DRAFT-UNAPPROVED

 

Priorities Committee Meeting

Minutes – April 25, 2006

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room – 6:30 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:  Bill Heitin, Claire Jackson, Ben Puritz, Rob Uyttebroek

 

1.      This is the 9th meeting of the FY ’07 Priorities Committee.

 

2.      Chuck Goodman stated that the agenda is to review the Revenue Forecast and adjustments voted on at the last meeting and what numbers to use for the Operating Budget, even though all the information is not in from the State and not expected to have before Town Meeting.  There is a difference overall of $260,000.  If we use the Governor’s budget for operating, it is $39,637,056.  The House is $39,404,856.

 

3.      Rob Uyttebroek stated that Cook & Co., Part D, thought it was $90,000 not the $150,000 we voted.  A difference of $60,000.

 

4.      A suggestion was made to go over what the adjustments were from the last Forecast version to this newest version.  Total available funds were reduced $50,000.

 

5.      Rob Uyttebroek stated that was the change in the Assessors Overlay.  Increase in local sources was $400,000 of which Motor Vehicle Excise was $250,000; Part D, $150,000, now $90,000.  The Contingency reduced by $12,499 for the Library from $25,000.

 

6.      There was continued discussion on these adjustments.

 

7.      Chuck Goodman stated that he was given a very good update by the Town Accountant’s Office.  It really showed what was expended against appropriation.  There is free cash available.  My estimate is a seven figure number, over and above their projected free cash.

 

8.      There was much discussion regarding free cash, turn back, appropriations, and expenditures.

 

9.      There was discussion held on Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting regarding parity of the Town employees.

 

10.  There was much discussion regarding the budget options in the Warrant.

 

11.  Joe Roach suggested that the Priorities Committee go with Governor Romney’s budget.

 

12.  It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

 

13.  VOTED:  6-0-0.

 

14.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.