1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Council President deMedeiros called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

3. ROLL CALL

Present
Council President deMedeiros                   Council Vice President Burk         Councilor Janick

Council Edwards                                              

Absent

Councilor Perry

Councilor Edwards V

Councilor Milbourne

Deputy Clerk Veegh was also present.

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

A. Budget Committee – Review Recommendations for FY 24 budget and resolutions

Budget Committee members Mike Janick, Todd Cherry and Mary Wall were present. Chair Janick gave an overview of the Budget Committee resolutions. There was discussion on the seventh resolution related to third party billing revenue. Council President deMedeiros stated she thought the 50% amount was excessive. Councilor Edwards agreed and suggested putting 20% into a restricted account for apparatus acquisition. Council Vice President Burk voiced concern over restricting accounts for one department and not all. It was noted further discussion would take place after more information was gathered about current account balances.

Councilor Burk questioned the second resolution over transfers from restricted capital accounts only in declared state of emergencies. Council President deMedeiros asked the Budget Committee resolutions be forwarded to Solicitor Marcello and Treasurer Saurette for review and comment.   

At this time, approximately 9:15 am, the School Department had a quorum, and Chair Larkin opened the School Department meeting. Members present were J. Larkin, E. Pavao and D. Farnworth. 

Chair Janick proceeded with an overview of the FY24 Budget recommendations. The first change was Pension Plan – Police (5263), to be level funded at $550,000. Apparatus Maintenance was reduced to $25,000, in anticipation of funds coming from the earlier mentioned Resolution #7, if passed. The State Education Mandated was reduced to $40,000. Snow Removal was reduced to $100,000. Sand, Salt & Gravel was reduced to $150,000. Paving/Drainage account was restored to $80,000. Highway Signs was reduced to $5,600. Rubbish/Recycling was reduced to $1,310,000. The changes reflected an overall municipal side reduction of $462,000.

Chair Janick noted the Budget Committee made no School Department recommendations due to lack of full information from the department that hampered the ability to make educated decisions.

B. Discussion and possible vote on the Proposed FY 24 Budget for the following departments:

Discussion continued around calculating the actual percentages/amounts the school department was requesting, less projected state aid of $2,920,770. It was determined the request was a 4% increase.

Council President deMedeiros asked Chair Larkin why a 4% increase was necessary. He cited Covid 19 impacts with increased obligations, fluctuations in special education costs and transportation and energy cost increases. Council President deMedeiros responded citing the town had not had a 4% increase, yet finds finding ways decrease expenses. She disagreed with the significant school department head raises, comparing them to modest increases on the town side.  Chair Larkin argued that administrative salaries were a relatively small part of the overall budget impact. Council Vice President Burk asked Chair Larkin that going forward, the School Committee works to control salary increases in new contracts. He also suggested what while not required, fiscal impact statements should be disclosed in an effort to be transparent. Councilor Edwards voiced agreement. 

Discussion continued around Public Works, noting Pay As You Throw balance was $392,079.67. It was proposed to add $300,000 from PAYT to Rubbish/Recycling to total $1,300,000. Councilor Burk stated he would like to know if other cities/towns restrict snow removal funds. Questions arose around utility credits and paving account amounts.    

It was decided to hold votes and make final decisions at the next meeting on 5/8/2023, when more members would potentially be present.

C. Overall Discussion, Review, and Votes on FY 24 Budget and FY 24 Revenue Estimates

5. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Janick motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilor Burk, the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM.

A True Copy.

ATTEST________________________________

                    Jeannie Veegh, Deputy Town Clerk