1990-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Report of the Report of the Board of Selectmen Executive Secretary To the Citizens of Mashpee: To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Our town entered the new decade with a new outlook It is my privilege to submit to you the 1990 report of on capital and fiscal planning,due largely to the fact that the Office of Executive Secretary. It has been my distinct the State cut back their local aid to cities and towns and pleasure to serve the Board of Selectmen during this period of increasing challenge to our fiscal and program- matic resources. During the year 1990, the Office of Ex- Selectmen along with the residents of Mashpee were forc- ed into examining down-sizing government, long-term understand, and appreciate the needs of our munic al financial planning and cutting expenses. p departments and more importantly, the community. Mashpee voters said "No" to a new town hall and to Great efforts were made to try to bring about an open- override questions. The Board of Selectmen established ness to Municipal Government, what its purpose was, a Fiscal Advisory Committee that for the first time took how services were delivered, and most importantly how a hard look at the town's finances and expenses. A plan these services were being financed. These efforts, while was formed to phase in capital projects while not expan- ongoing, are beginning to bring about an awareness of ding the town's debt structure. The Board further charg- municipal finances,its limitations, and its continued need ed the Executive Secretary to examine our government to address changing fiscal climates. and make recommendations as to improving it. Under your direction and with this purpose in mind, two significant events towards greater fiscal and ad- During the past year, Mashpee again remained one of ministrative management were accomplished in 1990. The the fastest growing communities in Massachusetts. To first occurred in June when the Board of Selectmen keep up with the growth the Town unveiled a new police delegated to the Executive Secretary the responsibility to station addition, affordable housing units, and housing establish goals and direct the management of functions for the elderly. Plans for a senior center addition, a under their control. I believe that this action will enable recreation facility and sewage treatment plant are on the a more effective, timely, and germaine work product to horizon and should be a reality in fiscal year 1992. occur. I believe that this action, coupled with other necessary administrative and organizational changes can This past year also finally saw the Board of Selectmen further enhance our ability to provide more efficient ser- enter into an agreement with the State to commence work vices with fewer and fewer revenues. on Great Oak Road leading to South Cape Beach. This agreement will allow the Town to receive virtually a brand Secondly, the creation of a Fiscal Policy Advisory new road without having to use local funds to pay for Committee, in mid 1990, was the result of a need iden- it.The South Cape Beach Committee deserves a great deal tified by the Board of Selectmen to develop short and of congratulations for their work on behalf of the Town. long term financial policies for the Town of Mashpee. This Committee has presented a draft report to the Board Finally, the Board of Selectmen remain committed to in November 1990 and is planning on finalizing its work providing services to the residents of Mashpee, even in early 1991 One important recommendation of this despite limits imposed on our finances by the State. These report however that has been immediately implemented, services, largely will remain unaffected, due to the pro- is the establishment of Mashpee's first Economic fessionalism and dedication of our town department Development Committee, whose charge it will be to heads and employees. Mashpee is moving forward, and develop an economic enhancement plan for our in order to continue in a positive direction all boards, community. departments and employees must continue to work together, communicating and sharing ideas with each The Office of Executive Secretary would like to thank other. All levels of government must be focused on one the Town's Department Heads, and their staff for the issue, the common good of Mashpee. continued cooperation, understanding, and patience. I would particularly like to thank the outstanding contribu- The Selectmen urge all residents to get involved in the tion of Joyce Mason, Debbie Costa, and Bea Horton who Town, and make it work for you. were invaluable to me with my unending number of ques- tions during my first year as Executive Secretary. Respectfully submitted, In closing, I would like for all of us to continue to ad- Jeremy M. Carter, Chairman dress the challenges of the next few years in an open,com- Carol H. Jacobson mitted and dedicated process, dedicated to the improve- Peter M. Lawrence ment of our community in a manner that reflects all of Willard L. Hanson our ideals. Andrew R. Gottlieb Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF SELECTMEN Kevin J. Harrington Executive Secretary 7