Committee on Appropriations 2021 Financial Town Meeting Message

Your Committee on Appropriations (COA) welcomes you to the 2021 Town of Barrington Financial Town Meeting. We have been working diligently on your behalf over the past several months to receive and review the Municipal and School budgets you will be voting on tonight. Unlike many Rhode Island communities, Barrington’s Town Charter offers you the opportunity and responsibility to speak and then vote on how your town allocates and spends its revenue from property taxes and other sources each fiscal year.

THE CHARTER

By Charter, the Committee on Appropriations (the “Committee”) - five members elected at the Financial Town Meeting on staggered two-year terms - is charged with holding “a public meeting on the Wednesday two weeks prior to the Annual Financial Town Meeting at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of hearing all registered voters of the Town interested in preparing a budget to be presented to the Annual Financial Town Meeting…” That public meeting, referred to as the Budget Hearing, was held on June 2, 2021.

THE PROCESS

The 2021–22 Budget process began in the fall of 2020 with the Budget Forecast Committee meeting to update the Budget Forecast.  This valuable document projects spending and revenues over several years based on both known amounts and assumptions.  It is not intended to predict the actual budget, as priorities and circumstances change. It does provide a baseline to aid the Administrations and COA in crafting budgets. The Committee is composed of two members of the Town Council, School Committee and COA and advised by the Municipal and School Finance Directors.  The final Forecast document was presented by the Budget Forecast Committee and discussed at a joint meeting of the Town Council, School Committee and COA on January 26, 2021. 

For this fiscal year and in anticipation of the Budget Hearing, the Committee held nine meetings to review the various proposed Budgets (in addition to the aforementioned Budget Forecast presentation).  One of those meetings focused on the status of our various pension plans.  Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic all meetings were held virtually on Zoom.  The Virus caused delay in scheduling the Financial Town Meeting (FTM) resulting in an extended process again this year.   The Committee voted on and approved in a 3 to 2 vote a recommended 2021-22 Budget on May 11th.  One member voted no out of concern over the 4+% increases in both Municipal and School operating budgets.  Another voted no because the budget did not include the Town Council proposed addition of $500,000 to the Capital Budget to fund affordable housing initiatives.  All meetings were publicized in advance and allowed for public Comment.

THE BUDGETS

The process leading up to the Committee on Appropriations’ review of five draft budgets - Municipal Operating, School Operating, Town Capital, School Capital, and Debt Service - began early this year, when the Town Council, School Committee, and Municipal and School leadership began working with their management teams to assemble their recommendations for the budgets being presented tonight. (The Capital Budgets were developed and presented by the Planning Board based on input from the Administrations.) All budgets were compared to last year’s approved numbers and multi-year expense history. The School Department applied a zero-based budgeting strategy again this year and continues to fund implementation of their Strategic Plan. Finally, the draft budgets were reviewed and approved by the Town Council for the three Municipal Budgets, and by the School Committee for the School Operating and Capital Budgets, before being presented to the Committee on Appropriations.

Once received, the Committee conducted its own review of the five draft budgets. Municipal and School administrators were present at our meetings and remained involved throughout the process. They answered our many questions and explained their methods of setting budget needs, priorities and initiatives with the community and taxpayers in mind. They also informed us of efficiencies and reductions in their budgets and were challenged to defend their spending plans.

The top seven Committee findings from our review process are: (1) compensation costs (contracts, parity and benefits) within the two operating budgets continue to account for large portions of the budget and spending increases; (2) new initiatives and reallocation of how services are provided are included in the School and Municipal budgets; (3) Town and School pensions are in compliance with all required contributions in accordance with State schedules, and we will continue annual monitoring; (4) maintaining excellent bond agency ratings requires balanced budgets and robust reserves; (5) consistent funding for future capital needs has kept borrowing and related expenses to a minimum, and some School capital expenditures receive 35% matching funds from the RI Department of Education; (6) awards of grant dollars and thousands of volunteer hours help mitigate costs and enhance the quality of life for Barrington residents; and (7) A significant increase in the Municipal and School Operating Budgets was largely offset by revenue increases from the State in car tax reimbursement and the school funding formula of over 2.8 million dollars, lessening the impact of the increased spending on the tax levy.

Total Town Budget

The Fiscal Year 2021-22 Town of Barrington budgets, as recommended by the Committee on Appropriations and published in the Barrington Times on May 26, 2021, total $82,931,521, a decrease of .05% compared to Fiscal Year 2020-21. This total is distributed across five major budget categories referenced below. The first two categories - Municipal Operating

and School Operating Budgets - represent 91% of the total budget and have recommended increases of 4.51% and 4.28% compared to Fiscal Year 2020-21. The combined increase of both operating budgets is 4.34%. The last three categories - Municipal Capital, School Capital, and Debt Service - represent the remaining 9% of the total budget and have a combined decrease of 29.7% compared to the prior fiscal year.  The large decrease in Debt was due to a one- time Middle School bond principal payment in the last fiscal year, which was offset by a one-time increase in State aid.

1. Municipal Operating Budget

The Municipal Operating Budget as presented to the Committee was $18,614,050 a 4.38% increase compared to Fiscal Year 2020–21.  Town Council modifications increased the request to $18,636,550 a 4.51% increase.  Notable budget increases were employee benefits $265,000 (5.80%) and Public Works $220,234 (8.80%), which included a request for two new positions.  Debt decreased by 3,136,769 (35.08%).  Most of that decrease was related to the previously mentioned one-time Middle School Bond principal payment in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

The COA recommends a Municipal Operating Budget of $18,636,550 an increase of 4.51% over the 2020–21 Budget. 

2. School Operating Budget

The School Operating Budget as presented to the Committee was $57,130,483, a 4.9% increase compared to Fiscal Year 2020–21.  Notable department budget increases were Contractual compensation and new positions (including benefits) $2,545,475 a 5.61% increase.  Subsequent modifications to the budget reduced the request to $56,790,991 a 4.28% increase.

The COA recommends a School Operating Budget of $56,790,991, an increase of 4.28% over the 2020–2021 Budget.

3. Municipal Capital Budget

The Municipal Capital Budget recommended by the Planning Board was for $1,285,000, a decrease of 4.76% from fiscal year 2020–2021.  Changes requested by the Town Manager and Town Council increased the request to $1,810,000, a 34.15% increase.  Primary drivers of the increase were $500,000 to fund affordable housing initiatives requested by the Town Council, and $25,000 for a well at the Town Hall requested by the Manager.  The $500,000 for affordable housing was not included in the COA recommended budget of $1,310,000, a 2.91% decrease from fiscal year 2020–2021.

4. School Capital Budget

The School Capital budget request was $388,595, the same as fiscal year 2020-2021.  Included in the request are School Technology $297,475, Wireless Access Point Replacement $21,120, and Vehicle Replacement of $70,000. 

The COA recommends approval of the requested amount of $388,595, the same as the prior fiscal year.

5. Debt Service Budget

The Debt Service Budget request was for $5,805,385, a decrease of 35.08%.  The large decrease is primarily due a large one-time bond principal payment during the prior fiscal year.  (As previously stated, this was offset by a one-time increase in State Housing Aid.)  In addition, retirement of a Building and Recreation bond with an annual payment of $315,000 contributed to the decrease.

The COA recommends approval of $5,805,385 for Debt Service, a decrease from fiscal year 2020–2021 of 35.08%.

BUDGET SUMMARY

PROJECTED REVENUES

ANTICIPATED IMPACT ON TAX LEVY

The recommended Total Town Budget was voted on by the Committee on Appropriations on May 11,2021,and amended on May 18, 2021.  The Town of Barrington’s Notice of Proposed Property Tax Rate Change, that was approved by the state, along with a Report to Taxpayers on the Current and Proposed Budgets was published on May 26, 2021. It is estimated to result in a proposed Fiscal Year 2021-22 tax levy increase of .31%, exclusive of motor vehicle excise tax collections, as required by state law. However, the adjusted decrease would be .61% when budgeted revenues from motor vehicle tax collections are included.

The final tax levy and related property tax rate for Fiscal Year 2021-22 will be determined by the result of votes taken at tonight’s Financial Town Meeting. Furthermore, each individual property owner’s actual property tax increase or decrease may be further impacted by any changes in assessed value of the owner’s property during the past year, such as exemptions and revaluation.

Sincerely,

TOWN OF BARRINGTON COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Steve Primiano (Chair)

Dr. Lisa Daft (vice Chair)

Bill DeWitt

Dr. Cynthia Rosengard

John Alessandro

Special Recognition:

Jim Cunha & Kathy Raposa

Mike Messore, Doug Fiore & Patrick Guthlein

Meredith DeSisto

Mr. Staples said before we address the budget, we have five resolutions printed in the call. Two of these resolutions create new Capital Reserve Accounts. Since the Financial Town Meeting can only appropriate money for a single budget year, these capital reserve accounts allow the town to set aside money each year over a period of several years for major purchases like fire trucks, police cars or roof repairs, and to acquire assets, such as land, for conservation and other purposes.

Motion by President Michael Carroll and seconded from the floor to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING TO CREATE A CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR EXTERIOR PAINTING

RESOLVED:  Resolution to create a capital reserve fund to be known as the Department of Public Works for Exterior Painting

Motion passed (Voice vote).

Motion by President Michael Carroll and seconded from the floor to adopt the following resolution:

Resolution of the Financial Town Meeting Appropriating $3,500,000 to Fund the Acquisition and Preservation of the former Carmelite Monastery and the Financing thereof through the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds and/or Notes in an Amount not to Exceed $3,500,000.

Be it resolved that:

SECTION 1.  The sum of $3,500,000 be appropriated to fund the acquisition of real estate known as the former Carmelite Monastery located at 25 Watson Avenue, Plat 7, Lot 4 in the Town (the "Project") and to raise said appropriation, the Finance Director, pursuant to Section 45-12-2 of the General Laws of Rhode Island with the approval of the Town Council is authorized to issue general obligation bonds therefor in an amount not to exceed $3,500,000, to issue temporary notes in anticipation of the issuance of bonds, and to issue refunding bonds pursuant to Section 45‑12‑5.2 of the General Laws. 

                    SECTION 2.  The manner of sale, amount, denominations, maturities, conversion or registration privileges, interest rates, medium of payment, and other terms, conditions and details of the bonds and notes may be fixed by the officers authorized to sign the bonds and notes. The bonds and notes shall be signed by the Finance Director and by the President of the Town Council.

                    SECTION 3.  The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are hereby authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to insure that the interest on any bonds and notes will remain exempt from federal income taxation to the extent provided in Section 103 of the Code, and to refrain from taking any action which will cause interest on such bonds and notes to lose the benefit of exclusion from gross income provided by Section 103(a) of the Code.  The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are further authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable to designate the bonds and notes as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

                    SECTION 4.    This resolution is an affirmative action of the Town toward the issuance of bonds and notes in accordance with the purposes of the laws of the State. This resolution confirms the Town’s declaration of official intent, pursuant to Treasury Regulation §1.150-2, to reimburse the Town for certain capital expenditures for the Project paid on or after the date which is sixty (60) days prior to the date hereof but prior to the issuance of the bonds or notes.  Such amounts to be reimbursed shall not exceed $3,500,000 and shall be reimbursed not later than eighteen (18) months after the later of (a) the date on which the expenditure is paid or (b) the date the Project is placed in service or abandoned but in no event later than three (3) years after the date the expenditure is paid.

                    SECTION 5.    This resolution shall take effect upon passage.

Geoff Grove, Robbins Drive, said that this is a surprise to see this motion.  We were aware of the motion for $250,000.  He said that this would be a premature vote.

President Carroll explained the process that had taken place these last few weeks.  He said that the Town Council had discussed it in Executive Session.  President Carroll explained the bid process and that you would not want to announce your bid and lose the opportunity for the community to have senior housing and other amenities for the town.  He said that the bid has been tentatively accepted and this evening you will have the opportunity to vote to acquire and preserve this property.

Carla DeStefano, 23 Pine Avenue, said that she would have liked to have seen more information but would like to see senior affordable housing.

William DeWitt, COA member, said that he was confused.  Is this preserving or developing?  He said sitting as a member of the Committee on Appropriations there was no mention of buying the property.

His discussed trust and transparency regarding the Town Council.

President Carroll said that we did not know that this property would go up for sale, but this is a once  in a while opportunity.  He said that there will be public hearings to decide what we will do with the property in the future.

Debra Nyser, 30 Adelaide Avenue, said that she was shocked to learn of this.  She asked what is the plan?  What is the impact with the schools?

Sam Chase, 95 Nayatt Road, questioned why place affordable housing there?  He said that even with a month, you could have conducted an impact study.

Christine Squatrito, 25 Appian Way, said that to hand this to us at the last minutes is hard to trust and spend this amount of money.  She questioned, what are the other options?

President Carroll discussed that they were told we were not the only bidder.  He discussed that if the property is developed with more than two (2) homes a portion of the land must contain two (2) affordable homes.

Beverly Migliori, 51 Chachacapasett Road, said that everyone knew that the land was for sale.  It is not just the $3.5 million but now you must need funds to develop it.  She said even from an environmental standpoint, the parking lot is not correct.  She urged all to vote NO.

Mark Hanchar, 25 Frederick Road, said that there needs to be a finish plan regarding this project.  This resolution needs to be WITHDRAWN.

John Conte, 2 Donald Ross Road, questioned the Town Council, how did you know that this was going to be accepted.  He discussed that we need an environmental impact study, what costs are involved and questioned open space. 

President Carroll discussed if tonight’s vote is a no, the opportunity will be lost, and it will go to a developer.  Mr. Carroll discussed his concerns for the seniors of Barrington.

Elizabeth Grieser, 42 Watson Avenue asked what do you mean by “preserve”?  She asked who is responsible for disseminating this information.  She asked where is the plan?

President Carroll said that we do not plan to tear down the building.  We would like to preserve and renovate the structure.  We (actually) found out today that we have an agreement.

Ann Strong, 55 Teed Avenue, spoke of trust and questioned how the town will move forward.  She questioned President Carroll’s employment with the diocese.

President Carroll discussed that the agreement was contingent on approval at the FTM.

David Butera, 275 Nayatt Road, said that he likes the idea of developing the building for the elderly but is concerned with cluster building.  He said that this is a big unknown.  He suggested keeping it as open space for townspeople.

President Carroll said the positive here would be if we own it, we decide and would hold many hearings to showcase our plans.

Steve Venuti, 17 Stanhope Drive said that he is in favor.  He discussed that he was on the zoning board and had conducted a zoning update.  He said that we need affordable and senior housing.  He believes that this is a golden opportunity.

TR Rimoshytus, 1 Howard Street said that the Committee on Appropriations has done a great job.  He said that he agrees with Mr. DeWitt that the seniors need a better break.  Mr. Rimoshytus said that this project will be costing us millions (maintenance of the grounds etc.).  He questioned is this affordable housing or senior housing?

President Carroll discussed that it is both (senior and affordable) but the Town Council has not yet discussed.

Jamie Hingham, Watson Avenue questioned if preservation would have any binding effects.

Solicitor Mike Ursillo explained that to preserve the building you would need to vote yes, and the building will stay in place with refurbishment.  Mr. Ursillo continued to discuss R-40 zone, the comprehensive plan, if town does not follow FTM mandates the town could be sued.

Laura Young, 14 Manning Drive said that this is a great opportunity to bring in senior housing.

Irene Inouye, 18 Chachapacassett Road, is in favor of additional affordable housing.

Jaime Treibwasser, Nayatt Road, thanked the COA.  She questioned the process and said, is this a scare tactic.  She asked, what is wrong with having a development with seven (7) houses which would give us significant taxes.  She said that she is concerned with the cost of this project.

Cal Ziwurski said that he is in favor that you have taken the initiative for affordable and senior housing.

Mary Kay Talbot, Fales Avenue is in favor since she lives in a smaller home.  She discussed how smaller homes are now being torn down and built twice the size.  She said that she would be happy with additional elderly housing.  She thanked everyone to give us this opportunity.  Do not let this be a PAWSOX situation.

Joan Warren, 19 Adams Point Road, asked why the building must be preserved.

President Carroll discussed how this property is part of our community and for some they do not want to see it torn down.  Joan Warren asked if there is a historical significance? Discussion ensued.

Pam Lauria, 56 Martin Avenue discuss that there is no senior housing and not enough affordable housing.  She said there are not many opportunities.  She said, please do not accuse the Town Council of being dishonest.

Julia Califano, 151 Mathewson Road, said that this is a beautiful piece of property, but we do have senior housing and we have affordable housing.  Ms. Califano discussed the Zion property and how it is just sitting there because it is not affordable for the developer to create senior/affordable housing.  She strongly urged the town to do their due diligence.

William DeWitt, COA member, discussed how the COA is tasked to present the town with a budget, and we were not given the opportunity. 

Mary Alice Gasbarro, 14 Robbins Drive discussed the history of the town’s development for senior living and discussed how the price point was discouraging to some because of the expense.  She said that she does not think she would be in favor.

VPLisa Daft, COA member said that the COA had a meeting as recent as last week.

Michael Squatrito, 25 Appian Way asked what the maximum capacity of the existing building.

President Carroll said that he did not have this information.  Mr. Squatrito asked if there is interest from someone who would want to purchase but not develop.  President Carroll said that he is not aware of anyone who would want to purchase and just hold it.

Kathy Larriviere, 25 Rosedale Drive discussed the history of the Carmelite Monastery and the vows of poverty in which they took.

Debra Nyser, 30 Adelaide Avenue continued the discussion of the history of the Carmelite Monastery.

Mr. Staples explained the processes for voting.

Voice Vote:  Moderator Staples could not distinguish between the yeas and the nays and called for a standing vote.

Standing Vote:        Yeas:  150                Nays:  148

Motion by Geoff Grove, 16 Robbins Drive for a paper ballot. 

Standing Vote:  Moderator Staples asked all to stand for a paper ballot.  He said that out of 298 voters there were 61 people who stood to approve a paper ballot or 20% of the voters.  Moderator Staples asked that the members of the Board of Canvassers prepare for a paper ballot.

Paper Ballot: Yeas:  176                Nays:  175   The vote passed.

Ann Strong, 55 Teed Avenue said that she is concerned with the vote.  She said, it was too close to call with the standing vote (Yeas:  150 Nays:  148 = 298) and then conducted a paper ballot (Yeas:  176 Nays:  175= 351).  She questioned; how we had an additional 53 people voting.  She said she believes that this was an illegal vote and asked for the solicitor to weigh in on this matter.  She said that she will ask the Attorney General to do so tomorrow morning.

Solicitor Mike Ursillo explained the statute regarding voting under the Town Charter.  He said that the secret ballot vote will stand.  He said that as long as the voting booths were open people do not have to be in attendance at the very beginning, voters are allowed to enter at any time – there is nothing in the Charter preventing voters coming and voting even in the last five minutes as long as voting is still in progress.  Solicitor Ursillo said that we have followed the proper procedures.  He said that the vote is proper and will stand. 

Jim Jackson, 8 Fireside Drive, said that under the circumstances he made a motion to have a recount.  There was a second from the floor.

President Mike Carroll said that we could have recount after recount and asked when there will be a finality of the vote.

Jim Jackson said that there will always be a question on this vote if there is not a recount.

Deb Nyser, 30 Adelaide Avenue demanded a recount because she said that she does feel that it was a balanced party (a person from one party and a person from another party).  We have the most divisive Town Council and now we have a divisive town meeting.

Chair of the Board of Canvassers Claire Boyes showed proof by presenting the receipt from the DS-200 (voting machine).  Mr. Staples stated that the Board of Canvassers did a hand count of the ballots as well as produced the count receipt.  Mr. Staples said that the vote stands.  He asked if (Mr. Jackson) he would like to withdraw his motion.

Frank Iannarilli, 59 Brook Street, said that this recount stands and asked the Moderator to state this motion is out of order.

Mr. Staples consulted with the Solicitor Ursillo and since we have done a hand count and we have the receipt from the ballot machine he declared that this motion is out of order.   

Motion by Town Council President Michael Carroll and seconded from the floor to adopt:

RESOLUTION OF THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF EMERGENCY NOTES

TO FUND EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS NOT TO EXCEED $5,000,000

Be it resolved that:

Section 1.  In the event of an emergency threatening the public safety, health or welfare and requiring the immediate expenditure of money by the Town, the Town Council, on the written recommendation of the Town Manager, by resolution, may appropriate funds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 and for purposes in addition to those contained in the operating budget or in the capital budget.  Such a resolution shall include a brief statement of the facts that show the existence of such emergency.

Section 2.  To fund said appropriation, the Finance Director, with the approval of the Town Council, is authorized under Section 45-12-2 of the General Laws Rhode Island to issue emergency notes.

Section 3.  The manner of sale, denominations, maturities, principal amounts, interest rates, and other terms, conditions and details of any emergency notes issued pursuant to this authority may be fixed by proceedings of the Town Council authorizing the issue or by separate resolution of the Town Council or, to the extent provisions for these matters are not so made, they may be fixed by the officers authorized to sign the emergency notes.  The notes shall be signed by the Finance Director and by the President of the Town Council.

Section 4. The Finance Director and the President of the Town Council are hereby authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to insure that the interest on the emergency notes will remain exempt from federal income taxation to the extent provided in Section 103 of the Code, and to refrain from taking any action which will cause interest on the emergency notes to lose the benefit of exclusion from gross income provided by Section 103(a) of the Code.  The Treasurer and the President of the Town Council are further authorized to take all lawful action necessary or desirable to designate the emergency notes as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Town Council President Michael Carroll and seconded from the floor to adopt:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TAX ANTICIPATION NOTES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000,000

Be it resolved that:

Section 1.  Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws Section 45‑12‑4 and Section 6-5-2 of the Town of Barrington Home Rule Charter the Finance Director and the President of the Town Council acting on behalf of the Town, are authorized to issue and refund, from time to time, not to exceed $5,000,000 interest bearing notes issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the annual tax assessed or to be assessed upon the taxable property within the said Town as of December 31, 2020 for the financial year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 for the purpose of providing funds for the payment of the current liabilities and expenses of said Town. 

Section 2.  The manner of sale, amount, denominations, maturities

conversion or registration privileges, dated dates, due dates, interest rates, medium of payment, and other terms, conditions and details of the Notes authorized hereunder may be fixed by proceedings of the Town Council authorizing the issue or by separate resolution of the Town Council or, to the extent provisions for these matters are not so made, they may be fixed by the officers authorized to sign the Notes.

Section 3.  The Director of Finance/Treasurer and the President of the Town Council are authorized to take all actions necessary to comply with federal securities laws including Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Rule”) and to execute and deliver if required in connection with the Notes a Continuing Disclosure Agreement or a Material Events Disclosure Agreement in the form as shall be deemed advisable by the Director of Finance and the President of the Town Council in order to comply with the Rule. The Town hereby covenants and agrees that it will comply with and carry out all provisions of any such Continuing Disclosure Agreement or Material Events Disclosure Agreement, as either of them may be amended from time to time.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Resolution or the Notes, failure of the Town to comply with any such Continuing Disclosure Agreement or Material Events Disclosure Agreement shall not be considered an event of default; however, any noteholder may take such actions as may be necessary and appropriate, including seeking a mandate or specific performance by court order, to cause the Town to comply with its obligations under this Section and under any such agreement.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Mr. Staples said we can now turn to the BARRINGTON SCHOOL BUDGET (pages 9-12).  By RI law, voters can only make motions to increase or decrease the bottom line of the school budget.  The School Committee has sole authority to determine how that bottom line is allocated.  You may, however, ask questions about individual budget items and make non-binding recommendations.

          By the Barrington Town Charter, no motion to increase or decrease the school budget by more than $50,000 can be made unless it was pre-filed 5 business days before this meeting.  This year there are no pre-filed motions affecting the school budget, but if you have any questions or comments on the school budget, or if you wish to make a motion in an amount less than $50,000, this is the time to be heard.

(The school budget is a bottom-line budget.)

Jack Siegel, 410 County Road discussed the curriculum of the Barrington School Department describing that they are buying from outside entities with outsourced materials.

Superintendent Messore disagreed and said that the curriculum development is all in-house.

Mr. Staples stated since there are no further questions or comments, you have adopted the school budget as amended.

We can now move on to the proposed municipal budget beginning on Page 13.

PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUDGET

Unlike the school budget, the Municipal budget is a line-item budget. Motions may be made to increase or decrease any department budget, but, other than pre-filed motions relating to the municipal budget, no motion can be made to increase or decrease any department budget by more than $50,000 or 20% (whichever is less).

For instance, motions to increase or decrease the Town Council budget of $40,600 cannot exceed 20%, or $8,120, and motions to increase or decrease the budgets of the larger departments such as police, fire or DPW cannot exceed $50,000.  There have been two pre-filed motions that would impact two non-operating town budget accounts, if passed.

One, filed by Council Member Jacob Brier to add $250,000 to the Land Acquisition Fund would impact the Town Debt total.

The other, filed by M. Anne Chapin to add $7,000 to the Parks & Trail Improvement Funds, would impact the Municipal Capital Items total.

There are no pre-filed motions that would impact any Proposed Town Operating Budget category.

Municipal Budget     

Jack Siegel, 410 County Road said that he is a member of the Library Board of Trustees and discussed the library budget questioning that the department did not share the budget with the board. 

Motion by Jack Siegel to cut the library budget by $50,000 and conduct an audit.

Second from the floor.

Town Manager Jim Cunha said that the increase was 2%.

Appropriations member Bill DeWitt recommends submitting correspondence and would like to review.  He explained that there is a process and that the process should be followed.

Laura Young 14 Manor Drive said that she is a member of the Library Board of Trustees.  She agrees that process matters and that we should act unilaterally and not individually.  She suggested that we reject this motion.

Motion FAILED: (via voice vote)

Mr. Staples asked if there were any further questions or comments; there were not.

Mr. Staples said that you have approved the municipal budget.

Mr. Staples explained that the sewer utility is an enterprise fund.  The budget is fully funded by the sewer fees and that Revenues are established outside the authority of the town meeting.

850SE                Sewer Utility                                                                        4,140,948

Motion by Vice Chair Lisa Daft and seconded by Cynthia Rosengard to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE-ON-APPROPRIATIONS

RESOLVED:  that the report of the Committee-on-Appropriations, appointed to prepare a budget, be adopted and in accordance therewith, the sum of $83,738,521 be and the same hereby is appropriated to be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, and the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to pay out of the several appropriations mentioned, said sums within the amounts appropriated, as may be required upon receipt by her of proper vouchers approved by the Town Manager, or otherwise as provided by law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  that the report of the Committee-on-Appropriations with regard to the Sewer Enterprise Fund be adopted and in accordance therewith the sum of $4,140,948                                    be and the same hereby is appropriated to be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, and the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to pay out of the Sewer Enterprise Fund said sums within the amount appropriated as may be required upon receipt by her of proper vouchers approved by the Town Manager or otherwise as provided by law.  The expenditure shall be supported by revenue generated by said fund.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Motion by Vice Chair Lisa Daft and seconded by Cynthia Rosengard to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF A TAX AND DEALING WITH KINDRED MATTERS

RESOLVED:  that the electors of the Town of Barrington, qualified to vote on any proposition to impose a tax, in Town Meeting assembled, on this 16^th day of June, a.d. 2021, hereby order the levy and collection of a tax on the ratable real estate, the ratable tangible personal property, ratable tangible personal property of manufacturer's machinery and equipment (the rate of said ratable tangible personal property of manufacturer's consisting of manufacturer's machinery and equipment to be in accordance with limitations and provisions of statutory law of the State of Rhode Island) and motor vehicle excise tax in the sum not less than $67,592,982 nor more than $69,149,372, said tax to be for ordinary expenses and charges, for the payment of interest and indebtedness in full or in part of said Town and for other purposes authorized by law.

The Tax Assessor shall apportion said tax on the inhabitants and taxable property of said Town according to law, and shall, upon completion of said resulting tax roll, date, certify and sign the same and deliver to and deposit the same in the Office of the Town Clerk.  The Town Clerk, upon receipt of said assessments, shall forthwith make a copy of same and deliver it to the Finance Director with a warrant under her hand directed to the Collector of Taxes of said Town commanding him to proceed to collect said tax on the person and estates liable therefor.  Said tax shall be due and payable on the 1^st day of September, a.d. 2021, and all taxes remaining unpaid after September 30, 2021, shall carry until collected, a penalty at the rate of 18 per cent per annum from the due date of any quarterly installment, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the persons assessed to pay their taxes shall have an option to pay the same in equal quarterly installments; the first installment of twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th  day of September 2021, and the remaining installments as follows:  twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th day of December 2021, twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th day of March 2022, and twenty-five per centum on or before the 30^th day of June 2022.

If the first installment or any succeeding installments of taxes is not paid by the last date of the respective installment period or periods as they occur then the whole tax or remaining unpaid balance of the tax as the case may be shall immediately become due and payable and shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of 18 per cent per annum.

As of the 31^st day of December 2021, at twelve o'clock midnight, the Assessor of Taxes shall determine the assessed valuation of ratable property in the Town for tax purposes and against such assessed valuations so determined shall apportion the tax levy to be made by the electors in Financial Town Meeting on May 25, 2022 on the inhabitants of the Town and ratable property therein to meet appropriations.

RESOLVED:  that the Finance Director is hereby authorized to hire such sum or sums of money as may be necessary for the operation of the Town Government, and

RESOLVED:  that the Finance Director and Collector of Taxes and such other Town Officers as the Town Council may designate shall secure their bonds from some good surety company and the Town assume the expenses.       

Motion passed (voice vote).

Jim Hummel, 8 Hearthwood Drive asked for clarification for the tax rate past and present.  Town Manager Jim Cunha said that the current rate is $20.90 per $1,000.  He was concerned that there was no communication regarding the proposed rate coming into this meeting.  (The Proposed Tax Rate must be advertised (Barrington Times) one week prior to the Budget Hearing (held 2 weeks prior to the Financial Town Meeting).

Beverly DiOrio, 1 Chachacapassett Road, questioned the school department budget and questioned that the budget has gone over the 4% and she further questioned that the school department will be receiving approximately $2.8 million and asked if we can anticipate receiving $2.8 million next year and if it does not come, what would happen to next year’s budget?

School Finance Director Doug Fiore said to expect that money is part of the state funding formula and we can expect it as a current revenue flow.

Motion by Vice Chair Lisa Daft and seconded by Cynthia Rosengard to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH TAX RATES

RESOLVED: that the real estate and personal property tax rate be set at not greater than

$ 19.13 per $1,000 valuation and the motor vehicle tax rate be set according to state law.

Motion passed (voice vote).

Mr. Staples said by the Barrington Town Charter, we elect members to the Committee on Appropriations for two-year, staggered terms. Last year, we re-elected Steve Primiano and elected William DeWitt for terms expiring in 2022. This year, we will elect or reelect three members of the committee for terms ending in 2023.  We have received applications from five candidates: incumbents John Alessandro, Lisa Daft and Cynthia Rosengard, and first-time applicants Sussanah Holloway and Steven DeLuca.

Mr. Staples asked if there any other nominations from the floor?  There was not.

The nominations are now closed, and we will be using paper ballots. The names of the five candidates who submitted applications are printed on the ballot, and there are three spaces for any additional nominees from the floor, and those names will be posted on the easel pad. You may vote for any three candidates. These votes will then be hand counted by the Board of Canvassers.

RESOLUTION ELECTING A COMMITTEE TO PREPARE A BUDGET AND SUBMIT A REPORT

(3 Positions for Re-election)

RESOLVED: that a Committee of Appropriations, consisting of five (5), is ordered to hold a public meeting per the Barrington Town Council voted unanimously on April 5, 2021 to postpone the Financial Town Meeting; and, on May 3, 2021 the Town Council voted unanimously to hold the Financial Town Meeting on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 7:00pm as an in-person meeting at the Barrington High School for the purpose of hearing all persons interested in preparing a budget to be presented to the Financial Town Meeting and to submit a printed report of their recommendations for expenditures to the Financial Town Meeting, and the amount of tax which will be necessary to levy to pay such expenses, and

RESOLVED:  that, in case of a vacancy in the Committee on Appropriations, after the election of its five (5) members, such vacancy shall be filled immediately by the Town Council, and

RESOLVED:  further, that, the Town Clerk with the said Committee-on-Appropriations shall prepare and have printed an order of business for each Financial Town Meeting.

RESULTS

John D. Alesandro, Jr.                     15 Meadowbrook Drive                   60               

Lisa Daft                                                 5 Robbins Drive                              63

Steven J. DeLuca                                     19 Houghton Street                       107*

Susannah P. Holloway                     64 Fales Avenue                            127*

Cynthia Rosengard                                   374 Sowams Road                          136*

     *Top vote getters                                                    

RESOLVED:  that, Cynthia Rosengard, Susannah P. Holloway and Steven J. DeLuca are hereby elected to two (2) year terms on the Committee of Appropriations ending May, 2023 and will serve with Steve Primiano and William DeWitt, with terms ending May, 2022.

RESOLVED:  that, in case of a vacancy in the Committee on Appropriations, after the election of its five (5) members, such vacancy shall be filled immediately by the Town Council, and

RESOLVED:  further, that, the Town Clerk with the said Committee-on-Appropriations shall prepare and have printed an order of business for each Financial Town Meeting.

Motion passed (paper ballot) Please see the results above.

Mr. Staples said that the work of the 2021 Financial Town Meeting is complete, and I would entertain a motion to dissolve, motion by Town Council President Mike Carroll.  Mr. Staples declared the 2021 Barrington Financial Town Meeting dissolved at 12:31AM.

Motion passed (voice vote).

__________________________

Meredith J. DeSisto, CMC

Barrington Town Clerk