03/30/1998 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Selectmen Minutes 2 March 30, 1998 APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS: School Committee re: Budget: (continued) Alec Watt, Finance Committee Chairman indicated that his committee has not changed their recommended School budget of$11.1 for fiscal year 1999. The Finance Committee would"pledge"the aid, but it is not suitable to appropriate funds that aren't presently available explained Mr. Watt. If there is no action to increase Mashpee's Chapter 70 resolution aid, Mr. Whritenour recommended to consider a special election override for the shortfall, or perhaps schedule a special town meeting to reduce the overall budget of the town. School Committee member, Steve Paxton indicated that contractual obligations require layoff notices by May 15th. Mr. Whritenour recommended that notices for potential layoffs be issued without delay. It should be made clear that we are not "out of the woods" indicated Mr. Whritenour. Mrs. Lynch indicated that the School Committee worked hard, and in the spirit of cooperation to reduce the School budget. Mrs. Lynch stated that she is "stunned"by Mr. Whritenour's recommendation. Layoff notices would create low morale and potential hardship to existing employee's. Dr. DeMoura, Superintendent of Schools noted that all individuals who receive layoff notices are entitled to collect unemployment benefits. The additional funds would have to be assumed by the town. It is important to consider the preliminary estimate within the town's preliminary local receipts so that education in Mashpee can be funded indicated Dr. DeMoura. Discussion ensued. Mr. Whritenour strongly recommended that action be considered if additional funding is not obtained. State revenues are still being debated, and the process appears to be behind schedule. Finance Committee member Sidney Golub recommended to further review "case law"relative to school contractual obligations as it relates to payment with respect to available funding. He suggested that reductions be considered from"non-salary"accounts. Discussion followed. Mr. Golub left the meeting.