bep 10/18/03
Priorities Committee
Summary Meeting Notes
October 14, 2003
Members in attendance: School Com. S. Liao, M. Blaustein
Selectmen N. Katz, J. Roach
Finance Com. C. Goodman, D. Fixler
Also in attendance: R. Uyttebroek, C. Jackson, B. Dunham, P. Pietal, J. Hitter,
C.Tuck, I. Miller, D. Grasfield, B. Puritz, W. Heitin,
A. Nebenzahl, R. Murphy
(Sharon Advocate)
Meeting convened at 8:40 PM.
1. Organizational
Reviewed by-law adopted by 2003 Town Meeting. Chair sequence rotation noted (e.g., Selectmen, Schools, Finance)
2. Revenue Forecast
Reviewed “FY’04 Final Revenue Forecast”. Overall projections utilized at ’03 ATM very closely align with updated “Local Aid” figures received post ATM. Also, reviewed “FY’05 Preliminary Revenue Forecast” indicating a very (very) preliminary net operating budget allocation growth potential capacity of 2.77% based on a 5% state aid reduction and other assumptions, as detailed. It was noted that “non-exempt” FY’05 debt declined by over $500K.
3. Capital
Review of historical data through 6/30/03. Brief discussion re borrowing policy. No formal vote, however, appeared to be consensus that joint meeting with Capital Outlay Committee re above desirable.
4. SE Regional School Assessment
Brief discussion re assessment reduction of $165K, however, considering FY’03 “in-year” cut of $138K, the net change is reduced to $27K.
5. Prior year items:
(1) Carry forward $ from prior FY (general discussion no action taken)
Comments/issues included: “good idea”; “dangerous without
some limit”; impact on % allocation/reliance for budget base?;
include all departments?; implementation mechanism; and, models
from other communities (Brookline). Will be continued for
consideration at next meeting including establishment of small task
force with representative from each sector to evaluate.
(2) Finance Director (no discussion)
6. New or Off Agenda Topics
General discussion - no action taken: Debt service managed by departments; feasibility of allocating Health Insurance costs by department; medicare reimbursement, in general, and FY’05 change directing 50% of recovery proceeds to Schools not subject to appropriation for expenditure; and, agenda topics for next meeting distributed by S. Liao (see below).
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 PM
7. Next Meeting
Thursday, November 6, 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) FY’04 Allocation per Town Meeting
(3) Discuss FY’05 Allocation in Terms of Equity
(4) Discuss Long Term Financial Planning
(5) Allocation of Indirect Costs
(6) Carried forward $ policy (continued discussion)
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