Role of the Town Manager:
• Chief Administrative Officer of the Town
• Responsible for hiring of all Department Heads
• Manage the Human Resources of the Town
• Assumes financial responsibility for the Town
• Responsible for developing the Operating Budget
• Negotiate all contracts for the Town
• Procurement and inventory of all assets
• Attend Town Meetings addressing all concerns
Town Manager Report
March 5, 2013
Budget. The proposed Fiscal Year 2014 has been presented to the Finance Committee, the Board, and Department Heads. Across the board, the $28.9 million budget represents level funding of expenses. The budget is based on several assumptions, actions and unknowns. These include State Aid figures, insurance costs, energy savings, and revenue options such as the meals tax. Changes to any one of these would require adjustments to the budget.
The Finance Committee has scheduled several meetings in March to go over the budget and to meet with departments. I expect that the budget will evolve over the next month as more information is known and comments are received from departments, the Finance Committee, and the Selectmen. All thoughts are welcome.
Capital Planning. The Capital Planning Committee will begin planning recommendations and adjustments to the Plan at the end of March. Boards and Departments are being encourage to present projects for consideration.
Insurance Update. Allison Genetelli and the Insurance Advisory Committee are making steady progress toward a proposal for cost savings and insurance plan changes. The IAC invited the Group Insurance Commission to a meeting last week to explain their plans. This was attended by 60-70 past and present employees. If the Town is interested in the GIC as an option, it could choose to move there for next January or July. Next week the IAC will hear from a Health New England representative.
Based on the past year’s claims and continued higher co-pays, the current Blue Cross plan’s premiums would be reduced by 2%. An increase of 3% to 4% had been anticipated. With changes being discussed by the IAC, an additional $75,000 of savings would be achieved.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. The Town Attorney is currently reviewing a proposed agreement with Kanzaki Special Papers for the purchase of equipment. The design phase of the project is moving forward with the consultant engineers and the DPW Director and Plant Operator reviewing different systems.
Property Auction. The tax title property auction held on Thursday raised $34,700 on six properties. Four properties went unsold and will likely be included in a future auction to be held after June.
Next meeting: March 19 at the High School library. Agenda items include a meeting/vote regarding retired teacher insurance, meeting with the Police Chief as Police Commissioners, and opening the warrants for Annual and Special Town Meeting.
Annual Report 2011 0215.pdf
2012 Annual Report.pdf
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