Priorities Committee Meeting

Minutes – January 19, 2006

School Administration Building, 7:00 P.M.

Members Present:  Donald Gilligan, School Committee; Charles Goodman, Finance

                              Committee, Chairman; David Grasfield, Selectman; Ira Miller,

                              Finance Committee; Andrew Nebenzahl, School Committee; Walter

                             Joe Roach, Selectman; (Hamilton)

Other Attendees:  Mitch Blaustein, Barbara Dunham, Richard Gorden, Claire Jackson,

                             Mark Mazur, Paul Pietal, Ben Puritz, Rob Uttyebroek

1. This was the third meeting of the FY’07 Priorities Committee.

2. The first item on the agenda regarded a motion made by Andy Nebenzahl about usage fees to the Sharon Youth Basketball Association.

3. Andy Nebenzahl reported on the meeting with Dr. Jackson, Mitch Blaustein and the Recreation Advisory Committee concerned about the calculating and the constantly increasing cost of using school facilities.  There was some lengthy discussion about whether this committee should revisit this issue, and a motion to set aside a certain amount of money in the Fixed and Uncontrollable to cover these costs.

4. There was discussion regarding an analysis of the energy costs, rental fees, and labor costs.  The decision on this matter was tabled.

5. Mark Mazur, Administrative Assessor, and Richard Gorden, Board of Assessors were present to discuss their estimates in the Revenue Forecast.

6. There was much discussion on this especially in the New Growth area, Overlay Reserve Release, Motor Vehicle Excise, and Supplemental Tax on New Construction.

7. Discussion was held regarding health insurance costs including enrollment and the increase in premium cost.

8. Continued discussion on changes in numbers from previous Revenue Forecast and what will be available from Governor’s Budget and other State aid.  Numbers from Chapter 70 will be available next week.

9. A recommendation was made to use the FY’06 estimate, total available of $38,369,769 and adjust the numbers as follows to be used as working numbers:

10. New Growth, 80,000; Supplemental Construction, $40,000; School Aid, Chapter 70, $536,000; Overlay Reserve Release, $150,000; Overlay Debt, 0; Other Excise, $30,000; Fees, 0; Medicaid, $100,000; Licenses & Permits, $25,000; Investment Earnings, $100,000; Charter Schools, $60,000; Health Insurance, $140,000=$1,261,000.  $39,630,769÷$38,538,820=3%.

11. A MOTION was made by Andy Nebenzahl and SECONDED by David Grasfield to vote to accept the changes in the line items under Medicaid, New Growth, Supplemental Construction Tax, Chapter 70, Overlay Release, Overlay Debt, Other Excise, Licenses & Permits, Investment Income, Charter School Assessment, Health Insurance in the amount of $1,261,000.

12. VOTED:  6-0-0.

13. The next meeting will be January 30 at 7:15 a.m. at the Superintendent’s Office.

14. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

15. VOTED:  6-0-0.

16. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.