bep
11/21/03
Priorities Committee
Summary Meeting Notes
November 20,2003
Members in attendance: School Com. S. Liao, M. Blaustein
Selectmen J. Roach, D. Grasfield
Finance Com. C. Goodman
Also in attendance: R. Uyttebroek, C. Jackson, B. Dunham, B. Puritz, P. Zlotin.
Meeting convened at 7:50 PM.
1. Revenue Forecast
Reviewed “FY’05 Preliminary Revenue Forecast”(11/20/03, 4:56 PM) indicating a very (very) preliminary net operating budget allocation growth potential capacity of 3.20% based on a 5% state aid reduction and other assumptions, as detailed.
Discussion items no votes taken:
2. FY’04 Allocation per Town Meeting
S. Liao distributed material from 2003 Annual Town Meeting Warrant displaying summary funding recommendations which he indicated, in the context of a proactive discussion re allocation of costs, resulted in an unequal sharing of cuts. Extended discussion followed as to the history and interpretation of this information and related data/impacts on operating budgets from each sector.
3. FY’05 Allocation in Terms of Equity
Material distributed, “Sharon Public Schools Preliminary Assumptions about FY’05” with the conclusion that with a 3% salary increase (example) a minimum maintenance of effort budget requires a 4.63% increase and with salary steps the figure approaches an 8% budget growth. It was noted that Special Education costs are projected to increase from 26.57% to over 29% and that for Sharon state assistance is declining in this area.
4. Long Term Financial Planning
Materials distributed: “Summary Comparison of Total School Age Population”, Memorandum to Zoning Board of Appeals, from C. Jackson & S. Liao, September 29, 2003, (Subject) “Estates at Borderland”
General discussion followed re necessity for long term planning and the lack of professional staff resources to accomplish. The idea of engaging an outside consultant for establishment of base analysis which could be, thereafter, updated by existing staff/committees was advanced. It was noted for possible future evaluation that Sharon has the highest ratio (e.g. @ .58) of public school students per household of any municipality in Norfolk County. There was general consensus that the reasons for and implications of the above would be useful to understand. In terms of school population projections, while there was variation between the various studies, as expected, the overall conclusion was that
enrollment trends would be relatively stable over the next ten (10) years, not factoring the impact from 40B developments.
5. Allocation of Indirect Costs
B. Puritz will contact W. Heitin re the status of this item started last year.
6. Carry Forward Funds Policy
Due to the lateness of the hour, this matter will be continued to the next meeting.
7. Budget & Allocation Methodology
General discussion ensued re whether approach should be oriented toward the amount available projection or operational impacts/results. For the next meeting a melding of both will be explored by identifying a “maintenance of services effort” budget funding reference figure. B. Puritz indicated he supported the concept/exercise, however, given the multitude of budgets/required coordination etc. that the Selectmen’s sector will likely need additional time to provide.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM
7. Next Meeting
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Town Offices, Selectmen’s 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 7:30 PM
Preliminary Agenda: (Please contact Ben in advance to add/amend)
(1) FY’05 Preliminary Revenue Forecast Update
(2) Rainy Day Fund Type Reserve
(3) Revolving Funds – Treatment & Use
(4) Maintenance of Effort Budget Impact Summary
(5) Allocation of Indirect Costs - Update
(6) Carried forward $ policy (continued discussion)
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