2014-03-ATM-AC-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE MARCH 2014 ATM Introduction The Appropriation Committee is required to create a report with a review of the budget as adopted by the Board of Selectmen, including an assessment of the budget plan and a projection for future years' reve- nues and expenses. This report includes the Committee's advice and recommendations regarding all ap- propriations of Town funds that are anticipated in the Town Warrant, and other municipal matters that may come before Town Meeting. This report is published and distributed to the members of Town Meet- ing as a printed document and as an electronic document via the Town website. The Committee also makes presentations during Town Meeting, including recommendations on appropriations and other mat- ters for which the Committee’s formal position was pending at the time of publication. March 2014 Special Town Meeting The Committee has already published its report to the March 2014 Special Town Meeting, which recom- mended approval of capital appropriations for the renovation of Cary Memorial Hall and the future Community Center at 39 Marrett Road. Developments Since Adoption of the FY2014 Budget The March 2013 Special Town Meeting (STM) approved the purchase of 39 Marrett Road, and the Town completed the purchase in November 2013. At the June 2013 STM, a Tax Increment Finance Agreement for uniQure, Inc. was approved. The agree- ment granted an 18.6% reduction on the incremental property tax over ten years, a reduction of approxi- mately $286,000 vis-a-vis $1,536,000 of anticipated new tax revenue over the life of the agreement. At the November 2013 STM, $7.7 million was approved for the design and construction of modular class- rooms at Lexington High School. Article 22 asks to supplement this amount by $495,000 in response to construction bids that were higher than anticipated. Also at the November 2013 STM, the Town added $1.8 million to the Capital Projects/Debt Service Re- serve/Building Renewal Stabilization Fund (CP/DSR/BR). Another $6.2 million for this fund is requested under Article 17. The Ad hoc Community Center Advisory Committee (AhCCAC) was formed in April 2013 to advise the Board of Selectmen regarding plans for the renovation of the buildings at 39 Marrett Road, space and staffing needs, new programming, and relocating existing services into the new Community Center. The November 2013 STM approved a request based on the AhCCAC’s recommendation for $3.17 million in design and construction work. Article 3 of the March 2014 STM asks for an increase in this appropriation to about $6.2 million. If approved, construction is expected to start in June 2014 with the opening day in March 2015. Construction on the new Estabrook Elementary School was completed on-time and under budget, and the new school is now open. The surprising growth in student enrollment at the Lexington Public School System noted in past reports by this Committee has continued. The Ad Hoc Enrollment Working Group was formed to analyze the trend and to improve the school’s enrollment forecasting model. Their preliminary report indicates that enrollment began a gradual upward shift in the 2005 school year, and accelerated dramatically in 2010. If this trend continues, the Town will have to take action to alleviate overcrowding in one or more schools. The Committee has made the following Reserve Fund transfers during FY2014: DateAmountDescription Additional costs for overtime, training, and equipment need by the Dec.5,2013$42,000 Lexington Police Department in preparation for and during Patriot’s Day. 1