HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-01-12-AC-MIN.pdf APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE
DATE: January 12, 1976
TIME: 7: 30 P.M.
PLACE: Town Office Bldg. Room 111
PRESENT: Edward E. Furash, Chairman, Donald B. White, Vice Chairman-
Schools, J. H. Blaisdell, Martin A. Gilman, Maxine Kutchin,
Howard L. Levingston, Richard M. Perry, Secretary
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Meeting with the above Committee and the following points were made:
1. Donald White emphasized the prime concern of the Committee was
to keep the tax rate down. The State has run out of money and
it is very obvious we will not be getting some of the reim-
bursements we usually do. We must look at things a little
differently.
2 . What do we do about a 420 student reduction? Can we get along
without some people for another year? The economic status has
not improved as we had hoped.
3. We are talking about a 1 mil increase here. $4 . 00 on the tax
rate.
4. We are concerned about the school closings. This might involve
us in other expenses and I don' t feel 1976 is the year to do this.
5. Deficit of*80-82 ,000 in special needs.
6. Chairman Furash stated that the forecast was not very heartening.
There are no funds left for tax stabilization. All funds must
come out of the tax rate. We are very concerned about the State
Revenue Program.
7. Mr. Furash mentioned to the School Committee that this "is not
the year to propose school closings and school renovations . "
8. There could be an increase in school enrollment in the 80 ' s .
9 . We are not opposed to closing down the schools however, we are
opposed to the renovation of such or putting such a building to
administrative use. We are going to avoid Capital expenditures.
10. Mrs . Swanson stated that they were cutting back only 4 teachers
when they should be cutting back 8.
11. Mr. Hall stated that construction costs are going to be very high
in the next few years.
12. Mr. White stated that the Appropriation Committee would support
the closing of a school but not to put any more money into the
renovation of the building for another use.
PERSONNEL BOARD
1. The name of James F. Crain, Asbury Street, Treasurer of New
England Telephone was recommended to the Board of Selectmen as a
candidate to fill the vacancy on the above board.
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PERSONNEL BOARD (CONTINUED)
Upon motions duly made and seconded,
the name of James F. Crain was VOTED
and sent on to the Board of Selectmen.
REPLACE
1. The Chairman made mention of a letter from S . Shaw and M. Feakes
re the above. The L.W.V. hopes that the Appropriation Committee
r-- will give consideration to recommending funds for the continuance
of Replace. Chairman Furash sent a letter stating that this request
should originate with the Board of Selectmen (on file) .
2. Mr. Perry stated that under Section 5 (40C) of Chapter 40 it might
be possible for the Town to fund RePlace through the Board of
Health.
CONSERVATION
Articles 1-14 - 3/4 mil.
PERSONNEL BOARD
Chairman Furash reported the following comments following a meeting
with the Board of Selectmen and the Personnel Advisory Board:
1. Ground rules are going to be different.
2. Personnel Board will stick to the Management Personnel System -
overseeing salary wages, raises , M-scale and so report to the
Appropriation Committee. We have to look to them that the personnel
system is working.
3. We had hopes that they would provide us with organizational materials
however, I don' t think that they can do this Chairman Furash stated.
4. The Selectmen were informed of our two priorities :
a. inspections and levels of manpower.
b. levels of clerical staffing in the Town offices.
5. Chairman Furash made it clear that there was and has been a definite
reduction in the level of communications between the Selectmen and the
Appropriation Committee.
6. Mr. Blaisdell stated that an expense of $26 ,000 has occurred as a
result of this Board - what are we getting for the money spent?
D.P.W.
Peter Hall reported his findings re inventory listings and new equipment
requests resulting from a meeting at the Town Barn:
1. catch basin cleaner - more information here is necessary.
2 . snow truck - ok
3. 2 radios
4. water repair out.
192
5. 20, 800 approved includes catch basin cleaner.
6. replacement - $89, 400 includes animal control wagon.
7. Chairman Furash has requested Peter Hall for his personal
recommendation here based on the meeting held. Mr. Hall
is to send this to him before next meeting.
CONTROLLABLES
$122, 000 increase - 8%
$10, 000 Police
33,000 Highway Maintenance
7,000 Fire
14,000 Road Machinery
33, 000 Library
$97,000
Meeting adjourned at 10 : 25 P.M.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 19 , 1976
Respectfully submitted,
X1 L H4 4 -
Richard M. Perry/mo'b
Secretary