TOWN OF MANSFIELD

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES OF MAY 12, 2008

Present: Committee members - Carl Schaefer (Chair), Bruce Clouette

Council members – Gene Nesbitt

Staff members - Matt Hart, Jeff Smith, Cherie Trahan, Maria Capriola

Guests – none in attendance

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

We began with the approval of the minutes of the April 14, 2008 and May 7, 2008 Finance Committee meeting.

Carl Schaefer opened with a discussion on the State health insurance initiatives. Matt Hart explained that there are currently two initiatives being discussed at the State level. Issues to be discussed include: whether we would see any true savings because the State plan benefits are richer than ours; near-term savings may not be substantial, but long term savings may be more viable; should we retain our self-insurance status. Jeff Smith explained that being in a bigger pool of participants could help to even out the big individual yearly increases.

Matt Hart reported that the State will hold a special session in June to consider the extension of the Conveyance tax.

Jeff Smith reviewed the March 31, 2008 quarterly financial report. We are still faced with a revenue shortfall and possibly expenditures over budget. The State did not pass any grant formula changes for 2008/09. Items planned to be discussed for 2009/10 are: fully funding the PILOT grant and changes to the formula for allocation of the Pequot Mohegan monies. The current Pequot formula is benefiting the towns with prisons. Our

problem is that our State-owned property is greater than our taxable grand list.

Jeff also reviewed the process for collecting delinquent taxes. Staff meets quarterly to discuss outstanding real estate taxes.

Final discussion was the format of the Annual Town Meeting.

Motions:

Motion was made by Bruce Clouette and seconded by Carl Schaefer to accept the April 14, 2008 minutes. Motion so passed.

Motion was made by Bruce Clouette and seconded by Carl Schaefer to accept the May 7, 2008 minutes. Motion so passed.

Motion was made by Bruce Clouette and seconded by Carl Schaefer to adjourn. Motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cherie Trahan

Controller/Treasurer