1996-03-14-AC-MIN.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1996 COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, 7:30 PM Present: P Lapointe, M Miley, M Hastings, J Pagett, M Mairson, L Peck, R Leone, R Colwell, J Ryan Absent: .R Borghesani * P Lapointe provided an update on the MMRVHS issue. Letter was given to N Barnett and R Fitzgerald but has not yet been distributed amongst the member communities. P Lapointe along with representatives from Belmont and Arlington will meet with N Barnett and R Fitzgerald on Friday, March 15th * J Pagett will attend an EDCO meeting( regional school group) on March 22nd with S Elberger * MOTION to approve minutes of March 9, 1996 as amended. UNANIMOUS * P Lapointe met this morning with R White, W Dailey, J Young, B Peitz. J Young distributed a handout attempting to reconcile the "gap". W Dailey expressed concern over the School Departments ability to control costs. There was some discussion of the privatization of custodial services. R White will prepare a list of possible cuts as will J Young * General discussion of a schedule as prepared by J Young regarding the gap. The Superintendent's and Manager's figures are correct as they currently stand. The accounting adjustment( $ 77,499) should not be considered in closing the gap as it is included in the Manager's allocation. The additional state aid figure appears to be high and should be in the area of $ 265,000. The additional school revenue is an aggressive estimate but probably attainable. Concern over how the 3-for-1 can save money. P Lapointe will attempt to get a more detailed explanation as to how this proposed change will save. General discussion over the possibility of bonding the pumper (see vote). Free cash discussion centered around the fact hat there isn't enough to close the gap even if it was the intent of Town Meeting to exhaust the reserve. The snow deficit is currently closer to $ 800,000 and can be reduced by application and receipt of state aid and FEMA aid, estimated to be approximately $ 160,000. P Lapointe will attempt to clarify some of these numbers and identify a gap * General discussion over establishing a free cash policy by the AC. P Lapointe will identify what the free cash figure should be if the policy was to have 5%, 2.5%, or 1.5 of the operating budget set aside as a reserve * J Pagett has requested supporting documentation from the Town Manager that the Lexington School Department is experiencing the second fastest growth in the state. * P Lapointe distributed his Financial Planning Scenario, B along with information from J Moynihan regarding the School Department's capital request and a base line cost estimate for technology . A General discussion followed as to the incremental costs as they accrue from year to year * AC Reviewed and voted on the following articles: