11/18/1987 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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Finance Committee Minutes ,November 18, 1987 Page 3. All present agreed that money articles should be in by March and recommendations made in April. Gottlieb noted that there is a great need to publish these recommendations. Perhaps there should be open meetings with the taxpayer associations. The departments would not be able to make presentations at these meetings, all lobbying would have to be done prior to the open meeting. This meeting would allow departments to answer questions only or it would just be completely out-of-control with each department lobbying for their articles. Vern noted that the expense budget for departments is limited to normal operating expenses and the small capital expenditures end up as articles. All concurred that if the Finance Committee could review the articles and the budgets at the same time we could put small capital expenditures in the budget - line item in the omnibus and this would reduce the articles considerably. Joe was asked to inform the departments that this was the better option.. Jean noted that there are some departments in strenuous situations. These departments are finding it necessary to close their doors to get work done, this is the result of understaffing. Jean expressed her belief that the town operates to serve the people and this is not being done. People drive all the way to the town hall only to find the office they want to visit is closed. The following departments have to close their doors during the week j for some time: Treasurer's Office, Assessors, Town Clerk, Board of Health, Planning, and Recreation Department. Murphy noted the real problem with this is the total inconsistency that exists. Every department is different, maybe a 4-day week would be preferable and the fifth day would be a closed-door day. The public needs to know when the town hall offices will be open. Murphy noted that not only is there inconsistency on what day the offices are open but also the hours of operation. It should be a policy that every office is open till 4:30 or whatever. Perhaps there should be a meeting to discuss this - or the Finance Committee could discuss it when budgets are being reviewed. Murphy noted that it is necessary to have a financial budget plan that is realistic and within parameters prior to going to the town. Carl noted that reviewing the articles with the department budgets is a paramount issue. At 8:30 P.M. the Finance Committe adjourned their meeting with the Selectmen and reconvened in their own office. John Ferriday noted that the Superintendent of Shoals would like to meet with the Finance Committee informally prior to submitting his school budget to the town. He would like to get a feel for the Committee's position. John noted that the 7 million dollars approved for the new school included all equipment - everything but staff. A tentative meeting was set for December 3rd at Carl Heller' s home at 7:45 to meet with the Superintendent. This would be an informal gathering. Mr. Towner noted that he had received a four page letter from Town Counsel j ieardon answering his questions. To date, Reardon informed Mr. Towner there has been nothing illegal done. Bill noted that he was semi-satisfied with Counsel's reply, however, he noted he would be keeping a vigilant eye on the Town Counsel.