1986-02-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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A t�� , 2- SENATOR KRAUS, LOCAL AID rrwrnrr�rr�� *�riNrA ur•�rugir��Nnirni�.r�� qenator Kraus joined the meeting for discussion of the Local.Aid Program of the Governor. Mr. Hutchi expressed his concern that out of Local Aid receipts, $188,400 higher than last year, only $28,000 is earmarked to offset General Revenue Sharing l oss. He felt Lexington should have been able to rely on approximately $204,040. He was strongly opposed to this component of the Local Aid leg as be unfair by distributing large amounts of monies to poorer commun ities, wh already, under the state aid formula which Lexington supported, are receiving tremendous amounts of money. He gave the example of Boston going from $27 million to $47 milli and felt the formula would reward the poor managerment performances of such communities at the expense of cities and towns which had handled their finances responsibly. He urged the Board to encourage Senator Kraus and Representative Loran to vote against that component, because of the way the Local Bill proposes to recapture General Revenue Sharing funds s As Co- Lhairman of the Local Committee, Senator Kraus gave the background of State procedures on the formula to this point. He said that there was no way to make up the dross of 144% of the funds, but that effort was made to distribute on a proportionate basis, with a minimum of 14% to some communities and a maximum of 84% to others, based on the State local needs formula. He pointed out th when checked, it appeared that even that formula was not applied correctly and he could not get a straight answer from the Administration on how the figure was derived. His Committee is trying to make a judgment as to which communities 'will come out with considerably less.. He said he hoped there had been enough conversation on this aspect that, if that component has to stand for this year, changes will be made for next year. Mr. Hutchinson said he recommends voting against the formula at the MMA meeting on February 4th, which he and Mrs. Battin will attend, and supporting a more equitable distribution. Mr. McLaughlin shared the Manager's concerns and supported his position in opposition to the formula for distr of funds with respect to replacement of General Revenue Sharing funds. Mr. Dailey noted that Lexington's figure is among the lowest and felt that the poorer municipalities should respond with cutbacks on per capita spending to change the situation for next year. He also felt that the Manager should object vehemently to the proposed formula. Senator Kraus stated that he will vote for the formula as presented, although he would support the changing of the revenue sharing recapture component. The Senator was thanked for the opportunity for discussion and his input. • now NNW