under $1,200,000.
4. The Highway Department had carryover amount of approximately $619,000.
   1. This was larger than anticipated.
   2. Joe Denardo commented that this is due to a delay in the paving projects, which are being done this year. The carryover balance will likely be used up in this fiscal year for the paving projects.
   3. This will be discussed with the Road Commissioner.
5. Discussed transferring excess funds received from the 1% local option tax to cover the deficit in the Police budget.
   1. This was discussed with the auditors.
   2. Deficit spending for the Police, and adjusting the General budget to compensate, will allow the deficit to be covered.
6. Discussed adjusting the anticipated local option tax for this year to $1,200,000.
   1. If the anticipated amount is increase, this would decrease the amount needing to be raised by taxes and is ok as long as the projection is met.
   2. Ms. Clark said the auditors said it would also be allowable to use the 1^st Constable salary line to help offset the salary increase in the Police Salary budget.
   3. After some discussion, the decision was made to use $1,100,000 for the estimated local option tax.
   4. Ms. Clark used that figure to rework the tax calculation sheet.
7. The form appointing John Paul Faignant as Health Officer was incorrect. The form has been corrected and Ms. Ashcroft signed it.
8. Deputy Police Chief Ted Washburn has asked the Police Committee to meet to conduct interviews for candidates for the 4^th Officer position.
   1. Ashcroft will let Deputy Chief Washburn know to get some dates when this can be done.
9. Mr. Denardo discussed negative feedback he has received from town residents regarding the lack of visible patrols and speed enforcement that was promised as part of Chief Dumas coming out of CFAC. Ms. Ashcroft and Mr. Chioffi discussed similar concerns they have heard. This topic will be brought up with the Police Department.
10. The tax rate calculation sheet was reviewed using the updated figures.
    1. The homestead rate has decreased to 1.6750.
    2. The non-resident rate has decreased to 1.8116.
11. Mr. Chioffi moved to approve the homestead tax rate of 1.6750 and the non-resident tax rate of 1.8116. Mr. Denardo seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0.

Mr. Chioffi moved to adjourn. Ms. Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0.

 

Mary Ashcroft, Chair

Joseph Denardo, Clerk

ABSENT

John Paul Faignant

Sharon Russell

Don Chioffi

 

Center Rutland, VT.