Welcome to Burrillville, RI - 5-18-06 Council Public Hearing

PUBLIC HEARING of the Town Council held Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 7:00 o'clock p.m. in the auditorium of the Burrillville High School, 425 East Avenue, Harrisville, for and within the Town of Burrillville.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees; Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Councilors Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley and Ronald E. Faford.

Bridgitte Buxton, Vice Chair of the Budget Board, addressed those present, noting that Arthur R. Hurley, Chair, was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Ms. Buxton said that the Budget Board had presented the best possible budget with the data available at the time and that the Manager’s recommendation was based on additional information received in the interim. On behalf of the Budget Board, Ms. Buxton:

· applauded the police union for accepting the benefit (health care) package included in their recent contract, which should result in reduced expenses;

· noted that an additional police department position had been included in the proposal, which should result in reduced overtime expenses; the board recommended that overtime be monitored;

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, acknowledged that the Budget Board had presented a carefully considered budget and thanked them for a job well-done. Mr. Wood summarized the proposed budget, as outlined in his budget message dated May 1, 2006 (a copy of which is on file with the record of the meeting). Mr. Wood indicated that the proposal was well within the mandatory 5.5% cap. He said that the proposal included an 8.4% increase ($721,840) for municipal government, a 2.75% ($700,000) increase for the school department and a 19.76% ($1,009,339) for debt service, noting that the increases in debt service are associated with the Library, Callahan, refinancing and sewer projects.

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, briefly discussed the capital improvement plan (CIP), commenting that the CIP budget was funded from outside sources and does not affect the tax rate and that the CIP budget had been approved earlier by the Town Council but is included in the overall FY2007 Budget. He said that the Municipal and School budgets and debt service affect the tax rate.

Mr. Wood said that after several years of temporary solutions, the problems associated with RIGL §45-13-13 had been resolved, resulting in increased revenue. Mr. Wood indicated that the repeal of RIGL §45-13-13 might have a further effect of increasing the school construction reimbursement rate, which might result in increasing revenues by $350,000. He noted that the Budget Board proposal had not included that amount and that adjustments might be required should the construction reimbursement be different than indicated.

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager reviewed the proposed tax rate and increase. The motor vehicle rate of $40.00 remains unchanged, he said, noting that State law prohibits any change. The projected tax rate of $13.40 per $1,000 reflects an increase of $ .35, which would result in an increase of $84.00 per year on an average home.

· said he included an increase in the budget for infrastructure/road improvements, in keeping with his understanding of the policy to anticipate changes related to the end of the agreement with Ocean State Power;

· pointed out that his proposal includes an increase for utilities at the Recreation Department related to the relocation to 92 North Main St.

In closing his comments, Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, referred to the tables comparing income and average property taxes statewide (copies of which are on file with the record of the meeting) discussing the relative affordability of the Town. Mr. Wood credited the Town Council with keeping costs down despite several areas where expenses are difficult to control.

Mark Brizard of 617 Victory Highway commended the Town Council, Manager and Administration on a job well done. Mr. Brizard spoke of the challenges to municipal budgets, including bonded indebtedness, school budget increases, health insurance and an infrastructure program. Mr. Brizard supported seeking revenues from sources other than taxes.

Mr. Brizard supported the redevelopment of the villages, discussed the advantages of 55 and older communities and addressed the appropriate utilization of industrial parks for non-retail purposes.

Mr. Brizard voiced concerns about the expense of housing town offices in leased space, opposed new construction for town purposes and suggested that property owned by the Town should be used utilized for town business.

Mr. Brizard discussed the Town’s involvement in Commerce Park, suggested that the price paid to the town for property at Commerce Park was too low, and asked that the Town Council rethink the selling price of property going forward.

I am certainly aware that financial times are difficult, but we run an extremely tight ship and our budget, as submitted, was yet again disciplined.

Much of our additional request is to add a new position as we work toward the manning of the new library – which, if all goes as planned will open in two years. The Council agreed to a level of budget support for the new library of $525,000 as part of our OLIS application process.

Finally, I would note that we open bids today for the new building. Assuming we have a credible bidder(s), we will be planning a groundbreaking for sometime this summer. All of you, of course, will be invited to this exciting event – the cornerstone of the rejuvenation of the Stillwater complex, the future heart of Harrisville.

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, addressed the comments by Mark Brizard. Regarding the lease of space for town offices, Mr. Wood said that the Town Building is too small to accommodate all offices. He further said that, while there are reports that the town spent large amounts to renovate the Town Hall Annex, the Town did not pay for the renovation but made minor alterations to accommodate information technology needs. Mr. Wood also indicated that considerable investigation had been done and the per square foot amount of the lease is comparable to or less than other space available in Town.

Regarding Commerce Park, Mr. Wood said that Mr. Brizard’s comments would be taken into consideration. He noted that he and the Town Council realize the importance of Commerce Park, wish to take full advantage of the location, and that the property would be conveyed at marketable price.

Councilor Jacqueline Zahn asked the Budget Board to clarify their decision related to the Jesse Smith Library budget. Brigitte Buxton, Vice Chair of the Budget Board, noted that the Library’s request for additional staff for FY2007 appeared to the Board to be premature since the new library would not be complete for two years.

Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The motion was unanimous by the five members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley and Ronald E. Faford. Councilor William A. Andrews was excused due to vacation. Councilor Edward F. Bonczek was absent.

Council President Wallace F. Lees recognized the Department Heads for attending the public hearing. He noted that the Department Heads work very hard, do a great job and run a very tight ship. Council President Lees thanked the members of the administration for their efforts.

Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Nancy F. Binns. The motion was unanimous by the five members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley and Ronald E. Faford. Councilor William A. Andrews was excused due to vacation. Councilor Edward F. Bonczek was absent.