05/02/1994 STM-ATM - Laserfiche WebLink

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Message, from the MASH PEE FINANCE COMMITTEE Aiinual and Special Town Meetings, May 2, 1994 Dear Voter, The time has come once again to make some financial decisions for the town of Mashpee. We gather this evening as a ""legislature" not unlike our federal and state representatives, empowered to spend the taxpayers' money. Many good things have happened in the last couple of years to brighten the financial picture for the town. Revenues have exceeded estimates and most departments have lived within their budgets, As a result, the independent auditor for the Town of Mashpee, Melanson & Co., CPA, stated, "The financial statements of'Mash vee car fiscal-years 1992 and 1993 are the en of almost eve g other city and town in the Commonwealth." Fiscal year 1994, which ends on June 30, 1994, is also shaping up as an excellent financial year. The only major roadblock to such a result is the request by the School .Department for $20,0,000. This request should receive an emphatic "NO!" by the voters this evening, at the Special Town Meeting--and the Annual Town Meeting, f necessary. You should vote "No!" to this request to show your support for all the other departments in town who have managed their funds so as to live within their means. It is worth noting that, in the FY95 budget, the School Department is receiving a 10% increase in Jund5. Clf the $950,000 new revenues available or departments in FY95, 70% has been allocated by the Finance Committee to the School Doartment. In dollar terms, the School Department will he receiving an increase of $569,000 over FY94, while all other departments in town share only $260,745. There are some diffLrences between the Finance Committee recommendations and the Selectmens. After countless hours of research and deliberation, we found many budget items to he long on rhetoric and short on facts. We hope that you will see the wisdom in voting along with us. We are faced with the prospect of'building a new high school and consequently, "Our pockets are not so deep that we can afford to be bountiful!" Your Finance Committee has been guided in its deliberations by Mashpee's Long Range Financial Plan, which we hope you have had the opportunity to view on local TV Your support tonight will make all that worthwhile. We remain your "Dedicated Pocket Watchers Daniel Goggin, Chairman Roger Dunivan Anthony Gallo Deirdre Greelish, Vice Chrm. John Ferriday Marcia King Denise Sullivan, Clerk