Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD)
Brattleboro, Vermont
Finance Committee Meeting
Via ZOOM and In-Person
DRAFT Minutes of January 9, 2025
Committee Members Present: Committee Chair-Merrill Mundell, Wilmington; Patrick Moreland, Brattleboro; Michelle Cherrier, Dummerston; Sandra Rulewich, Vernon; Liz Spector, Wardsboro; Also present: Jim Pinkerton, BOS alternate, Vernon
Committee Members Absent: Jim Damato, Readsboro
WSWMD Staff Present: Robert Spencer, Executive Director; Vicki Hayes, Finance Manager & HR Administrator; Peter Gaskill, Programs Coordinator; Anita Grant, Office Manager & Operations Liaison/District Clerk
Merrill called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM
- Changes and/or Additions to the Agenda: Merrill asked that a discussion take place after Agenda item #4 regarding any contingencies in place in the event of another recession. (Section 4A.)*
- Approval of Minutes- November 2024:
Michelle motioned to approve the November 2024 minutes as written, Patrick seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
- Approval of Check Register- December 2024:
Merrill asked about the checks issued to Medicare. Vicki explained that the District saves money by having employees aged 65 and over purchase Medicare plans privately and then reimbursing them, which is cheaper than the Blue Cross Plan. This aligns with the District’s policy to pay 100% of employee medical expenses.
A question was asked about the check to Adam Mayotte for clearing the plastic trash from the compost field. Bob explained that a lot of it surfaced as they were prepping and grading the site for construction and that he had negotiated a lower rate.
Patrick made a motion to recommend the BOS approve the December 2024 check register, Michelle seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
- Approval of Financial Statement- December 2024:
Vicki happily reported an almost $10,000 surplus for December. Although the financials ended with a surplus on paper of $127,000, there is $117,000 in Compost Facility Expansion (CFE) grant money that was received that has yet to be allocated to the construction in progress account. She also reported that the $241,000 received in revenue was also inflated due to the grant money receipt, but that the net revenues were up 7% ahead of budget, and expenses minus the CFE tailings expense are only a half percent above budget through six months. Vicki assumes by the March meeting that the bills will be broken out properly and the financials will reflect the actual surplus or deficit.
Patrick made a motion to recommend the BOS approve the financial statement for December 2024, Liz seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
*4A. A short discussion ensued to ensure that the District was prepared to offset any financial disruptions in the case of another recession. Bob & Vicki assured Merrill that the annual fee adjustment in April is the next opportunity to address revenue generation as necessary. Bob said there also could be a reduction in staff hours or positions. (Vicki, Bob, Peter, and Alex are already part-time).
- Executive Session (if needed): None
- Next Meeting: Thursday, March 13, 2025 @ 5 PM (No meeting in February due to WSWMD charter)
- Other Business: None
- Adjournment: 5:37 P.M.
Minutes prepared by:
Anita Grant
Office Manager & Operations Liaison/District Clerk