2022-03-28-AC-ATM-STM-rptrev - Laserfiche WebLink

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2022 ATM,2022-1 STM APPROPRIATION CONMTTEE 21 MARCH 2022 Capital Costs. The capital costs of the Recreation Fund are covered, to the extent projects are eligible under the Community Preservation Act (CPA), by the Community Preservation Fund. This year's CPA-funded projects, for which appropriations totaling $4,509,591 are sought under Article 10, consist of playground pour-in-place surfaces and other improvements, the renovation of the Fiske School field, renovation of the basketball court and tennis courts off of Worthen Rd., and the formulation of a master plan for Lincoln Park. CPA funds ($915,000) are also sought to renovate the building housing the Center recreation complex bathrooms, but that project would be managed by the Department of Public Facilities. For more detail on these projects, see the discussion of Article 10 (CPA)below. Capital projects not eligible for CPA funding may receive support from the General Fund through the appropriation of free cash, within-levy debt or excluded debt, and may also be supported by the Recreation Fund's retained earnings to the extent feasible. Capital costs of the Pine Meadows Golf Club are typically funded from retained earnings attributable to golf user fees, as is the case this year with the proposed appropriation under Article 11 (Recreation Capital)of$95,000 for course improvements. This past winter the drain that keeps the lower level of the club house at the Pine Meadows Golf Course apparently collapsed, and water rose above the floor causing damage to golf carts and the building water heater. At press time, the Recreation Department has stated that it intends to seek a Reserve Fund transfer of about $131,000 so that a new drain may be installed and the water heater repaired or replaced (and possibly address other damaged items) before the beginning of the upcoming golf season. The intent would then be to request a transfer of an equal amount from the Recreation Enterprise Fund to the Reserve Fund via an appropriation for the current fiscal year under Article 21. Looking Forward. As noted above, the operations of the Community Center for which fees are not charged are supported by the tax levy, and additional support from the tax levy has recently been required due to the stress placed on the Recreation Fund by the pandemic. Looking ahead, the Town Manager has convened a Financial Policy Working Group which will examine, among other things, the funding of the Town's recreational programs and services, and whether the use of an enterprise fund for this purpose continues to make sense. Article 6 Appropriate for Senior Services Program Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommendation $15,000 GF Approve (8-0) This article seeks an appropriation for the Town's Senior Service Program of$15,000. The current amount in the continuing balance account for this program is $29,550. This includes $18,883 carried over from prior years and $15,000 appropriated for FY2022,minus year-to-date spending of about$4,000. Spending on this program has been minimal in the last two years due to the pandemic,which has made it difficult to accommodate volunteer work for seniors. The $15,000 funding request for FY2023 will assure adequate funding following a return to normal participation levels, and provide flexibility for potential enhancements. The Senior Service Program The Senior Service Program allows a limited number of low to moderate income seniors (age 60 and over) to perform volunteer work for the Town in exchange for a reduction in their property tax. Reductions earned under this program supplement any other statutory exemptions for which the participant qualifies. For more information on the Senior Service Program and other property tax relief options available to seniors, including exemptions and deferrals,please see Appendix D,or the Town website at http://www.lexingtonma.gov/taxrelief Benefits and Criteria for Participation The Select Board is responsible for setting the age and income criteria for participation, the wage rate, and the maximum credit allowed. Under current guidelines, the program is available for persons age 60 years and older with household income up to $90,000. The maximum tax reduction which may currently be earned is $1,755 per household per year. 22