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3 �5 4 - VOW Budget goals in the Manager's message to the Selectmen were outlined which stated the obligation, under the selectmen /Town Manager Act for submission by the Manager of a comprehensive budget that balances proposed expenditures with realistic and reliable revenue projections. He said that revenue limitation had required him to eliminate and reduce many valued municipal services, with priority being given to traditional governmental services such as Education, Public Safety, Public Works, and Library. Also reviewed were charts entitled "specific Revenue Comparisons other than Real Estate" and "Free Cash ", which showed a decrease in FY91 of $3,190,824 or -53 %. "Charges" showed a decrease of - 15.73 %; "operating Budget and Articles-Program Comparison" with Schools, Shared Expenses ", showing a total increase of $807,035, or 1.5 %, in FY91; "Proposed Expenditure Comparisons - Without Water & Sewer" showing an increase in FY91 of $713,315, or +2.07 %. Y Mr. 'White outlined the reductions in programs and services he proposed which included DPW, Police, Fire, Library, elimination of LExPRESS, no funding for RePl.ace, reductions in Town Manager Professional Services and elimination of the Town office Building switchboard, plus a number of general government programs. He concluded that these steps, plus a smaller increase for the Schools, would balance the FY91 budget. Mr. Eddison thanked Mr. White for his excellent and clear presentation of the budget proposal and the rational behind it. The Chairman noted the presence of the school Committee, Finance NNW Committees, and the Town Meeting Members Association Executive +committee. Following comments from Board members on various aspects of the budget, Mr. Eddison asked for questions and comments from the audience. Polly Woodworth, School. Committee Chairman, acknowledged the hard work of the School Administration in preparation of a budget that had been cut in all possible areas while still addressing the needs of the school system. Mr. Z abin questioned the impact of those cuts on the quality of life in Lexington and suggested that the selectmen give thought to an override of Proposition 2 1/2, and that process was discussed in case the Town Meeting votes down the reductions proposed. Mr. Marshall referred to the state's financial crisis, which he saw as continuing into FY91. He felt that effort should be made to find out which 'if any, cuts would not be acceptable. He felt that more time was needed to listen and get input from town boards and citizens before entering discussions on an override. He didn't see the schools at "the cutting edge" as Superintendent Geiger had stated. It was agreed by many of those present that there was a need for public input on which services should be retained and for the education of the public on the true state of the Town's financial situation. Mr. White reported that he had held a staff meeting recently to inform Department Heads of the financial status of the Town, which he had seen to be the start of that educational process, adding that the only way to find out what the Town's priorities are would be to go through the budget process. There was discussion on organization of meetings and whether they should vow be large group meetings or starting with representatives or chairmen of boards and agencies. Mr. Eddison suggested in order to begin the process, chairmen of Boards could meet, possibly on a Saturday morning and that the details be arranged bytelephone, • � • -a' +r - -•w. .�.wr...- ±,, - .±Ys, - •may. --•t; ..