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3 <br /> Finance Committee <br /> Minutes <br /> January 21, 2021 <br /> Presentation from Town Manager: (continued) <br /> The School Department is in the process of refining their FY22 budget submission to define and <br /> apportion revenue quantities to School Choice funds. In considering budget assumptions it is <br /> anticipated that Medical Insurance and the Cape Cod Technical School assessment would be less <br /> than projected. The School Department has also advised that several positions may not be filled. <br /> Medical Insurance for the School Department is sourced differently from the Town. <br /> This line item has been consistent with no increases for the past two years. <br /> It was noted that several departments have submitted a budget request less than last year's <br /> appropriation. This includes budget submissions from the Town Accountant's Office,Planning <br /> Department, Street Lighting, and the Council on Aging. The budget at this time is quite <br /> conservative. A few positions previously funded will remain vacant for this upcoming year, <br /> however,vacancies may be filled. There are no layoffs planned in the Fiscal 2022 budget <br /> submission. <br /> The Town Manager's Budget Recommendation includes the transfer of the Tree Warden line <br /> item to the DPW budget. The DPW budget is therefore reflective of the $2,000 increase <br /> previously listed separately. <br /> The Capital Improvement Program(CIP)budget is funded from the Capital Stabilization Fund. <br /> A separate article on the warrant details the recommended funding separate from the operating <br /> budget. The CIP Committee was noted to have recently begun meetings to review the budget <br /> submissions which are expected to be vetted in detail before funding is recommended. <br /> The Town Manager is scheduled to present his FY2022 Budget Recommendation to the Select <br /> Board at their February 8, 2021 meeting. <br /> A brief discussion followed with respect to the Community Preservation Committee's (CPC) <br /> recent review regarding the possible acquisition of Gooseberry Island. It was disclosed the CPC <br /> at their last meeting voted to authorize an appraisal of the subject property. Through the CPA <br /> Act it is permissible and in normal course for the CPC to authorize appraisals through their <br /> administrative and operating expense budget. The acquisition if supported by the CPC would <br /> require a Town Meeting vote of approval. It is customary for the Finance Committee to make <br /> comment on the articles at Town Meeting. <br /> This is a unique piece of undeveloped property that is now taxed at a rate that appears to be <br /> undervalued. This would be an additional revenue source for the town if the property was <br /> developed. Would the appraisal affect the Town Assessor's assessment of the property? <br /> The Finance Committee expressed appreciation to the Town Manager for his presentation. <br />