Priorities Committee Meeting

Minutes – December 22, 2005

Town Hall, Selectmen’s Office – 7:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Charles Goodman, Finance Committee, Chairman; David Grasfield,

                               Selectman; Ira Miller, Finance Committee; Andrew Nebenzahl,

                               School Committee; Walter Joe Roach, Selectman; (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Donald Gilligan, School Committee

1. At the first meeting of the FY’07 Priorities Committee meeting the Chairman, Chuck Goodman, introduced the members.  The first item on the agenda was to discuss the goals of the committee for the current year.  He reviewed the purpose of the Priorities Committee which was presented at the May 12, 2003, Annual Town Meeting.  The committee has only been in existence for 3 ½ years.

2. The Revenue Forecast was distributed at this meeting, but discussion will be held after the Committee reviews the information.

3. Chuck Goodman presented some goals for this Priorities Committee:  (1)  Unanimity in our approach and our agreements.  (2)  Final presentation to be prompt in determining how to allocate funds to the various departments so they can do their budgets.

4. Discussion was held regarding available revenue, making a fair allocation, summarizing the Revenue Forecast from past years, determining future years’ expectations, and having information available prior to meeting times.

5. There was discussion on the format and what information was needed in the Revenue Forecast to better enable the Committee to determine what is available for the budgets.

6. Discussion was held regarding having a written report with a narrative summary of the high points prior to the next meeting.

7. There was discussion regarding a free cash report, use of FY’05 audit as a guideline, tax recap in October, overestimate of available funds at May Town Meeting and higher tax rate of $16.23 instead of the final rate of $15.11.

8. There was continued discussion on the Reserve Fund and Revolving Fund.  It was determined that the Revolving Fund doesn’t enter into the Revenue Forecast as it is supposed to be self-supporting, but the Town Accountant can give the information to the Finance Committee.  Some of the larger Revolving Funds can affect the Town’s Operating Budget.

9. Chuck Goodman stated that FY’07 is not going to be an easy year.  We may have to look at capital projects.  It would be nice to have a five or ten year projection.  A lot will depend on an increase in State Aid.

10. Rob Uttyebroek and Claire Jackson were also present and participated at this meeting.

11. Ben Puritz asked for some guidance from this Committee on preparing the Selectmen’s consolidated budget.  Andy Nebenzahl stated they would look over the figures and give guidance at the next meeting.

12. The next meeting will be on January 5 at the School Superintendent’s Office.  It will then be determined if the next meeting will be the 19^th or the 26^th of January.

13. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn until January 5.

14. VOTED:  5-0-0.

15. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.