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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, Connecticut
BUDGET FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
April 19, 2023 8:00 AM
Pupil Services Conference Room
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Christopher Rivers, Alexander Oliphant, Michelle
Millington
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Tomasi
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Accountant Michelle Marceau,
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit, Board of Finance Liaison
Michael Egan
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Committee Chair Christopher Rivers called the meeting to order at 8:03 AM
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING COMPLETING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND PAYROLL
WITH THE TRANSITION OF BANKING SERVICES
Discussion was had in regard to the Town changing its bank from M&T Bank to Dime Bank.
Rachel Linkkila discussed the ongoing challenges related to the transfer of funds. Ms. Linkkila
stated that the Town had not received the funds they transferred to cover both payroll or accounts
payable as of Monday of this week. Ms. Linkkila said she had discussed this issue with the
Town Business Director Mary Williamson last week as there was only $1,000 in the account and
the Board of Education could not run accounts payable or payroll. Ms. Linkkila stated that as of
yesterday, there were additional funds put into the new account. Ms. Linkkila reported that the
Board of Education (BOE) finance department will run payroll to ensure that all BOE employees
are paid timely. and will wait on accounts payable. Ms. Linkkila said the Town decided to run
their accounts payable and also their payroll with the current funds in the account. Ms. Linkkila
said that more funds will need to be transferred.
Additionally, Ms. Linkkila said that she and Finance Associate Suzie Clark, were asked to attend
a meeting in the First Selectman’s office with the Town Finance Director, Town Treasurer, Dime
Bank representative, First Selectman, and Board of Finance Chair. During the meeting, Ms.
Linkkila was asked to take over changing the bank in Munis for the Town and BOE. Ms.
Linkkila recommended that the Town run payroll and accounts payable processes in a training
environment in Munis and work with Munis on the bank transition. Ms. Linkkila said she will
stay in the loop; however, the Town should take the lead on this issue with town accounts.
Ms. Linkkila said that she is confident all Board of Education employees will be timely paid. Mr.
Rivers stated the BOE finance department should not be leading the effort to switch financial
institutions as this impacts the entire town government and therefore should be a town
responsibility. Mr. Rivers recommended that the BOE finance staff continue to be proactive and
follow up with the Town about the transfer of funds each week. Mr. Rivers asked the Board of
Education finance department to keep the committee updated on the situation.
Michael Egan stated the town has hired an additional person for their finance department and is
also moving forward with two additional staff from Robert Half to assist the department in the
months ahead. Ms. Linkkila highlighted that the town finance department would then have five
staff, one more than BOE, which should be helpful for the town moving forward.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: A. Oliphant
To adjourn the meeting at 8:38 AM.
Seconded by: M. Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Motion carried.