AGENDA REQUEST
GENERAL DISCUSSION ITEM
Subject:
title
Discussion relative to the need for an administrator position to oversee the WPCA
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Background:
There is an annual fee assessed to both the water fund and the sewer fund to compensate the general fund for staff time spent handling multiple tasks by multiple employees. This includes but is not limited to posting and reviewing of cash receipts, all phases of accounts payable, bank reconciliations, budget preparation, capital asset reporting, audit readiness and reporting, various administrative tasks, debt management., etc.
Finance Department Comment/Recommendation:
The WPCA is the only town department that does not have regular administrative oversight. This is a critical position that should not rest on the shoulders of volunteer board members.
It is my recommendation that a part time administrative paid position be restored for the following reasons:
1. Budgetary oversight. While the finance department is heavily involved in WPCA transactional activity, the department should not be relied upon to manage expenses to budget.
2. Oversight of the Groton Utilities contract. The town needs administrative oversight of the Groton Utilities contract to ensure the contract is being followed and properly adhered to.
3. All phases of grant management.
4. Improved Communication and Bridge to the Finance Department.
The effort put forth by the volunteer board members is greatly appreciated.
It has also been suggested that the Council liaison needs to be more actively involved.