Board of Selectmen
January 3, 2007
Community Hall Annex
6:30 p.m.
Present: Donald R. D’Auteuil, Douglas C. Briggs, Leroy Clark, Joseph Becker, Sheila Dibb and Finance Committee
Mr. D’Auteuil opened the meeting. Mr. Briggs explained to the Finance Committee that the Board is seeking their support for a debt exclusion to which the Finance Committee stated that they would meet and make a decision as soon as possible. Mr. Briggs further stated that we need to be active with the school committee. Mr. Becker stated that he would like to figure out the actual numbers to work with (tax, growth, receipts) before the 20% reduction and if there is going to be a debt exclusion, we should not wait to do so, otherwise departments would have to submit two budgets.
Mr. Becker questioned Mrs. Hayden regarding paying off smaller debts to which she responded that the smaller ones are statehouse notes and it would have to be in the bid to pay off early. Mrs. Hayden will look into this and keep Mr. Becker apprised.
Mr. Blair had a question regarding DPW free cash purchases and Mr. D’Auteuil explained that it would give us cash but would increase debt service.
Mr. Briggs suggested voting on the debt exclusion to which Mrs. Hayden responded that it should probably wait until May because the last special town meeting cost the town $16 per voter. Mr. Becker feels that this is a justifiable expense and Mrs. Hayden stated that there is usually low voter turnout at special town meetings.
Mr. D’Auteuil asked the Finance Committee to inform the Selectmen of their upcoming meetings.
Mr. Blair believes that the shortfall is due to the lack of new growth. Mr. Briggs explained the importance of Bill 508.
Mrs. Sbrogna suggested after the town meeting and the passage of the budget that all departments sit with the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen to brainstorm long-term planning, revenue creation and efficiency creation.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Becker moved to adjourn. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Dibb
Board of Selectmen
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