Minutes
Finance Commission · from the Town's website · 2 pages · 111 KB
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Finance Commission Minutes Thursday May 21, 2026 6pm Town Hall / Harvey Hearing Room Meeting called to order at 6:05 pm by Chair Matt Gorzkowcz ROLL CALL: Present: Matt Gorzkowcz, Karin Chavis, Bill Gault, Shannon Poulos, Christian Buonopane, Michael Gillespie, Kirn Dimes, Paul Reardon Absent: Joe Hanlon, Max Tassinari On Zoom: Sarah Johnson/Finance Director, Robbie Powers/Ass’t CFO Zoom information: Meeting ID 867-3067-1761 Passcode 959489 Phone # 1-646-931-3860 Motion by chair to accept minutes of May 14, 2026 Motion by Bill Gault second by Kim Dimes Yesvote/ Gorzkowicz ,Chavis, Gault, Buonopane, Gillespie, Dimes, Reardon Abstain /Poulos Chair introduced Kathy Hickey/Deputy Assessor from the Assessor’s Department Accomplishments for FY 2026 1. 10 year cyclical evaluations of real estate property/ letters of notification sent to the 5000 property owners as per the regulations of DOR 2. New Growth continues to be on the rise $349,398.00 3. Fully staffed office, restructured/ all are cross trained that are interested/ Ass’t assessor and principal clerk are completing mandatory certification courses within DLS (Division of Local Services) 4. Statutory, qualified veterans and senior exemptions reviewed and processed using new check list 5. Abatements reviewed, inspected and processed (27 total) 6. Use of Open Gov monthly reports for up to date data for permits 7. Mapping update 7, Work with consultants for classification, DOR reporting to establish Tax Rate Goals for FY 2027 1. Continue to cross train staff to broaden knowledge for better communication with taxpayers 2, Update of web site 3. Retain the NEAR MAP GIS helpful to Assessors office because of changing technology 4. Review of all exempt properties to meet DOR requirements 5. Continue to make office user friendly for ESL taxpayers The Board of Assessors are appointed by the council; they list and value all real and personal property. The current members are made up of Lawyer/ real estate broker and appraiser-assessor Motor vehicle excise tax information comes from the RMV for excise collection (11,000 vehicles) Boat excise tax information is from the Environmental Police, loca! Yacht Clubs, Marinas and has resulted in significant increase in numbers (900) Operating Budget for Assessing Department has no major changes. Noted the consulting line item down $9,220.00 due to they provide education to office staff, so less hours are needed from outside vendor Chair thanked, Ms. Hickey for her presentation. Commission general discussion: 1. Golf Club up to date on lease payment and current water/sewer. New payment plan to pay the $142,000.00 outstanding water/sewer with 5.5% interest over 5 years 2. EB Newton, per TM, old building, needs much TLC, working with Building Maint for repairs 3. TM working with School AD, Superintendent, and Parks and Rec to establish care and upkeep of all town parks, play grounds and athletic fields 4. All members of commission received the 3 year forecast of town, revenue and appropriation 5. Items for council to concentrate on FY2027 IT Department, need for Chief Info person explore Al for use in Town Health Insurance share of town and employee for upcoming employees not current ? Trash, Solid waste, fee Current is $95.00 per barrel. Probable increase (per TM) to $100.00 per barrel Dpw director stated that to fully fund would be #310.00 per barrel (1 barrel per single unit) MA/HS gym floor needs refinish, cost $30,000 (not listed for @027 Capital Budget Fire has new engine coming shortly and order in for new Ladder Police has new cruiser for FY 27 DPW replacing 2 trucks, continue lease to own 2 trucks and purchase pick up for use in watering Question asked if School and town could merge Payroll and IT , Stated that more money could be coming to town for smaller projects from the state through Senator Edwards. FY 2027 budget has not been voted by House and Senate, Cheery sheet could be different, nothing Really positive now. Matt is compiling list of questions for both TM and School Superintendent that he will email to them Before our next meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm Minutes by’ Karin Chavis