2005-10-20-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 20, 2005 required public vote. Tom G. agreed. Tom G. handed out a memo on “Budget monitoring, controls, and efficiencies” and noted the section regarding this problem that will require this be taken care of twice a year, perhaps in January and May. There was then a short question and answer period regarding individual line items that were over budget. Dawn M. questioned why people claim the overruns are largely SPED-driven. The answer is that it depends on which year you are looking at. The 2006 projected overruns have large SPED components, but this is not so true for 2005. Al L. posed the question to the committee: Will we support $847K and the capital expenses for the schools? And would we support $620K if that is what the School Committee comes forward with? There was a mixed view on the first question, and it was felt that if they come forward with a smaller number the schools should cut back the program commensurate with the reduced funding, rather than press on hoping for more money from the spring Town Meeting. 4. Draft report for the Special Town Meeting. Rod C. and Paul H. will work on the appendix, Pam H. and Deborah B. will work on the school items. There was a discussion of how to distribute the report. It was decided that we would send via email and put a limited number at the library and police station. 5. Agreed we should meet Nov 1. 6. Water rates. John B. gave an overview of the rate structures being discussed: status quo, increase steepness of the blocks, decrease steepness and go from four blocks down to three blocks. It was noted that most high-volume users are business so current rate structure is a stealth tax on business to subsidize homeowners. It was reported that a water/sewer manager was hired. 7. Notes on Selectmen positions on Special Town Meeting articles: a) No position yet on most articles b) Must pay 2005 unpaid bills c) Will not ask for increased funding for 2006 on the municipal side 8. Loren Wood handed out a spreadsheet on water and sewer finances. The meeting was adjourned at 10:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rod Cole Approved December 15, 2005