Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – January 24, 2011

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room, 7:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Maria Anderson, William Brack, Gordon Gladstone, Charles

                               Goodman, Josh Kiernan, Alex Korin (late), Joel Lessard, Ira Miller,

                               Edward Philips (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Brian Fitzgerald, Keith Garte, Laura Nelson

1. The first item on the agenda was a report by Ben Puritz describing draft articles for the May Annual Town Meeting.

2. Ben Puritz explained that the first 14 are recurring articles, then the new articles.  He gave details on these articles that were fairly straight forward.

3. Bill Fowler reported on information for the Revenue Forecast from the MMA Conference.  The Governor decreased local aid 7% but increased Chapter 70 and Chapter 90 aid.  There was a proposal of a Stabilization Fund of $100,000.  This was not yet discussed at Priorities.

4. There was some discussion regarding this information.

5. Ben Puritz stated there were three electives.  1.  No 2.5% increase.  Tax rate stabilized.  2.  In addition to cash reserves that proposal of stabilization fund.  3.  Operations, town and schools, 2.45% would be a continuation of existing service levels fitting FY’11 budget; 2.47% was substantially same level of services as FY’10.

6. The next item regarded the increase in tax bill.

7. Bill Fowler explained that certification was a timing issue.  We didn’t have money for FY’11, but we will have for FY’12.

8. There was much discussion on this issue.

9. There was discussion regarding the FY’12 budget and 2% salary increase.

10. Bill Brack reported on meeting with Dr. Dunham.  She presented three budgets:  1.  0%, level funded.  2.  Priorities Committee increased budget of 2%.  3.  One was School Committee, maintain level of services, 2.4%.

11. There was considerable discussion on this information.

12. It was suggested that questions be prepared for Dr. Dunham and the School Committee and have them in on February 7 to discuss preliminary budget.

13. Joel Lessard stated that the Finance Committee would separate up larger budgets to small teams.  Review budgets, Police and Fire together, DPW separate, and Board of Selectmen.

14. The next meeting will be on February 7, 2011.

15. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

16. VOTED:  9-0-0.

17. The meeting was adjourned at 11 p.m.