Finance Committee Meeting

Executive Session Minutes – December 15, 2008

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room – 9:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Brian Fitzgerald, Donald Gilligan, Gordon Gladstone, Charles

                               Goodman, Jonathan Hitter, Josh Kiernan, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller,

                               Laura Nelson, Edward Philips, (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Maria Anderson

1. Ira Miller stated that the issues critical to the budget again this year were salaries and health insurance.  It was suggested that we should go before the School Committee and make a presentation on the budget, collaborate prior to Town Meeting.  If we were at the negotiating table, what would our position be, what would the strategy be to bring in a budget for FY’10, FY’11, and FY’12?

2. There was considerable discussion regarding  percentage of increase for health insurance, strategy on how to present budget suggestions, one year contracts, class size, and override.

3. Suggestions were made on how to approach School Committee regarding FY’10 budget and future budget years.  A letter to Dr. Dunham offering assistance moving forward was one suggestion.

4. Some Finance Committee members felt that Priorities will be the one to make the decision regarding the $1.2 million.  Others felt that it was as much a Finance Committee responsibility.  The Selectmen will be dealing with this next.

5. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

6. VOTED:  10-0-0.

7. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.