Budget Overview Committee
BUDGET OVERVIEW COMMITTEE
February 28, 2013
Town Hall Lower Level Lounge, 7:30 meeting
Officers: Bill Drake Chairman District 5 (Delegate) Steve Warzoha Vice Chairman District 9 (Delegate)
John E Norrgard Secretary District 6 (Delegate)
Members: John A. Duge, Jr. District 1
John Cracraft District 2
Robert Allen District 3 absent
James Bonney District 4 absent
Bill Drake District 5
John (Erik) Norrgard District 6
Lucia Jansen District 7
Christine Edwards District 8
Steve Warzoha District 9
Bert Metter District 10 absent
Michael Wacek District 11
David Alfano District 12 absent
Alternates: Carl Carlson, Jr. District 1 absent
Duncan Burke District 2 absent
Michael Warner District 3 absent
Brian O’Connor District 4 absent
Dan Ozizmir District 5
Jackie Hammock District 6
William Gorgas District 7
Steve Gordon District 8 absent
Carol Zarilli District 9 absent
Frank Denicola District 10 absent
Michael Spilo District 11 absent
Gregory Schulte District 12 absent
The Chairman opened the meeting introducing guests in attendance:
Peter Tesei, First Selectman
Nancy Pepe, Director of Human Resources
John Crary, Office of the First Selectman
Leslie Tarkington, BET
Chief James Heavey, Greenwich Police Department
Captain Mark Kordick, Greenwich Police Department
Greg Hannigan, Greenwich Police Department
Don Conway, District 2
First Selectman Tesei opened with a brief presentation of the budget in the departments comprising General Government. He then addressed the labor contract calendar with a handout and asked that the BOC provide earlier input during the contract process. He addressed certain reclassifications in the category Contributions to External Entities. After an explanation of inefficiencies and the error rate in administering the payroll, the First Selectman introduced the Head of Human Resources for a review of the current efforts to improve payroll administration.
Mary Pepe, Director of Human Resources then gave an overview of an initiative to move away from time cards and manual data entry to an automated online system. The current system requires 6 people, 45 time sheets, and 3 different manual entry points. The system is at high risk for errors. It was noted errors in favor of the employees are rarely discovered. The new system which may cost about $2 million would likely save more than $300-500,000 per year. In addition the new system would allow for real time data studies that should aid in the contract process. This initiative is in its early stages.
A Q&A time followed. The Director explained her department increased headcount as the workman’s comp administrator was moved from the finance department. The First Selectman addressed questions regarding efficiencies, the level of town services, and potential budget constraints.
Chief Heavey and Captain Kordick presented an overview of their department. Again, the main budget drivers are salary and compensation related. The growth of those items is squeezing the other budget items. They also addressed the staffing problem of filling the uniformed ranks. The long hiring and training process requires continual focus. It was noted that a large percentage of the current force could choose to retire anytime which would exacerbate this staffing issue.
The committee then proceeded to discuss the current budget. Potential areas of reduction were discussed. It was decided that a series of ppt slides would be developed for the next RTM meeting in April to educate the body on the budget pressures and possible places the budget could be reduced. It is the intent of the committee to identify and present line item resolutions to offer the RTM an opportunity to reduce the budget.
No other topics being suggested, upon a motion made, seconded and approved, the meeting concluded at approximately 10:20 pm.
Draft minutes submitted by Erik Norrgard and Bill Drake