HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-10-03-AC-MIN.pdf 299
APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE
DATE: October 3, 1977
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: Town Office Bldg. - Room 111
PRESENT: Donald B. White , Chairman, Richard M. Perry, Secretary,
�--t John Blaisdell, John Campbell, William Dailey, Martin
-� Gilman, George Silverman, Mitzi Kutchin
r7
OBSERVER : Nancy Marsden - League of Women Voters
d Minutes of September
P 26, 1977 were approved by the Committee and
placed on file .
I . MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Present: Robert Jackson - MRVHS School Committee Member
a. Chairman White stated that we are taking a very close
look at the budget - we are talking about $2.00-$3.00
on the tax rate. "We are not going to be very receptive
to any increase in the budget" Mr. White said.
b. Mr. Jackson distributed copies of the Superintendent's
Newsletter dealing with the Minuteman Educational
Development Corporation (MEDCOR ) . (on file ) This is
now in Committee , Mr. Jackson said. It's purpose is
to provide a more realistic situation for the students
in school, i.e . , handling a business of their own and
just what the real relationship between employer and
employee should be.
c. The Corporation will have the potential for reducing
costs to taxpayers while improving the education of
students.
d. The Corporation will not create any tax burden on the
towns involved. Funds will come from industry.
e. Regional Committee would be responsible for selecting
people to run Corporation.
f. At the conclusion of Mr. Jackson's presentation, Chairman
White stated that the Appropriation Committee would have
to further discuss this and give considerable thought to
the concept.
L_
g. The Guidelines for 1978-79 Budget Planning were presented
to the Appropriation Committee for review (on file) .
300
II . BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Appropriation Committee met with the Board of Selectmen,
Capital Expenditures Committee , Personnel Advisory Board,
School Committee and Town Manager Hutchinson at 8: 00 P.M.
The Town Manager presented the following major costs break-
down:
Payroll
Schools 13.3 million 65 per cent
Town 4.7
18.0
Insurance 1.0 3.6per cent
Retirement 7 2.5per cent
Debt 1.8 6.5per cent
Energy 9 " 3.2per cent
Misc. 1.0 3.6per cent
Reserve Fund
Road Mach.
Other Expenses 4.3 15.6per cent
Totals $27.7 Million -- 100.0 per cent
a. Town Manager Hutchinson stated that "85% of the budget
is very hard to move on" . Payroll is to be scrutinized
very carefully and I have asked the Department Heads what --
a
a 5% cut would do to them, Mr. Hutchinson said.
b. Chairman White stated that the Appropriation Committee is
look for the least possible increase . "I am very en-
couraged with the School Committee and their outlook toward
a zero base budget. " I have a question re the sewer program
and just how far we should proceed with it, Chairman White
said. Mr. White concluded by saying he hoped that some
tax relief could be sought if the State might get better
control over Chapter 766.
c . Mr. Barnert, Chairman of Capital Expenditures Committee
stated that he was somewhat more pessimistic - capital
items this year totaled $1 million. Two capital. costs
coming up which will have serious impact on the Town are
the Sanitary Landfill and the funding of the Retirement
Program.
d. John Butler, Chairman of the PAB stated that to control
further increases is through increased productivity
within certain areas ($18 million is for payroll) .
e . Patricia Swanson, Chairman, School Committee stated that
a great deal had been done thus fax re the improvement
of the system. There has been a revision in the account-
ing system, goals and objectives have been established.
301
If Dr. Lawson cannot reach a zero base budget, he
will tell us why he cannot,. Mrs. Swanson stated.
Dr. Lawson stated that he is taking a look at every
expenditure and raising a lot of questions. "I am
not willing to make any recommendations for any
decreases if it is going to impair the educational
quality of the schools, " Dr. Lawson said. We have
eliminated 35 positions this year in the school
system.
f. It was noted by the Town Manager that the Town has a
2-year contract with the police and firefighter's
contract is now in factfinding.
g. Chairman Battin called on Mr. Vigderman to speak on
areas in which the State is impacting local communities:
--Unemployment compensation will be felt by July 1,
1978. Cities and towns will have to bear the
expense of unemployment compensation of all
government employees.
--Compulsary and binding arbitration - a compromise
measure is being worked on by the Legislature .
--Occupational Health and Safety Act - now before
legislature - voluntary acceptance by each of the
cities and towns - does not add any new costs.
--Non-funded pension program - does not expect
anything to happen at this session of the
legislature.
--Mandatory retirement - Mr. Perry stated that only
two town employees are affected. Most retire early.
h. Town Manager Hutchinson and Dr. Lawson are to work out
a mutual time when the Boards can jointly meet with the
legislators.
III . SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Chairman White informed the Committee of the "Proposed
Guidelines for 1978-79" which were drawn up at the School
Committee Meeting on September 13, 1977. (on file )
IV. GENERAL DISCUSSION
Mr. Blaisdell stated that he does not like the joint meetings
held with the Board of Selectmen. "I would rather have them
come in and talk with us privately" , Mr. Blaisdell stated.
Chairman White suggested that we try the joint meeting and
if not satisfied then ask them to come in and meet with the
Appropriation Committee .
302
V. APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE BUDGET
Mr. Perry submitted the Appropriation Committee budget
at $4000. Chairman White stated that he felt we should
stay within last year's budget, yet at the same time we
must be realistic.
Martin Gilman made a motion to submit the Appropriation
Committee budget for $3800.
Upon motions duly made and
seconded, the above budget
for $3800 was VOTED by the
Appropriation Committee.
SO VOTED
Meeting adjourned at 9:34 P.M.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 16, 1977 at
7 :30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
6-aq.
`� ._
Richard Perry/mo b
Secretary