03/14/2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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4 Finance Committee Minutes March 14, 2019 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Town Manager—Continued Review of FY2020 Budget: (continued) Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated that an article may be necessary for the Special Town Meeting warrant to cover a projected deficit in legal expenses. There has been an escalation in legal expenses due to zoning matters, and with representing attorneys in Washington, DC. There is also a need to be fully prepared with legal costs associated to retail marijuana and with wastewater. In response to the request for additional funding in the Legal/Consulting/Engineering budget, members of the Finance Committee indicated the funding request may be appropriated as an Emergency Reserve Fund Transfer. It was agreed the details of this expense would be reviewed and considered at the next Finance Committee meeting. Additional articles under consideration would fund nourishment at South Cape Beach, and funding to support the 150"' Anniversary of the Town of Mashpee. The projects will be brought to the attention of the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting. With regards to the previous school debt exclusions and the new debt exclusion questions before the voters for wastewater, it was agreed the public should be adequately informed of the tax increases related to debt exclusions. It was noted the cell tower is anticipated to generate new revenue although there are risks for legal expenses. The Mashpee Commons development, Willowbend and New Seabury expansion projects may also increase revenue projections in FY 2020. It was agreed it would be favorable and unified to go to Town Meeting in agreement with the Town Manager and his recommended budget. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins was receptive and agreed to consider additional budgetary meetings to address any recommendations and inconsistencies.