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Shrewsbury aldermen, finance commissioners review FY2024 draft budget and discuss health insurance changes
Summary
At a Nov. 21 budget workshop, Shrewsbury city staff presented FY2024 Draft Budget v1.2 with proposed fee increases and departmental expense cuts; Finance Commissioners urged against passing an unbalanced budget and the board spent substantial time considering future changes to employee health insurance as a cost-saving measure.
On Nov. 21, 2023, the City of Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen met in an open joint budget workshop with the Finance Commission to review the FY2024 Draft Budget v1.2.
Mayor Mike Travaglini asked Director of Administration and Finance Diana Madrid to present proposed changes compiled by department heads. Madrid outlined a package of proposals that included revenue increases through higher parks and recreation fees and increased permit costs from the Building and Housing Department and other departments. Police Chief Lisa Vargas and Fire Chief Chris Amenn presented departmental budgets that included several significant cuts to expenses intended to lower overall spending.
Finance Commissioner Ed Purvis, joined by Finance Commissioners Amie Koenen and Grace Kincaid, delivered written recommendations to the Board urging that the council refrain from passing an unbalanced budget. "The Board agreed to get as close as possible to a balanced budget," the record shows, while also noting a desire to continue major city projects that could affect budget balance.
Most of the substantive discussion centered on whether and how to change the health insurance options the city offers employees and their dependents as a potential source of savings in future fiscal years. Speakers discussed this as a topic for future decision-making; the workshop did not adopt any specific change or policy regarding health benefits during the meeting.
No formal votes were taken on the FY2024 budget itself during the workshop. The session concluded when Alderman Keith Peters moved to adjourn and Alderman Greg Lauter seconded; the motion carried by unanimous voice vote and the meeting adjourned.
Attendance listed in the workshop record included Mayor Mike Travaglini; Aldermen Keith Peters, John Odenwald, Presley Barker, Michael Schmelzle and Greg Lauter; Alderperson Bette Welch; Fire Chief Chris Amenn; Police Chief Lisa Vargas; Director of Parks & Recreation Chris Buck; Director of Administration and Finance Diana Madrid; Public Works Superintendent Tony Wagner; City Clerk Spencer Owens; and Finance Commissioners Ed Purvis, Amie Koenen and Grace Kincaid.
