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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-21 Finance Committee Minutes � � � �� z�i,, �f am m� �;i � � w �� �m m � Finance Committee Minutes October 21, 2024 Council Chambers, 262 Harlow St. Councilors in Attendance (Committee Members): Tremble, Fournier, Deane, Leonard, Yacoubagha Other Councilors in Attendance: Pelletier, Schaefer, Fish, Hawes Staff in Attendance: Little, Morin, Emerson, Pelletier, Saavedra, Szewczyk, Laurie Meeting Start: 5:25 PM 1. Bids/Purchasing a. Ticket Vending Machine — Community Connector—VenTek - $64,816 Motion made and seconded to recommend purchase; motion passed unanimously b. Shuttle Van —Airport— Model 1 - $109,827 Motion made and seconded to recommend purchase; motion passed unanimously 2. Taxpayer Request— Write-off Finance Director Little presented staff's position to not recommend the request from Fresh Start Inc. to write-off the taxes on seven properties. Fresh Start Inc. has previously filed an exemption application with the City Assessor, which was denied, and appealed that denial to the Board of Assessment Review which upheld the denial. Mr. Scott Pardy requested to speak to the Finance Committee on behalf of Fresh Start Inc. and asked the Committee to consider some amount of assistance. The request was related to Fresh Start Inc. converting from a for-profit to a non-profit entity and the timing of the paperwork provided to the City Assessor. Mr. Pardy explained the timeline and that the final approval from the IRS was not received until after the April 1, 2024, deadline required by State Statute. Councilor Yacoubagha recommended writing off 50% of the taxes due, the motion was seconded by Councilor Leonard but was defeated by a 3-2 vote. Councilor Tremble expressed that he believes Fresh Start Inc. performs an important service for the community, but he could not support any write-off, echoing staff's concerns of setting a precedent for other organizations to come forth with similar requests. Motion was made and seconded to follow staff's recommendation for no adjustment to the taxes; motion passed unanimously 3. Order—Authorizing Retroactive Authorization to Apply for Allocation Funding From the Penobscot County Emergency Management Agency for Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 for Police and Fire in the Amounts of$109,429 and $81,247 Finance Director Little discussed that changes on the Homeland Security funding allocation through the State changed in Fiscal Year 2022 and staff did not request authorization from the Council to apply for or accept any funding. Staff did apply for funding through Penobscot County and was awarded funds which have not yet been drawn down. Also discussed was that a separate Council Resolve would be coming forward to accept and appropriate the awarded funding. The Resolve would require two readings of the Council and with the upcoming election, it would cross Councils, so staff indicated that the Resolve would be held until after the election. Councilor Fournier commented that it would be better to complete the process with the current Council and asked about waiving the second reading of the Resolve. Director Little and City Manager Laurie concurred that the Council had the authority to waive the second reading. Other Councilors expressed agreement so staff indicated the Resolve would be scheduled for the next full Council meeting. Motion made and seconded to recommend approval of the Order; motion passed unanimously 4. Interim Financials a. Fourth Quarter— Fiscal Year 2024 b. First Quarter— Fiscal Year 2025 Finance Director Little provided a review of draft Fiscal Year 2024 General Fund financial statements. The presented financials were in draft form as the City's year end audit was underway and there would be additional entries made to the accounts based on the normal audit process. Finance Director Little also provided a review of the first quarter Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund financial statements. Meeting Adjourned: 6:12 PM Upcoming Items(subject to change) (Anticipated dates are subject to change) • Abatement Policy (TBA)