TOWN OF HARVARD
TRI-BOARD
Minutes
Meeting Date: March 7, 2009
Meeting Place: Town Hall
Members Present: Finance Committee: George McKenna (Chair), Steve Colwell, Marie Fagan, Lori Granville, Bob Thurston, Associate member Collyn Bradley; School Committee: Stu Sklar; Willie Wickman, Keith Cheveralls; Board of Selectmen: Leo Blair, Tim Clark, Ron Ricci, Lucy Wallace, Peter Warren
Others Present: Tim Bragan, Town Administrator; Lorraine Leonard, Finance Director; Tom Jefferson, School Superintendent
Meeting Time: 9:09 am
Adjournment Time: 11:29 am
Discussions and Actions
l George McKenna opened meeting noting that town budget is now balanced with school committee’s agreement (yet to be voted by school committee) to absorb the roughly $73,000 deficit. Fin Comm Chairman noted that the School’s initiative three years ago to contract with Devens to educate Devens children has really helped. He also noted that the balanced budget reflects a 55/45 (School/Town) cut for FY10 budget relative to the FY09 Town Meeting budget.
l Chair noted that financial news from the state is not good; we could use town reserves to hold us over for 2010, 2011, and then may have to consider an override.
l Chair presented the idea of creating “power breakfasts” going forward, so that the three boards (and other boards as well, and department heads) could meet and discuss solutions to town issues.
l Town Administrator and Finance Director presented Recap and report from Commonwealth (Massachusetts Municipal meeting). The State’s economy has not hit bottom yet; more cuts could be coming, so the Town should recognize that we could have a 2-3 year problem.
l Discussion of availability of Pole and Lines tax funds (estimated at $48,500 for Harvard). Action item: Town Finance Director to get clarification.
l Selectmen asked to see roll-up of how 2009 is tracking, what will the close of the year look like?
l School committee clarified they have not voted the $73,000 cut yet. They will bring it to vote at Monday March 9 meeting. Selectmen will vote their budget Tuesday March 10.
l Chairman initiated discussion of emerging issues affecting 2010 and beyond:
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l Public Commentary: PTO scrip gift cards fundraiser presented.
l Other Business: Independent audit of Special Ed is completed and available on school website.
l Move to adjourn at 11:29 am.
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