2019-09-19-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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09/19/2019 AC Minutes • Whether to "tax to the max", i.e. keeping the tax levy at the levy limit; • How to handle personal property new growth; and • The impact of within-levy capital expenses on the operating budget. Ms. Kosnoff reported that the Select Board's Budget Summit 1 would take a high-level view of budgeting issues, with additional detail being provided at the second such summit. Revenue projections would be included in Budget Summit 3. She noted that last year staff prepared five-year budget proj ecti ons. Mr. Michelson and Mr. Nichols agreed to report back to this Committee after meeting with Ms. Hewitt. Crematory Study Committee (CSC) Mr. Padaki reported that the CSC voted 5-1 against adding a crematory at Westview Cemetery, primarily because the revenue would not cover expenses. Ms. Kosnoff added that the CSC's opinion also addressed equity concerns. The CSC plans to present a report under Article 2 at the 2019 Fall Special Town Meeting (STM). Ms. Kosnoff added that the project for replacing the administration building at the cemetery is expected to be brought to the 2020 ATM. 2019 Fall STM Ms. Kosnoff reported that the Town anticipates approximately $0.5 million in additional new growth beyond the FY2020 budget projection. She also commented on anticipated articles for the 2019 Fall STM warrant, as follows: • Three articles related to unpaid bills, stabilization funds, and the operating, enterprise fund, and Community Preservation budgets; • A request for a 2019 budget adjustment allowing the Town to hire a Sustainability Director, as approved by the 2019 ATM; • A conversion of all streetlights to LED bulbs. • Three zoning articles: 186 Bedford Street, 7 Hartwell Avenue, and Automated Teller Machines. • Pursuit of a State grant to look at the intersections of Hartwell Avenue with Bedford Street and Wood Street, noting that Hanscom Air Force Base is adding office space, which is expected to impact traffic patterns. Ms. Kosnoff noted that staff is sending a draft STM warrant to the Select Board tomorrow, at which time it will become a public document. Committee Input to Financial Guidelines Working Group Mr. Parker reported that he and Mr. Nichols plan to attend an October 8th meeting of this working group, which was created by Jim Malloy, Town Manager. Subjects for possible discussion by this working group were suggested, as follows: • Mr. Levine shared a handout showing his analyses related to"tax to the max" alternatives, which he identified as follows: ➢ Scenario 1: Reduce taxes now and do not appropriate funds into the Capital Stabilization Fund in anticipation of the high school project. Wait until debt service for the project is actually needed to increase taxes. At that point, taxpayers would experience a significant tax increase. 2