Present: Peter Fimognari, Tina Augustin, Chris Carlin, John Goodrich, Joel Keller, Bob Margerison, Maureen O’Sullivan, Jim Pennington, Pete Ross, Ann Lee (FinCom Admin. Asst.)
Also Present: Gretchen Neggers (Town Administrator), Deb Mahar (Town Accountant), Dot Jenkins (Town Collector),
Absent: Paul Desmond, Christine Edwards
The meeting was convened at 6:30 p.m.
A motion was made, to accept the minutes of the 3-6-06 meeting as written. It was seconded and SO VOTED, unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
An e-mail from School Committee member Donna Hall-Adams dated March 9, 2006 was received. Ms. Hall-Adams had e-mailed Interim School Superintendent Dr. Ameruoso FinCom’s questions re: the SPED deficit, and Dr. Ameruoso had forwarded those questions to Judith Dion, SPED Director. Ms. Dion’s response to Dr. Ameruoso was sent to Ms. Hall-Adams, who e-mailed it to FinCom.
Mr. Goodrich asked if the most important issue he should bring forth at the 3-21-06 Info Share meeting was FinCom’s dismay at the time frame in which this information was communicated. Mr. Carlin suggested stressing the impact the school administration’s “lack of decision” making has on the rest of the town. He asked Mr. Goodrich to tell the school administration FinCom is aware of the adverse effects these overruns have on the town as a whole. Mr. Keller stated FinCom needs to impact who serves on the School Committee, and make that committee accountable for the management of their funds, adding it is necessary to build a budget that includes a SPED reserve. Mr. Goodrich expressed frustration that at the 5/05 Town Meeting, FinCom recommended additional money for the schools to
cover a SPED overrun, fill the oil tanks, and purchase a used van, and then the school administration “found” money to purchase a new van. He feels that “found” money should have been returned to the General Fund, and stressed the lack of accountability. Mr. Fimognari asked if the circuit breaker number is known. Ms. Mahar explained the amount received to date is just under $59,000, which is not shown in the SPED budget but run from a grant account, and intended to be used for students whose needs are above the SPED “average.” Ms. Neggers explained that money is earmarked for SPED use, adding that the SPED “average” is four times the non-SPED education base of $7,000 per pupil. Mr. Margerison suggested FinCom tell the School, on the town floor, “no” to any amount over NSS. Mr. Carlin noted that FinCom has had past success communicating with other departments. He suggested
drafting a letter to the School Committee chairperson. The suggestion was made to re-send the letter requesting clarification to Dr. Ameruoso, as the general consensus was the e-mail from Ms. Hall-Adams did not adequately answer the questions asked. Mr. Keller pointed out that any potential adverse effects on the general student population are not within the scope of FinCom’s responsibilities. Ms. Neggers noted that it would be reasonable for FinCom to need to know the line item adjustments made to reduce the deficit, as the committee should have information regarding the ramifications of budget transfers before it makes any recommendations. Mr. Carlin asked why FinCom was not told of the deficit sooner if the School Committee knew of it in October, and the town administration knew in December. Ms. Neggers explained she, Ms. Mahar and Dr. Ameruoso met in December, at which time he was apprised of past difficulties between the town and schools and
told the schools would have to show “sacrifice” in reducing the deficit. Ms. Neggers explained it was not her responsibility to apprise FinCom at that time. The committee decided a second letter be sent to Dr. Ameruoso requesting an explanation of the budget transfers.
Selectman Harrison, Leslie Duthie and Steve Slozak will meet with FinCom 3-27-06 at 7 P.M. to discuss the Community Preservation Act in Monson.
The Expense Ledger Variance for end date 2-28-06 was received and reviewed.
A letter from the Association of Town Finance Committees announcing its Spring Seminars was received. Ms. Neggers and Ms. Mahar will attend the May 31 seminar. FinCom members who will attend will tell Ms. Lee who will RSVP.
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OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS
Cemetery Department: Paul Lovell met with FinCom to discuss the FY07 budget. The priority is to fund an Assistant, a position which was eliminated in September 2005 when the then Assistant resigned and budget cuts required no replacement be hired. Mr. Lovell explained he has had temporary help from a Highway department employee, but needs a full time assistant capable of locating gravesites, and meeting with families and covering for him during vacations and sick days.
Mr. Lovell explained he requested $32,198, which would start the hire at a grade 3. The committee questioned the reasoning behind starting a new hire at any specific grade level, and calling the position “assistant” as opposed to “general laborer.” The following points were clarified:
The committee agrees additional help is needed in the cemetery department
Mr. Lovell does not require the position be labeled as an “assistant”, as long as the candidate is qualified to perform all required duties
There is “higher rated work” language in the contract that would allow for more pay if/when the employee fills in for Mr. Lovell
Mr. Lovell explained he recently had $2,100 transmission repairs, and asked if there are funds earmarked for emergencies that departments can access. He was told to submit a Request for Transfer.
Long Term Planning Committee: Ms. Neggers explained the two main goals:
Develop a long-term capital plan and identify potential funding sources
Identify current shortfalls and potential revenues
The committee nominated Joel Keller and Pete Ross to serve on the Long Term Planning Committee.
FY07 Budget discussion: Mr. Ross asked if FinCom is to meet with the Selectmen to discuss the FY07 requested EMT’s and Police Department promotion. Ms. Neggers explained the Selectmen moved those requests forward in the budget process to document those needs.
Ms. Neggers spoke with Representative Rogeness and was told that until health care decisions are made, the FY07 budget will not be discussed. It is not likely that the Chapter 70 figure will remain the same. Lottery money will probably be uncapped.
Mr. Goodrich asked if he should present at Info Share that FinCom is moving forward with the FY07 budget with a NSS figure. He motioned FinCom send a letter to the School Committee chair that FinCom will move forward with the NSS figure. It was seconded and SO VOTED. He amended it to request transportation and all NSS figures for the FY07 budget. It was seconded and SO VOTED.
Mr. Pennington noted he believes it is “criminal” the school administration did not inform FinCom and others of the deficit, ands asked that be part of the minutes.
The next scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee is March 27, 2006 at 6:30.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Lee, Administrative Assistant to the Finance Committee
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