12/04/1989 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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Finance Committee Minutes December ,4, 1989 Page 3. and he was looking for a 12% increase over last year - this was before the bad news about the 10% reduction of: the FY90 appropriation, Members agreed that it will be necessary to address class size, and teacher/pupil ratio with Lincoln. It was stated that the Selectmen may ask the School Building Needs Committee to put the new school on hold and use the Town Hail. Lincoln has supposedly stated that he could survive at the 'Town Hall for a year or two. There may also be room at the Middle School. Tony Gallo noted that these are only temporary measures and the longer the town waits the town may loose state funding. He stated that in order to get state funding the town needs to be committed to building a new school. Tony noted that rental units with children and children who qualify for 766 were burdening the school system. fie further stated that Chapter 766 takes 15-20% of the school budget. Jeff Nutting joined the Finance Committee. Ed asked the Finance Committee to reconsider the Selectmen's Request for Transfer - stating his opposition to the reconsideration, Jim Vaccaro stated his belief that it is more appropriate to have the bills and reimburse rather than just upfronting the money. He further noted that if the candidate was good it would be money well spent. Tony Gallo said he was willing to give the benefit of doubt and stated perhaps it should have been discussed with Jeff prior to voting. Carl Heller motioned that the Finance Committee again deny this request, seconded by Ed Dolan. 'There were two in favor of this motion and three opposed - motion did not carry. Tony Gallo motioned that the Finance Committee approve the $1,000 request with the notation that in the future more information should accompany the request. John Ferriday seconded Gallo's motion. Jim expressed his belief that the Finance Committee should only approve $500 and then if the Selectmen need more they could return to the Finance Committee. A vote was taken on Gallo's motion, and the motion carried with one opposing vote by Dolan. Jeff noted that the $600,000 from last year is being disputed by the town. Jeff noted that the Department of Revenue has been arbitrary about this, and Mashpee has hired a lawyer to fight this. The lawyer will present a case noting that there are other towns in Massachusetts that have not been required to pay this in a similar situation. The $800,000 will have t'o be paid and will require a town meeting to use overlay reserve to pay it. Jeff noted that the FY91 estimated revenue is $1,350,000 this includes the $800,000. Jeff stated that he believed a new Executive Secretary would be hired by February 1, 1990. He noted that there are presently three contracts to be negotiated, and the police contract for last year has not been negotiated. There Is no provision in these contracts for reduction of force and this will entail 'ampact bargaining. Jeff stated that the Finance Committee and the Selectmen have a lot to cut and will have to request an override. Once the the revenue gap is established the facts wi].l have to be presented to the town - the public will then have the option . The Finance Committee agreed to let their approval of a Request for Transfer considered at the November 7th meeting for the Board of Health for $1,000 for dump stickers remain. There was some question as to whether the Board of Health had budgeted for this and a question as to whether this was an unforseen expense. It was agreed to let the 'Town Accountant review.