TOWN OF HARVARD
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Minutes
Meeting Date: February 7, 2008
Meeting Place: Town Hall
Fin Com Members Present: Steve Colwell , Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro, George McKenna, Terry Mead, Debbie Ricci (Chair), Bob Thurston
BOS Members Present: Tim Clarke, Lucy Wallace,
School Committee Members:Will Verbits, Virginia Justicz, Stu Sklar,
Administrators Tim Bragan, Town Administrator (9:15) Lorraine Leonard, Finance Director , Tom Jefferson, Superintendent of Schools, Ginger Kendall, Library Trustee, Mary Wilson, Director of Library
Meeting Time: 7:35 pm
Adjournment Time: 9:35 pm
Discussions and Actions
l Debbie Ricci presented an FY09 budget Status. The Insurance rates have come in and is approximately a 7 ½ % increase for this budget, down from our projected 12% for a decrease of $139,000. Thus bringing down the 'no-new-programs' budget Override down to a projected $830,000. However the projected Override amount with the added 'components (Elected board-$31,600, BOS-$12,500, Schools-$50,000) would be set at $934,600 to cover the projected shortfall in the FY09 budget.
l Will Verbits reported that the School Committee would recommend a one Override figure , not a multi-tiered Override.
l Lucy Wallace led a Tri-board discussion on the structure of the Override and asked for input from all present as to their current thoughts. Facing the economic climate in Harvard, the State and Nation are we being fiscally responsible to recommend increased spending by 5.6-7%? The community needs a chance to hear, discuss, and vote on these spending issues and possible future spending behaviors and services.
l A vote taken by FinCom on the issue of a two tier override versus a one tier with three separate articles for the COA, Selectmen, and Schools new program funding. The vote was split 3-3 as follows: For one tier (GVM, BT, MS) For two tier (DR, SC, TM).
l The Tri-board members agree that the Town has to look closely at budget policies, revenue and expenses, and hiring procedures. Plans to address this issue were suggested: a Resolution at the ATM to form a study committee, a Warrant article defining members and charge to be presented at the FY08 ATM, BOS attention after this budget season is over.
l TriBoard meeting was adjourned at 9:02 pm. FinCom meeting continued.
l Debbie Ricci outlined the remaining work to be done: Vote on Recommendation for Capital items, vote on CPC items,
l George McKenna summarized the proposal from the FinCom Member Selection Process committee. At the 2008 ATM, there will be an article to revise the existing bylaw by adding two associate members, named for one-year appointments with no voting authority ,chosen by the Moderator. Appointments will remain with the Moderator with an addition of a public forum and presentation of candidates. Moderator would still be charged with keeping a balanced board, and bringing the candidates to BOS meetings for questions.
l A tentative date for the FY09 Budget public forum is scheduled for March 11 at the Elementary School. An other possible date is March 18, 2008
l Meeting was adjourned at 9:14pm.(6-0-0)
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