2005-04-27-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 27, 2005 Al Levine reported that the Appropriation Committee had previously voted to support an addition to the outstanding debt exclusion of up to 10%, or about $3.2 million, if the Fiske construction bids came in over budget, and that the 4% figure suggested was well within this range. He pointed out that to fund the overrun within the tax levy would put further pressure on the operating budget and require larger operating overrides in future years, and that operating overrides result in a permanent instead of a project- specific tax increase. He further pointed out that there had been no changes to the scope of the project originally approved by the voters, that the overruns resulted entirely from unforeseeable inflation, and that to cut corners on the project would be unwise and likely result in even greater costs later. There was general agreement to seek a supplemental appropriation under Article 29 for the amount of the cost overrun and to request DOR’s approval to add this amount to the outstanding debt exclusion. Because the DOR only permits a one-time increase to a debt exclusion, it was also agreed that the amount requested should be something more than $1.3 million in case there are additional unforeseen contingencies. Other Article 29 Supplemental Appropriations. 3. There ensued a discussion of other supplemental appropriations that would be proposed under Article 29 for capital improvement projects authorized in prior fiscal years, including emergency repairs to the Estabrook roof and the completion of certain improvements to the town office buildings that had gone over budget. There was also extensive discussion whether $83,000 of the amount requested for the Town Building Envelope Program was more properly treated as an operating expense or a capital expenditure. Article 30 School Capital Projects and Equipment. 4. School Committee Chair Tom Griffiths and Facilities Manger Dana Ham reported on the results of a recently completed energy audit of the Clarke Middle School, evolving plans for energy-related capital projects that would most effectively implement those recommendations, and the current state of the School Committee’s discussions with the Capital Expenditures Committee about the amounts that would be requested for school capital projects under Article 30 and the application of the cash capital policy. Mr. Griffiths also reported on the School Committee’s anticipated request under Article 30 for funds for architectural and engineering design funds for reconstructing and adding an addition to the School Administration Building and circulated a conceptual rendering of the proposed White House renovation. Article 31 School Technology Equipment. 5. Finally, there was a brief discussion of Article 31 and the funds requested by the School Committee for the maintenance and upgrade of school technology systems. Appropriation Committee’s First Supplemental Report. 6. Immediately following the Budget Collaboration Meeting, the Appropriation Committee voted 8-0 to approve its Supplemental Report to the 2005 Annual Town Meeting prepared by Paul Hamburger, and to be presented that evening by Deborah Brown. - 2 -