HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-11-28-AC-MIN.pdf 312
APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE
DATE: November 28, 1977
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: Estabrook Hall
PRESENT: Donald B. White, Chairman, Richard M. Perry, Secretary,
John Campbell, Martin Gilman, George Silverman
I . MEETING WITH STATE LEGISLATORS
Present: Board of Selectmen
Town Treasurer Louis Zehner
Town Manager Hutchinson
Town Counsel Cohen
Alfred Vigderman - Attorney
Senators Amick and Rotundi
State Reps. Cole, Dickson
Points covered were as follows:
1. Property tax reform, Chapter 766 , Court Reform and Solid
Waste disposal were the list of concerns voiced to the
Legislators.
2. Town Manager Hutchinson reviewed via a graph the following
financial situation for Lexington: `-
11.4 million - general government
16.3 - education
1.5 - is assessed the town by the state
1 - is levied in county assessments
7 - is for county and state charges
3. 4 million received back from the cherry sheet - 23 million
must come from property tax - remainder from local receipts
and general revenue sharing.
4. In excess of 90% of budget is being funded by local property
tax.
5. Chairman White asked "what are the implications of Chapter 766?"
Representative Cole stated that Chapter 766 was a good idea
and no one envisioned the extent to which it would go. Senator
Rotundi stated that the scope of the program should have been
set a long time ago. The Federal Government is commited to
Massachusetts for $64 million by 1980 Senator Rotundi stated.
6. Selectman Busa mentioned the report "Children's Puzzle" which
was done by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and
Welfare. It was pointed out by Sen. Amick that a .hearing was
set for Tuesday by a legislative Committee appointed to look
into it. They are working toward its implementation.
7. Mr. Vigderman stated that there has been concern over the
relationship between Chapter 766 and Chapter 70. There is
presently a study being done to separate the two. Mr. Vigderman
went on to say that Chapter 766 would continue to cost the tax-
payers a lot of money.
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8. Jack Campbell asked the Legislators how they could
help re the closing of the landfill. Town Manager
Hutchinson spoke of the closure plan which the state
insisted on by January 1, 1978. Rep. Cole said he
has been working on this with state officials.
Sen. Amick also said she had been working with state
agencies re a delay in closing.
9. Binding Arbitration - better than the previous law
but far from perfect.
10. State Funding of municipal retirement liability -
Mr. Cole recommends funding as you go rather than
..,; making it mandatory by a certain date. The State is
looking for $49 million. Mr. Perry asked if the cherry
sheets could be released on time - 1st of March:
11. Court Reform - it is hoped that the court system will
improve with state take-over.
12. Chairman White asked if it was possible to live within
a fixed state budget? Unrealistic was the answer: It
is appealing but impractical said Senator Rotundi. . .I
would rather see a better approach to the budget.
Selectman Bailey stated that the situation in Massachusetts
is a "mess" and it is very difficult to get professionals
to come into the state.
II . CAPITAL BUDGETS
A review of capital budgets was made by the Appropriation Committee.
III . LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Chairman White informed the Committee of a communication from the
League of Women Voters re a course being given entitled "Financing
Local Government" - cost: $15.00.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
Next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 P.M. on December 5, 1977 in Cary Hall
prior to the opening session of the Special Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
/ ,, 1,) f2-7
'Richard M. Perry/mo'b ,
Secretary