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Finance Committee Minutes <br /> February 25, 1991 <br /> Page 5. <br /> There are two articles for the Fire Department: <br /> $10,650 for training- for hazardous waste disposal <br /> $10,532 for paramedic training. <br /> Finance Committee did not wish to set aside money for either of these articles. <br /> Members agreed that the money for the library CLAMS program $16,000 <br /> should not be set aside. <br /> Members agreed that the money for the green-head fly work'$304 should not <br /> be set aside. <br /> There are a series of Human Service articles totally approximately $16,000. <br /> Members agreed not to set aside the money this year for these articles. <br /> The Finance Committee has agreed to set aside approximately $87,000 <br /> for articles and this would include the $50,000 for the reevaluation project. <br /> This would leave the budget about $20,000 in the black. <br /> Jim noted that the next meeting is with the Selectmen to discuss their <br /> suggestions. At the March 5th meeting the Committee will make their final <br /> preliminary budget decisions and forward them to the department heads. The <br /> department heads can then address the liaisons about their budgets or <br /> the committee. The final budget will be determined around ttie third week of March. <br /> Tony Gallo addressed the committee about a 2a override. He-expressed <br /> his deep concern about the impact of- budget cuts on services. He stressed <br /> that the biggest problem is that the town has never developed a town conscience. <br /> He feels there is a need to consider each and every person's needs. Tony <br /> noted that the problems all began with the misuse of the state reimbursement <br /> for the Coombs School. The Committee he feels has the responsiblilty to <br /> inform the taxpayers of the impact of the below-level funding of many departments. <br /> They should have this information before town meeting. Taxpayers should make <br /> decision - to take the cuts or go for an override. Tony feels that if there <br /> is a wage freeze whatever money is given up should come back to the employees <br /> at some future time. If employees are willing to take a freeze then taxpayers <br /> should be willing to do something. He feels money in capital accounts should <br /> be-used to lower taxes or stay where it is and build up interest and when a <br /> capital expenditure is really required then it could go into that area. Tony <br /> stressed that he is trying to maintain the services in the town. Tony asked <br /> the Committee to consider this. <br /> Bill Jones was present at the meeting and distributed to members an <br /> "Impact Study - Growth vs. Taxes" and he stressed the need for the taxpayers <br /> to have the option of an override. He stated that he would be willing to <br /> discuss his report with the members at any time. <br /> Chairman Vaccaro agreed that the town is clearly factualized and that <br /> there is a need for a community conscience. He further agreed that the public <br /> needs to be aware of what the Finance Committee has done as well as the <br /> possibility of a 2 ooverride. . However he stressed that it would be <br /> inappropriate to put something on the warrant such as an override and not take <br /> a stand. He noted that he- would oppose an override at this time, stating <br /> that until the town can live within its budget there will be perpetual overrides. <br /> Jim added that to ask people who are struggling to live within their own budgets <br /> to pass an override so that the town can live beyond its means is inappropriate. <br />