10/16/2006 Annual Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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„t • Article 33: (Step 2) "Meadowbrook Road". To accept Meadowbrook Road as a public way, to appropriate $27,737 from available funds for any necessary taking, repairs or construction associated with the way, and to authorize the assessment of ,I betterments to the owners of land abutting Meadowbrook Road. • Article 34: (Step 1) "Equestrian Way". To appropriate $5,000 from available funds to prepare a plan laying out and defining Equestrian Way. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS TOWN MEETING APPROVAL OF ARTICLES 33 and 34. Article 35. Indemnification of Retired Public Safety Employees. This Petition Article seeks approval to accept the provisions of state law, which would indemnify police officers and fire fighters who have been approved for an accidental disability retirement from certain medical expenses after retirement. Mashpee provides substantial pension and medical benefits for its employees and retirees. These benefit plans are very costly, and the town officials must work diligently to contain costs in order •` to continue these benefits. The town's health plan is paid 75% by the Town; 25% is paid by the employees and retirees. In addition to the benefit plans enjoyed by all municipal employees, public safety employees receive increased benefits in cases of accidental disability. Chapter 111F of Massachusetts law provides that public safety employees receive 72% of their pay for a job related disability. With tax exclusions, this payment can be even greater. The petitioners of this Article seek further benefits that would pay 100% reimbursement for certain medical expenses. The Finance Committee has been concerned with the Town's struggle to sustain the existing benefit levels, because the cost of these benefits now exceed $5.5 million, or 12.5%, of the FY 07 municipal budget. It is the Finance Committee's position that Mashpee is not in a position to support additional, unknown and uncapped costs for a specific group of employees. This Article requires a 2/3 affirmative vote for approval. i THE FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS TOWN MEETING DEFEAT ARTICLE 35. This concludes the review of the Warrant Articles before the October 16, 2006 Town Meeting. I 1 10