03/21/1988 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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'r r ` P. 0, E3OX 1108 '1 F CO' MASF{PEE. SSA 026,19 FINANCE COMZ1117EE M I NUTES Town IIa l l March 21, 1988 Present: Edward Dolan, Carol Dunivan, John Ferriday, Carl Heller, Joyce Howell, and William Towner Town Accountant, Vern Polka The Finance Committee meeting commenced at 7 p.m. The pupose of the meeting was to make final decisions on the omnibus budget. Chairman Heller made note that the Finance Committee is distressed by the immature actions of the reporter, Susan Billings , from the Mashpee Messenger in advising department heads of proposed cuts in their budgets, after it was made evident and streesed by the Finance Committee that no final decisions had been made to date and the final decisions would be made at the March 21st meeting. Vern Polka the Town Accountant addressed the Finance Committee regarding her concern about the $831,403 which represents 70% reimbursement from the State for the new school. She noted that these funds must be used to reduce debt on the school, and should not be used for general disbursement. She noted the these monies were not supposed to be used as General Revenue. There are no laws that specifically address this matter. Vern noted the problems come when the town goes to set the tax rate, the State won' t set the rate. She stated that the problem is that the law doesn' t state vhat, you can or can' t do. Carl noted that he would feel more comfortable if these funds were not placed in the General Revenue and Committee members agreed. Chairman Heller plans to discuss this issue with Executive Secretary Murphy. Carol Dunivan noted that Ernie Virgilio, DPW Director, felt his budget had been singled out and cut excessively. He feels that the Finance Committee has singled him out for the past two years . Carol would like to put Ernie's wages up to $28,000. The Finance Committee had previously discussed giving him only $26,000 of his request for $35,000. Committee Members voted and agreed to recommend $28,000 for the DPW wage account. Carl stated that all positions that passed as Articles last year are now on the Warrant again for funding. Carl expressed his belief that the Deputy Fire Chief position should be done in the same way that other new positions are being done. The Deputy Fire Chief position is also an unfunded position at $33,798.