HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-07-26 BOS ES Min released 4-99.pdf ES6-23
SELECTMEN'S Mr.r, ING 0/1J1/412 .
EXECUTIVE SESSION
July 26, 1994
Present: Selectmen: Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison;
School Committee members: Mrs. Elberger, Mrs. Peltz, Mr. Dini, Mrs. Coit, Mr. Oberteuffer;
Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Young, School Superintendent; and Ms. Smith, Executive
Clerk.
Collective Bargaining
Mr. Dailey reviewed anticipated revenue figures for Fiscal Years 1995 and 1996 and
expressed concern over an anticipated $1.5 million in increased revenue for FY96 to meet the
demands of both the school and town budgets. He also calculated that for every 1% in wage
increases it would cost the town approximately $130,000 on the municipal side and
approximately $285,000 on the school side. Mr. Dailey also reiterated the Board's
commitment to increase the Free Cash figure by $500,000 for FY96.
Mr. Dailey explained that the Town used all appropriations in DPW for FY94 for the snow
and ice removal expenses. The town will have to cover $150,000 of the cost of the teacher
early retirement unmet savings. The School Committee anticipates dealing with the $180,000
school budget gap before the school year starts. Mr. Dailey also mentioned a letter the Town
Manager received from the Mass. Teachers Association concerning health insurance benefits
for tutors and aides working more than 20 hours per week. A rough estimate indicates that
this would involve 66 individuals at a cost of $5,000 each for a total cost of approximately
$330,000.
Jeff Young explained the mistake in the early retirement estimates resulting in savings for
FY95 of about $60,000 to $70,000 rather than the original estimate of between $250,000 to
$400,000 which leaves the town and school with a $330,000 budget gap. He said the School
Committee is looking into a local early retirement incentive, but that the offer would be far
less attractive than the State early retirement. Mrs. Coit said she felt the town should get
media attention focused on what is going on with the early retirement and what it is costing
the towns. It was also felt that the Mass. Municipal Association should get involved. Mr.
White said the MMA is involved and he had recently made a presentation at a Local
Government Advisory Committee meeting with the Governor specifically on this issue.
Both boards felt it would be interesting to see the results of the strategic planning survey
which will be coming back by the end of next month.
Discussion followed over issues such as multi-year contracts, long term strategy, history of
contract settlements, how to handle the 1% this year, the fact that the town can't provide same
services as it is providing now
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Mrs. Coit said the School Committee plans to meet with the different PTA's this fall to talk
about how they want the School Committee to deal with "you can't have it all". She invited
the Board to join them.
It was agreed that both boards need a unified plan. All employees need to hear the same
thing. Both boards are in agreement that no employees hear anything until both boards agree
on the issues.
It was agreed that the boards would meet again in mid September.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:35 a.m.
A true copy, attest:
Phylli A. Smith
Executive Clerk
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