FINANCE COMMITTEE
MINUTES – APRIL 7, 2003
TOWN HALL – 7:30 P.M.
Members present: Tuck, Pietal, Grasfield, Bergeron, Bluestein, Goodman, Hearne, Sirkin, (Garza). Members absent: Fixler, Gillen, Heitin
1. The minutes of March 31 were approved with the following change: In # 12, insert “the interest earned on” between “less than” and “the $1,300,000”. Vote: 6-0-1
2. Town Treasurer R. Uyttebroek explained that Article 21 would transfer money from the High School Building Committee to the School Committee.
3. Executive Secretary B. Puritz reported that, since the last Priorities Committee meeting, the governor proposed changes in state aid, dependent on legislative action. He said that the revenue forecast was within $13,000 of being on target until the increase in the Southeastern Regional School assessment. If the $40,000 the Priorities Committee reduced from the proposed Reserve Fund is applied, there would be a short fall of $122,568 with the governor’s proposal. He does not expect the numbers to be available before the business session of Town Meeting. He suggested either voting on the budget with no reconsideration or not voting on financial matters until an adjourned Town Meeting.
4. Puritz reported that the Assessor had estimated a $307,000 cost to the changes proposed for 41C exemptions in Article 6, based on 35% of those eligible. The Executive Secretary said that a more temperate position had been discussed with Council on Aging Director N. Fitzgerald and Council of Aging member M. Leventhal. He expressed a need for a close refinement of the revenue forecast and the recap sheet. Tuck suggested that the proponents come up with alternatives to adjust other budgets, as is usually done in Town Meeting when budget increases are proposed. Puritz reminded the Committee that the Assistant Assessor had come up with a possible $1,000,000 cost, if all the proposed exemptions are approved. The Executive Secretary expressed a need to evaluate the impact of the exemptions on the
operating budgets in an affordable and absorbable way to help the most needy. He replied to a question from Bluestein by saying that changes in the ages, exemption amount and income requirements could be made. Puritz added that the proposed decreases in the interest rate to 4% for the tax deferments would make it more attractive, but many in that generation are reluctant to use that option. He did see a value in retaining the senior citizen population.
5. Puritz explained that the Assessors had raised the amount of the overlay and Uyttebroek suggested this was possibly because there are more applications for abatements in a revaluation year. The Treasurer explained that revenue is composed of taxation, state aid and fees for local services. In reply to Hearne’s question about the estimate for new growth being increased since December, Puritz explained that the December figure was based on trend analysis, while the latter figure was from the Assessors after analyzing building permit activity. Grasfield questioned what accounted for the levy increase of 7.44%. Puritz pointed out that there is no capacity for a significant difference in state aid this year. He explained the down trend in free cash which he believed likely to continue.
6. The Executive Secretary reported that the proposed insurance budget has been adjusted for the subscriber level. He said that health insurance is running a deficit now, but he hopes, with a 25% increase in rates, to reverse the trend. The Treasurer said that School Department health insurance will be put into a separate group.
7. Puritz reported that Norfolk County Retirement covers all town side employees and is budgeted for the county assessment plus a small administrative fee. Grasfield pointed out that the dramatic increases in Fixed and Uncontrollables cause operating budgets to decline. In answer to a question from Pietal, Uyttebroek said that the percentage Fiscal 2004 budget decreases is the same for all sectors. Puritz pointed out the cost factor of step increases for the schools.
8. In answer to Grasfield, the Treasurer explained that capital can be reallocated within a department in the same year.
9. Planning Board member J. Tran reported that the Planning Board had rejected Article 48, off street parking by a vote of three to two. He explained that the article proposed, not a change in zoning, but a change in use, allowing an accessory use for parking in a residential district with a special permit from the Board or Appeals. He said that Town Counsel had said that it was not technically spot zoning. Planning Board Chairman A. Cohen reported that he did not see much of a down side and wanted to help the proponent. Tran said that Heinberg was renting the house and the Planning Board wanted one use on one lot. Cohen said the house would be empty. Pietal pointed out the safe guards through the ZBA and enough hurdles for business. Tran expressed concern about setting a precedent. Tuck thought
that, when building is approved, enough parking should be required. Tran said that the Planning Board is looking at parking ratios.
10. Tran said that the Planning Board is exploring other areas for business zoning, which could be professional. They are looking for input from other Town boards. Tuck pointed out that approval of the parking article could be a disincentive for a professional zone. Grasfield suggested that the Planning Board invite all committees to a meeting on the proposal
11. Moved and Seconded to recommend Board of Health budget of $221,206; consisting of $123,137 for wages, salaries and expenses, $92,467 for waste management and $5,602 for drug testing. Vote: 7-0-1
12. Moved and Seconded to recommend $48,880 for the salaries of elected officials in the Town Clerk’s budget. Vote: 7-0-1
13. Bergeron requested clarification on the School Superintendent’s claim that certain accounts can be prepaid. Grasfield suggested that Town Counsel be invited to discuss year to year carry-overs and prepayment with the Committee. Tuck will ask the Assistant School Superintendent about the prepayments and ask the Executive Secretary about Town Counsel Gelerman addressing the Committee.
14. The meeting adjourned at 9:45.
| 
