Machine-extracted text of a publicly
posted document, provided for reference and search. The original document at
the link above is authoritative.
COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, Connecticut
BUDGET FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
June 7, 2023 8:00 AM
Pupil Services Conference Room
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Christopher Rivers, Alexander Oliphant
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Tomasi
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Charles E. Hewes
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Accountant Michelle Marceau,
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Committee Chair Christopher Rivers called the meeting to order at 8:02 AM
1.2 Roll Call
Committee Chair Christopher Rivers conducted a roll call of the Committee
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
2.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
3. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
3.1 *Approval of Budget Finance Committee Minutes of May 3, 2023
Motion by: A.Oliphant
To approve the Budget Finance Committee minutes of May 3, 2023
Seconded by: C.Rivers
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
3.2 Budget Reports
Rachel Linkkila reviewed the monthly budget report for May 2023. Discussion was had
in regard to legal fees. Superintendent Sullivan reported that the budget that was passed
at the State held districts harmless in regard to education cost sharing (ECS) for this year
and next.
Ms. Linkkila reviewed the cafeteria report. Currently, the state is offering free meals
which contributes to food services' current available balance.
3.3 Budget Transfers Under $5,000
Ms. Linkklia discussed budget transfers under $5,000. Ms. Linkkila said insurance and
telephone upgrades came in higher than budgeted.
3.4 Budget Transfers Over $5,000
Ms. Linkkila reviewed the end of year budget transfer request over $5,000. Ms. Linkkila
said that she would like to transfer funds from the salary line to cover the telephone
upgrade. The funds available in the salary line are partly due to not filling the
communications office professional in the central office, as well as shifting from a
Director of Human Resources to a Human Resources Coordinator. Ms. Linkkila stated
that although the district was able to save money on electricity, heating oil costs increased
so there is a transfer request between these two lines.
Motion by: A. Oliphant
To accept budget transfers over $5,000 and send them to the full board for review and
approval.
Seconded by: C. Rivers
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried
3.5 *Funding for Summer Projects
Discussion was had in regard to summer maintenance projects needing to be completed
throughout the district. Ms. Linkkila said she took small line overages from several lines
to pay for building repairs that were essential throughout the year. Discussion was had
in regard to summer maintenance projects, the technology plan, and capital plan. The
Committee recommended that the technology plan and capital plan be brought to the
facilities committee for review.
Motion by: A. Oliphant
To add the solar/electricity proposal discussion to the agenda as item 3.6
Seconded by: C. Rivers
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried
3.6 Solar/Electricity Proposal
Mr. Sullivan discussed the electricity/solar proposal which will need to be decided on by
July.
The Committee decided that the next meeting of the Budget Finance Committee will be
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 8:00 AM in lieu of July 5, 2023.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
4.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: A.Oliphant
To adjourn the meeting at 9:00 AM
Seconded by: C.Rivers
Roll call: Motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Heather R. Petit
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk