1992-FINANCE COMMITTEE - Laserfiche WebLink

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A I1 I • Diane Rommelmeyer, : Town Accountant, was also present at this meeting. She and Dan Goggin had met previous to the meeting to discuss Mashpee's Fiscal Year FY 92 and FY 93 . Dan handed out a printout to the members for discussion. A copy is attached. Certain figures given were estimates and certain figures were actual. The first page of the packet indicated a level budget for FY 93 comparing it to FY 92 . The second page indicated a level service budget request for FY 93 . Members then continued to discuss these figures. Al questioned how the Finance Committee goes about reducing the deficit. He felt that there must be some plan. Tony mentioned that he didn't think that any department actually thought they would get what they wanted in the level service budget. Town value was also discussed and the fact that the value has decreased in the past year. Diane also mentioned that it surprised her to see the 10% budget reductions and not see reductions in staff. Tony also indicated that he didn't think the 10% budgets were very helpful to the Finance Committee. Tony stated that the town just doesn't have enough revenue coming in. The revenue from property taxes make. up 90% of the money that is coming into the town. Diane indicated that on June 30th all of the surplus taken from appropriation is accounted for, but if you have a high receivable you have to net out that receivable. Diane indicated that the surplus would help and last year she closed to revenue over $500,000.00, but we ended up with $127,000.00 because of the high receivable. John mentioned that a question he has been asked is if a department saves 5% in their budget and another department does not who actually benefits? The department who does not? John felt that it should all go back to the department that is saving because why should they save? Tony also stated that any department would be foolish to vote for a salary freeze unless it was going to prevent layoffs in their own department. People won't vote for a salary freeze. Diane indicated that all contracts are up for negotiations in June. Diane also stated that we need to be aware that there is a deficit and it will be approximately $250,000.00. Dan mentioned that we also need to be aware of the articles submitted so we know what is being requested. The members also discussed the fact that the town people will be voting the funding to move the Town Hall. Presently the building they are using belongs to the School Department. Ed then brought up double sessions for the school children and increasing classroom size. Tony thought that this was just to much for the kids. Members agreed that this was totally off the subject and moved on. Deidre then mentioned that she also agreed with Al about getting focused on what our balancing policies will be. Deidre felt that we need to be realistic about our fixed costs and we have a FY 92 provision abatement that we have to finance. She stated that we have to go back and see at what level we can work at, for instance, a 1992 salary freeze.