The Franklin TV video is available for replay -
Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget
My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/view?usp=drive_link
Quick recap:
- Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first
- Discussion on the accounting for and if the Maplegate solar permits are in this year or next. It was received this year but may or may not become free cash, it depends upon the budget line item and whether that amount is over or under the budgeted amount
- Gus could use another inspector, it would pay for itself but others do need the resources more; Currently have 1.5 used to have 3 clerical; inspectors have also become administrators, and it reduces some revenue opportunity
- Brutus, DPW up next, slides on his highlights captured with pictures, soon to be an album shared here - The DPW slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/QygUrNZyWASVr6MbA
- Use of pre-buy locked in rates through Norfolk County procurement has been good. Haven't locked in for next year yet due to the recent market gyrations
- Discussion on the creation of Stormwater and the shortage for grounds (2 personnel)
- We have to change something or nothing will change It is clear now why we did ask for an override.
- Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back
- Took 23 years to get to the budgeted amount (54) which at that time would have successfully serviced the population at that time
- Hired 44 police officers since 2016 due to retirees and turnover, it should slow down ... The force is younger, hiring is harder, not many want to apply. It is getting more difficult. Only 9 months out of 10 years have the dept been at full staff.
- The mental health clinicians provide great value, post COVID. They see over 800 people a year. The pilot was successful, we looked to expand and with additional grant funds we did. The single best change in law enforcements I have seen in my 30 years
- Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.
- 3rd ambulance still in part time, 40 hours per work
- Would need 4 more to get to 13/shift to staff the ambulance all the time
- During this meeting, there were 2 calls that were serviced by outside and transported to the hospital so those were lost revenue ... The nature of the call would determine the amount of the revenue It is not just the ambulance, it is also the ladder truck
- Definition clarification on level service, the service provided is not necessarily at the same funding required; there is also a level funded budget where the funded
- $ for one year remains the same (and usually services are cut)
- And yes, there is some funkiness with this level service budget as there are things being added back, so is it this year's level service or the desired part of some prior year's service?
- Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered
- Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it
- Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year
So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more around a table rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.
