Selectboard Minutes 11-15-2022
Selectboard Meeting 11-15-2022
TOWN OF RUTLAND SELECTBOARD OPEN MEETING
RUTLAND TOWN MUNICIPAL TOWN HALL
181 BUSINESS ROUTE 4, CENTER RUTLAND, VT 05736
NOVEMBER 15th, 2022
This meeting had a virtual attendance option available for anyone to join.
- Meeting opened at 6:06 P.M. with the pledge of allegiance
- Board members present Don Chioffi, Mary Ashcroft, Sharon Russell, and Kurt Hathaway
Selectwoman Ashcroft moved to enter executive session to hear legal advice from Town Counsel. Selectman Hathaway seconded motion. The motion passed unanimously. The board entered executive session at 6:10 PM.
Upon leaving executive session, Selectwoman Ashcroft moved the Selectboard approve the draft letter from the Town of Rutland Selectboard to the Town of West Rutland Selectboard supporting the Fire District and Town of West Rutland arrangement and to authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. The motion passed 3 – 0.
The main purpose for this meeting is to discuss the draft budget proposals for the general budget.
Transfer Station Manager Larry Dell Veneri was present and discussed his proposal for the budget. The total for transfer station expenses in the proposed budget is $121,136. This represents an increase over the last budget of $2325.
First Constable Michael Delehanty was present and discussed his proposal for the budget. There is a large increase in the salary line, based on current patrol figures. After some discussion, this will be adjusted down, with directed patrol costs to come from the Cortina Inn settlement funds. Based on information from the Town Auditor, the settlement funds can be separated and maintained for this specific purpose. Other budget requests were discussed and added to the draft.
Second Constable and Health Officer John Paul Faignant was present and discussed his proposal for the budget. The increases represent projections based on services currently being provided and the expected need for this budget year. Other budget requests were discussed and added to the draft.
Discussed anticipated revenue figures. Most revenue items should be consistent. The local option tax income was discussed. One payment for this fiscal year has been received. The next one is expected soon. After some discussion, $1,200,000 will be used and may be changed based on the next payment received. Delinquent property tax revenue projections will stay the same.
Discussed other expenses in the general budget. Final personnel costs can be calculated once a determination is made on payroll increases. The current budget includes a 9% increase is salaries, based on the federal government increase. Selectwoman Ashcroft stated that Selectman Denardo, missing from tonight’s meeting, should be included in the discussion. A 5% increase was proposed as an alternative. Increases in years past has been above the average cost of living increase. After an extensive discussion, no decision was reached.
Selectwoman Ashcroft moved to adjourn. Selectman Hathaway seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Mr. Bill Sweet
| Don Chioffi, Chair |
|
ABSENT |
| Joseph Denardo, Clerk |
| Mary Ashcroft |
| Sharon Russell |
| Kurt Hathaway |
Center Rutland, VT.