05/03/2010 Annual Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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While the FinCom does recommend approval of the majority of the other warrant articles on the Warrant, there are two articles the FinCom recommends Town Meeting should not approve. Article 16, a resident petition opposing further funding of the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars, and Article 19, a second resident petition requesting Town Meeting approval to purchase 38 acres of private land for $5.6 million. (See those articles in our report to review the FinCom's reasoning). In addition, there are two resident petition articles the FinCom opted not to take positions. (See Articles 13 and 14), as well as three articles the FinCom will make its recommendation at Town Meeting, because it is seeking additional information. (See Article 5 in the Special Meeting portion and Articles 6 and 21 in the Annual Meeting portion of the Warrant). Another item of note in the Budget is the change in the Town Charter for Mashpee which has led to an administrative restructure, and the discontinuation of 75% paid medical benefits for elected officials with stipends. There are IN1111111M who remain covered under a grandfather status, because their benefits preceded the change in Mashpee's Charter. In the interest of public accountability relative to these benefits, the total annual cost to the municipality for these benefits is $41,958. As you review and reflect on this summary, please be assured that Mashpee is in good financial standing. The Bonding Rating of Mashpee remains strong at in, and the Tax Rate is being kept within the 2 '/z threshold. Conservative and progressive management has given us a solid foundation to weather the uncertainty of this economic time. A special thank you to those residents who have given their input and opinions to our Finance Committee over the past year. We appreciate hearing from you, and encourage you to continue to engage in the work of the Town. Many Committees of the Town are in need of volunteers. It has been our pleasure to serve the Town in a volunteer status, and hope that others will step forward to contribute by offering their time to our Town leadership. If you wish to contribute your time as a volunteer, we encourage you to contact the Selectmen's Office and volunteer for the Town of Mashpee. Sincerely, Sandra Lindsey, Chairman Charles Gasior, Vice Chairman Oskar Klenert, Clerk Christopher Avis Robert Hutchinson William Johnson George Schmidt 4