A Special Meeting of the City Council was held in the Council Chamber on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. for the purpose of receiving the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget from the Mayor. Notice of this meeting was posted on May 29, 2009 at 11:06 A.M.
Councillor O’Keefe arrived at 6:30 P.M.
Council President Paul Prevey presided.
President Prevey requested that everyone please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Driscoll submitted the annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2010.
Councillor Veno moved to refer the Budget to the Committee on Administration and Finance and schedule meetings with the first meeting being scheduled for June 15, 2009. The date June 29, 2009 will be held in case it is needed for anything.
Councillor Veno moved for suspension of the rules to allow Mayor Driscoll to make a presentation to the City Council. There was no opposition.
Mayor Driscoll stated that the City received the distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the first time. She presented a power point presentation of the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget overview.
Total revenue $122.3 million
Total expenses $122.3 million
It is a balanced budget. We are hoping not to lay off too many, out of 30 positions 16 positions are at the school the others are from the City. The Local aid reduction is $3.6 million.
Tax levy limit $67,385,423
25% increase 1,684,636
New growth 894,404
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$69,964,463
Local aid is going down 3.6 million.
(Councillor O’Keefe arrived at 6:30 PM)
Councillor Pelletier asked about the tax levy and the inspection of properties.
Richard Viscay the Finance Director stated that DOR makes sure every ten years we do a new assessment on all properties.
Mayor Driscoll responded this is the 2nd year of the agreement and next year is the same in the 4th year we negotiate.
Councillor Sosnowski asked to go back to the re-evaluation. When prices of homes fell it didn’t affect because we go back a year.
Richard Viscay responded correct, the valuations will be lower and increase in commercial.
Councillor Sosnowski asked will we be able to hold the level of taxes or will we loose more.
Richard Viscay answered it may level out, the valuation and shift tax rate.
Mayor Driscoll addressed the Quinn Bill Funding cut. The Quinn Bill was a Police Education Incentive Fund. We accepted this bill in the 1970’s. The State paid 50% and the City paid the other 50% so we could pay our police a higher rate and we were reimbursed by the state. We have some potential exposure to pay our share and the states share. $330,000 is what we pay and the same amount for the state to pay. The State paid $67,000 leaving a gap, they believe this is our obligation to pay the difference.
Councillor O’Keefe asked if the state doesn’t fund where will we get the money.
Mayor Driscoll stated there will be more cuts.
Councillor O’Keefe asked if at the end of this month will all non-expended funds byf Departments do we capture this money.
Mayor Driscoll stated that the School Committee is voting on their budget on Monday June 8th.
Councillor Pelletier asked what does the School Committee want teachers or school bus drivers.
Mayor responded the meeting begins the dialogue on Monday. The Mayor stated that our Bond rating is AA3.
On the motion of Councillor Sosnowski the meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
ATTEST: CHERYL A. LAPOINTE
CITY CLERK
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