EXPLANATIONS

Introduction

As is the custom, we are providing a brief explanation of each article and line item in the warrant.

Budget Summary

The proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget, including the operation of the sewer system, the ambulance, and several proposed capital improvements, is $6,103,332. The Selectmen and the Finance Committee continue to present a budget which is sensitive to the current economic conditions yet continues to provide residents with the services they expect from Town government. Highlights of this year’s budget include capital investments at the highway garage, the continuation of the tree removal program along town roads and within the Town's cemeteries, and further funding to support the Town's Long Term Planning activities. This year's budget includes a 3% salary increase for all non-school employees as well as increases in employee benefit costs, mainly health insurance and our pension assessment. However, once again you will see that the majority of non-salary related line items have been level funded or reduced from their Fiscal Year 2014 levels.

The School Committee's Fiscal Year 2015 request from the town budget is $2,939,435 which is a 4.6% decrease from Fiscal Year 2014. The primary contributors to this decrease is the reduction in costs associated with Special Education Tuition and a slight reduction in the teacher's salary line item.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2015 Sewer Budget of $218,000 is a slight increase over the budget approved for Fiscal Year 2014. This is due to slight increases in the operating costs of the system. However, it is important to stress that the largest cost within this budget is the debt payment associated with the system’s design and construction. It is also important to remember that 100% of the cost of System (debt and operation/maintenance) is borne by the users of the system.

The article for the school bond payment ($147,375) continues to reflect the reduced payment resulting from the refinancing of the school debt. This year’s payment represents the fourth payment in a new ten year repayment schedule for the $1.2 million borrowed to retire the older bonds.

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The breakdown of the revenues that will be required to meet the proposed expenditures for Fiscal Year 2015 are as follows:

Source of Percentage of Revenue Total Revenue

Real and Personal Property Taxes (Tax Levy) $4,418,332 72.40%Non-Property Tax (State Aid, Local Receipts, Other) $1,685,000 27.60%

Total $6,103,332 100%

Again this year, Town Meeting consideration on the warrant articles will be done using the “consent calendar” approach. Therefore, the Moderator will ask the town meeting attendees for permission to consider Articles 1-3 together, which will allow discussion of any of the articles under a single motion and will ask for a vote on all three articles on the same motion. In addition, in order to save time at the town meeting, the Moderator will not read all of the line items, but will read the heading of each section of line items and ask for any “holds” for each section. He will reserve any held line items for further discussion after seeking approval of any “non-held” line items and then proceed to discuss and vote on any held line items individually. For more information about the town budget process, please contact the Selectmen's Office.

Consent Calendar- Articles 1-3

Article 1- Repair highways and care for cemeteriesThis is a standard article from year to year authorizing the Selectmen to supervise the highways and cemeteries.

Article 2- Revolving FundsThis article establishes revolving funds that receive certain revenues and it authorizes expenditure of these funds without further appropriation.

Article 3- Transportation BondThis is a standard article allowing the Town to spend a state grant for road construction and repair. The Town's provisional amount for fiscal year 2015 is $169,195.

Article 4- Line ItemsThis article raises and appropriates the funds for the general operational expenses of the town. Only items that are raised and appropriated from taxes appear in this article. Items that call for other methods of funding, such as transfers between accounts, require separate articles. Also, pursuant to Section 108 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, we have shown each elected officer's salary below each applicable line item on the warrant.

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GENERAL GOVERNMENT

1. Assessors Salaries: $3,600 - These are the annual salaries of the Assessors with $1200 per Assessor. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

2. Assessors Expenses: $26,000- This account pays for the Assessors' office supplies, map updating, contracted services and other expenses. This a $2,120 (8.9%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014 due to the contracted costs of the fiscal year 2015 full revaluation. Full revaluations are required every three years.

3. Assessor Clerk: $25,414- This is the annual salary of the Assessors Clerk, who works 20 hours per week and handles the day-to-day work in the office and several other tasks. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

4. Audit: $15,000- To be used to fund the annual audit of the town’s books using the town’s outside auditor, Thomas P. Scanlon, CPA. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

5. Moderator Salary: $0- The Moderator has decided to no longer accept the pay associated with this position. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

6. Selectmen Salaries: $5,250- These are the annual salaries of the Selectmen, with $1,750 per Selectmen. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

7. Selectmen Expenses: $2,000- This account pays for meetings, mileage, dues and other expenses of the Selectmen. No increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

8. Town Clerk Salary: $9,695- This is the base annual salary of the Town Clerk, who is the town’s official record keeper and license issuer. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

9. Town Clerk Expenses $2,422- This pays for mileage, dues and other Town Clerk expenses. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

10. Treasurer Salary: $37,500- This is the base annual salary of the Treasurer, who manages the entire town’s financial transactions, provides benefits management for all employees, including payroll, and oversees properties placed in Tax Title. The salary for this position was adjusted during fiscal year 2014 due to an increase in hours. The fiscal year 2015 amount equals the adjusted fiscal year 2014 amount No 3% increase.

11. Treasurer's Expenses: $1,500- This account pays for meetings, conferences, mileage and other expenses of the Treasurer. This is a $500 (50%) increase over fiscal year 2104 to attend additional training opportunities.

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12. Town Accountant Salary: $15,730- This is the annual salary of the Town Accountant, who maintains the town’s accounts, prepares the weekly warrant that the Selectmen sign to approve payment of the town’s bills, and who files regular reports with the Department of Revenue. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

13. Town Accountant Expenses: $950- This account pays for training, meetings, mileage, and other expenses of the Town Accountant. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

14. Tax Collector Salary: $14,817- This is the annual salary of the Tax Collector, who collects all real and personal property, motor vehicle excise taxes and sewer fees. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014. The collector is compensated separately from the sewer enterprise fund. The collector also retains as income certain fees for collecting late taxes.

15. Tax Collector/Treasurer Assistant Salary: $4,354- This is the base salary for the Assistant to the Tax Collector/Treasurer, who assists the tax collector with some of the basic functions of the collector’s office including data base management, and the collection of taxes. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

16. Tax Collector Expenses: $8,685- This is for postage, stationery, training, mileage and other costs of the Tax Collector. This is a $885 (11.3%) increase from fiscal year 2014, mostly due to increases in the cost of postage and envelopes.

17. Town Secretary: $26,491- This is the annual salary of the Town Secretary, who answers the phones at Town Hall, assists residents and serves as clerical staff to the Selectmen. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

18. Town Counsel: $5,000- This amount is used for Town Counsel and Special Town Counsel services, who advise and defend the town in legal matters. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

19. Town Report: $5,000- This is the cost of printing and mailing the annual town report. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

20. Town Hall: $20,000- This account pays for utilities, maintenance, cleaning and other goods and services at the Town Hall. This is a $2,000 (11.1%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

21. Elections and Board of Registrars: $5,400- This account pays for the expenses involved in conducting elections, registering voters and maintaining the street list. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

22. Town Administrator/Assistant Town Clerk Salary: $62,805- This is the annual base salary of the Town Administrator, who oversees the day-to-day operations at Town Hall, supervises Town Hall and Sewer personnel, serves as the Finance Director, the Harbormaster, the Sewer Administrative Officer, the Assistant Town Treasurer, and the Assistant Town Clerk. Work related to the oversight of sewer operations is compensated from the sewer enterprise budget.

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3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

23. Town Administrator Expenses: $1,500- This account pays for meetings, conferences, mileage and other expenses of the Town Administrator. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

24. Conservation Commission: $1,250- This account pays for meetings, conferences, mileage, supplies and other expenses of the Conservation Commission. This is a $250 (25%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

25. Conservation Agent/Administrative Assistant: 14,250- This line item is to fund the services of the Conservation Agent at an hourly rate of $25 per hour and for the annual base salary of the Conservation Commission/Board of Health's administrative assistant. The administrative assistant position was created in fiscal year 2014 in an effort to provide better support services to the Conservation Commission/Agent and to the Board of Health. This is a $511(3.7%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

26. Historical Commission: $500- This account pays for copying, membership, meetings and other expenses of the Historical Commission. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

27. Planning Board: $285- This account pays for annual subscriptions, meetings and other expenses of the Planning Board. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

28. Recreation Committee: $2,750- This account pays for the various recreation programs offered by the town, except for the Town Beach, which is operated by the DPW and funded under a separate line item. The committee also has access to a type of revolving fund that allows it to receive and expend program fees. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

29. Council on Aging: $4,722- This account pays for the various programs offered by the COA, including senior lunches, health programs and the van program. This is a $1660 (54.2%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014, mostly due to the increases associated with the costs of operating the van. The council also has access to a revolving fund that allows it to receive small fees from van riders and expend funds to maintain the van.

30. Tax Collection Services: $5,015- This account will pay for legal services and other activities associated with the collection of back taxes beyond the scope of the services provided by Town Counsel. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY

31. Police Chief Salary: $2,705- This is the annual salary of the Police Chief, who issues firearms permits, arranges traffic details and cooperates with the State Police on traffic accidents and other matters. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014. The Police Chief and Constables also get paid hourly for performing traffic and election details for the town, for which they are paid from different town departments, depending on the type of duty, and from various contractors

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and utilities for traffic details, which are paid by the respective contractors or utilities.

32. Police Department Expenses: $1,000- This account pays for the equipment and supplies used by the department, such as badges and firearm licensing supplies. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

33. County Communications: $10,980- This account pays Richmond's share for the Berkshire County Sheriff's Department to operate the 911 emergency dispatch system. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

34. Constable Salaries: $1,250- This is the salary account from which we pay the Constables. They are paid per hour if they are needed to direct traffic or for performing similar duties. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

35. Constable Expenses: $250- This account pays for Constable Mileage and other expenses. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

36. Animal Control Officer Salary: $2,760- This is the annual salary for the Animal Control Officer. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

37. Animal Control Officer Expenses: $1,000- This pays for snares, gloves, rabies shots, boarding of animals and other expenses of the Animal Control Officer. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

38. Fire Department: $54,919- This account pays for fuel, truck and equipment maintenance, training, stipends and other expenses of the Fire Department. This is an increase of $1,908 (3.6%) from Fiscal Year 2014.

39. Fire House Rent: $17,400- This amount pays the rent to the Trustees of the Volunteer Fire Department for use of the building. No change from Fiscal Year 2014. This year's rent continues to reflect an increase in the base rent amount as well as the second year of a three year payback for capital improvements made to the building's well.

40. Tree Warden: $6,935- These funds are used for contracting with a tree service to remove problem trees. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

41. Emergency Management: $5,900- This account pays for equipment and supplies for this department, which provides assistance and direction during natural disasters, storms and other emergencies. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

42. Building Inspector Salary: $6,237- This is the Building Inspector's annual salary. He has office hours the first, second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 9:30AM-11AM and is available on call. This is a 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

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43. Building Inspector Expenses: $1,000- This account pays for training, expenses and mileage of the Building Inspector and Assistant. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

44. Assistant Building Inspector: $240- This is the annual salary of the Assistant Building Inspector, who fills in if the Building Inspector is not available or has a conflict of interest. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

45. Zoning Enforcement Officer Salary: $3,339- This is the annual salary of the ZEO, who ensures that building projects and proposed uses conform to the Zoning Bylaw. He holds office hours in conjunction with the Building Inspector on the first, second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 9:30AM -11AM and is available on call. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

46. Zoning Enforcement Officer Expenses: $1,000- This account pays for meetings, mileage and other expenses of the ZEO. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

47. Inspection Services: $100- This is for inspections by the plumbing, wiring, gas and oil burner inspectors and their alternates on projects, such as town projects, where there is no fee tendered. They receive $30 per inspection. All other compensation for the inspectors comes from the revolving inspection account, where fees for services are paid to the town and are turned around and paid to the inspectors. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

HEALTH

48. Board of Health Salaries: $850- This is the annual salary account to be divided among five board members. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

49. Board of Health Expenses: $1,000- This account pays for meetings and other expenses of the Board of Health. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

50. Board of Health Agent Salary: $10,150- The Board of Health Agent witnesses perc tests, tracks the solid waste collection program, and serves as the principal staff person for the Board of Health. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

51. Board of Health Agent Expenses: $1,000- This pays for the mileage, supplies and other expenses of the agent. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

52. Animal Inspector: $192- This pays for the salary of the Animal Inspector, who performs the annual farm animal census and also is responsible for the quarantine of animals suspected of having rabies. No change from Fiscal Year 2012.

53. Rubbish Disposal: $156,000- This account pays for the collection and disposal of the town's garbage and recyclables, as well as participation in the regional Household Hazardous Waste collection days. This is a $6000 (4%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014 due to an increase in the

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contracted amount for trash collection.

54. Community Health: $19,475- This account funds the contract between the Community Health Association and the Town for Public Health Nurse Services. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

55. Nuisance Abatement: $500- This account provides funds to address public health matters that are an immediate threat to public health and safety. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

HIGHWAYS

56. Machinery Maintenance: $57,500- This account pays for the upkeep and repair of equipment and trucks. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

57. Road Construction: $100,000- This account, combined with state transportation bond funds, pays for road construction and re-construction. In the summer of 2014 the town will undertake the complete reconstruction of Jolindy Road and Pine Grove Drive. The $37,000 (58.7%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014 incorporates costs associated with those projects.

58. Road Maintenance: $111,526- This account pays for routine road maintenance, including the cost of DPW salaries from April 1st-November 1st. This is a $2,390 (2.2%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014 due to a 3% salary increase for the highway department. Material costs have been level funded at the Fiscal Year 2014 amount of $21,420 The non-winter salaries for the Highway Department personnel are as follows;

G. Coppola 25 weeks @ $1,115.20= $27,880.00 M. Lamke 24 weeks @ $939.60= $22,550.40 B. Navin 27 weeks @ $882.80= $23,835.60 Summer Part Time Employee 22 weeks @ $720.00= $15,840.00

59. Town Garage: $16,834- This account pays for fuel, utilities and other expenses at the Town Garage. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

60. Winter Roads: $226,721- This account pays for the plowing and sanding of the roads, including the costs of salt and sand, diesel fuel and the salaries of the DPW crew during the winter months. This is a $6,388 (2.9%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014 due to a 3% salary increase for the highway department. Material costs have been level funded at the Fiscal Year 2014 amount of $130,000. The winter salaries for the Highway Department are as follows:

G. Coppola 22 weeks @ $1,115.20 $24,534.40 M. Lamke 22 weeks @ $939.60= $20,671.20 B. Navin 22 weeks @ $882.80= $19,421.60 Part Time Hwy Employee 22 wks @ $720.00= $11,520.00

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Overtime based on 150 hours per man $20,574.00

61. Gravel Roads: $50,000- This account pays for the maintenance of the gravel roads. This is a $5,000 (11.1%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014 due to the increased cost of material.

62. Vacation and Sick Pay: $13,862- This account is used to pay the road crew when they are sick or on vacation. This is a $401(3%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014. The vacation pay for the Highway Department is a follows:

G. Coppola-5 weeks $5,576.00 M. Lamke-6 weeks $5,637.60 B. Navin-3 weeks $2,648.40

63. Private Roads: $3,500- These funds are used to help Richmond Shores and the Whitewood Association to maintain their private roads, pursuant to Chapter X of the Town Bylaws. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

64. Beaver Control-$3,000- This is the account to handle the beaver related problems that the town has had in recent years. Much of this funding pays for an agreement with a contractor to maintain several water control devices in water bodies where beavers have set up housekeeping. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

65. Town Beach: $10,685- This account pays for the lifeguards and equipment costs involved in running the Town Beach. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

UNCLASSIFIED

66. Berkshire County Retirement: $121,575- This account is Richmond's share paid to the county retirement system that covers the town's municipal employees. Teachers are covered under a separate retirement system administered by the state. This is a $4,877 (4.2%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014 due to an increase in the town's annual assessment.

67. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission: $1,039- This is the county-wide commission that reviews projects and assists cities and towns on planning and zoning matters. This is a $25 (2.5%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

68. Cemetery Superintendent Salary: $7,354- This is the annual salary of the Cemetery Superintendent who maintains the town’s cemeteries. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

69. Cemetery Expenses: $2,000- This account pays for the equipment and supplies in maintaining the cemeteries. This is a $500 (33.3%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

70. Group Insurance: $123,507- This account pays for the town's share of the health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance for non-school employees. The cost for school personnel is

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included in the school budget. This represents a $2,493 (2.0%) decrease from Fiscal Year 2014 due personnel adjustments.

71. Insurance and Bonding: $70,000- This account pays for the Town’s insurance policies, including motor vehicle, property, public liability, workers' compensation and officers' bonds. This is a $4000(6.1%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

72. Library: $50,600- This account pays the salaries and operating costs of the Library. This represents a $699 (1.4%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

73. Library Rent: $11,100- This is for the annual rent for the library building. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

74. Memorial Day: $200- This account pays for flowers, markers and flags for Memorial Day. This is a $100 (100%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

75. Stationery and Office Supply: $9,200- This account pays for paper, pens, pencils, postage and similar expenses at Town Hall. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

76. Unemployment Reserve: $1,000- This amount will help to cover the town's liability if a non-school employee files an unemployment claim. No change from Fiscal Year 2013.

77. Banking Services: $750- This account pays for banking fees and charges. This is a $300 (66.7%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

78. Medicare: $34,000- This account pays the town's share of Medicare employee withholding. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

79. Veterans’ Agent Salary: $1,114 This is the annual salary for the Town’s Veterans’ Agent. 3% increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

80. Veterans' Aid: $7,500- This account pays for financial assistance to veterans as required by state law. The State reimburses the Town for 75% of the assistance costs incurred assisting veterans. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

81. Stray Animals: $100- This account will help pay any costs associated with retrieving stray animals, usually farm animals. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

82. Town Building Maintenance: $13,000- This account helps to pay for routine maintenance for all town buildings. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

83. Legal Advertising: $7,000- This account pays for the many legal ads that the town runs each year, ranging from invitations for bids to notices of public hearings. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

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84. Group Purchasing: $600- This pays for the town’s membership in the regional group purchasing program. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

85. Training: $2,500- This pays for training for town officers and employees who do not already have an expense account for such purposes or where the expense account is not sufficient to pay for additional training. $2,100 will be used to pay for the Town Administrator's participation in Suffolk University's Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management program. This is a $1,800 (257.1%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

86. Office Equipment: $25,000- This pays for regular computer replacement, software purchases, service contracts, and other office equipment related expenses. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

87. Richmond Pond Weeds: $20,000- The funds from this line item will now be used to pay the summer boat ramp monitors who under state regulation are required to certify that all water vessels launched from the state boat ramp are free from weeds and zebra mussels. The City of Pittsfield and the State of Massachusetts provide funding to offset some of the costs associated with the administration of this program.

88. Miscellaneous Expenses: $700: This pays for miscellaneous expenses that cannot be justified by any other funding source. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 5-Reserve Fund: $15,000This funds unexpected expenses with the approval of the Finance Committee. No change for Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 6- School Budget: $2,939,435

This represents a 4.6% decrease over the Town’s Fiscal Year 2014 appropriation. While the total school budget exceeds the amount to be voted, the difference will be made up through the use of School choice monies, grants, and other school revenues. Below is a comparison of the accounts between the Fiscal Year 2014 budget and the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Each account group has several sub-accounts which are not shown for space reasons. A full breakdown of the budget can be viewed on the school's web-site: www.richmondconsolidatedschool.org

FY 2014 FY 2015

School Committee $10,000 $10,000Union Expenses $10,202 $10,237Superintendent Salary & Expenses $54,521 $56,958Union Coordinator $3,154 $3,486Special Education $256,320 $267,586

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Office of the Principal $116,081 $116,611Supplies $47,000 $26,000Teaching $1,337,246 $1,316,875Professional Development $16,800 $17,970Technology $10,000 $9,500Nurse Salary $46,917 $47,853Transportation $191,336 $162,950Tuition* $728,708 $569,257Operations & Maintenance $278,053 $297,938Employee Benefits and Insurance $495,810 $471,346Vocational Tuition $28,344 $0Unemployment & Misc. $13,000 $10,000

Total $3,643,493 $3,394,567

Amount raised and appropriated by the town $3,081,739 $2,939,435School choice, grants and pre-school revenue $561,754 $455,132

*includes Special Education Tuition

Article 7- School Bond Payment: $147, 375This article will pay the interest and principal payment for the school project bond. This payment is the fourth on the new ten year note. Once completely paid off, the amount needed to fund this expense will no longer be added to the town's levy. The remaining schedule for the bond payments is as follows:

Fiscal Year 2016 $148,925.00Fiscal Year 2017 $150,325.00Fiscal Year 2018 $150,950.00Fiscal Year 2019 $146,400.00Fiscal Year 2020 $146,200.00Fiscal Year 2021 $150,800.00

Article 8-School Playground Repairs/Improvements: $34,000This will fund the repairs/improvements of the playground equipment at the school. The proposed repairs/improvements are based on the recommendations from a safety audit that was conducted last fall.

Article 9- Stabilization Fund: $175,000The stabilization fund is the Town's "savings account." The Selectmen and Finance Committee would like to continue adding to this account so it can be used as a funding mechanism for the scheduled replacement of highway and fire vehicles in place of borrowing for such expenditures. This account can also be used to address any unforeseen emergencies that the Town may experience during the year. The fund currently contains approximately $583,000. This is a $50,000 (40%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

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Article 10- Town Hall Repair Stabilization Fund: $5,000This fund is used to fund capital improvements to Town Hall. The fund contains approximately $41,000. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 11- Conservation Land Trust Fund: $9,500This appropriation goes into a fund that can purchase land for conservation purposes. The fund currently contains approximately $281,000. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 12- Food and Fuel Emergency Assistance Program: $5,000This is a fund to help low income Richmond residents in times of emergency. We were able last winter to supplement the amount given to low income residents who receive federal fuel assistance funds through Berkshire County Community Action. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 13-250th Celebration: $10,000This will provide additional funding for the activities associated with the Town's 250 Anniversary Celebration that will take place in 2015.

Article 14- Long Range Planning: $42,500This would allow for the continuation of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's assistance in the development of a long range plan for the town. In addition, these funds will be available, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, for use by the Long Term Sustainable Working Group for other consultants/experts to assist in its efforts. The outcome of the group's work will be recommendations designed to ensure the future sustainability of the community and its institutions. This is a $33,000 (347.4%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 15-Storage Shed Replacement-Center Cemetery: $10,000-NewThis will fund the replacement of the maintenance storage shed within Center Cemetery. As part of this project the shed will be relocated to another area within the cemetery away from the brook to a location that will make it less visible to visitors to the cemetery.

Article 16- Tree Removal and Stone Repair: $20,000This will allow of the continued removal of dangerous trees and repairs/maintenance to headstones within the Town’s cemeteries, including the removal of all the large pines located in Cone Hill Cemetery. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 17-Tree Removal: $30,000This would fund the continued removal of dead and diseased trees within the town's roadway right of ways. To date trees have been removed from Summit, Dublin, East, West, Osceola and Rossiter Roads. In fiscal year 2015 trees will be removed from Swamp, Cone Hill, Lenox, Jolindy Roads, and Pine Grove Drive. This is a $20,000 (200%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

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Article 18- Sewer Enterprise Fund: $218,000This will fund all expenses, salaries and debt service associated with the operation of the sewer system. A detailed breakdown of the budget is included in the Warrant. The revenues to fund the sewer come from fees and betterments from the users (department receipts). Any funds not expended in upcoming fiscal year will revert to the sewer enterprise and become the retained earnings in future fiscal years. This is a $1,662 (0.8%) increase from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 19- Ambulance Account: $45,000The Ambulance Account is composed of the fees received from operating the Ambulance Service and pays for vehicle replacement, maintenance, training, stipends, and payments to County Ambulance when it sends an ambulance in lieu of or to supplement our service and for other Ambulance Service expenses. No change from Fiscal Year 2014.

Article 20-Richmond Pond Weed Treatment:-$100,000-NewThis will fund the application of a longer lasting herbicide treatment for Richmond Pond. In past years, the application has been a contact herbicide that only provided weed control for one season. The approach proposed for the June of 2014 is to apply a herbicide that will provide multi-year weed control. This approach to weed management is included in the 5-year Management Plan for Richmond Pond which has been approved by the Conservation Commission and endorsed by the Richmond Pond Association.

Article 21-Replacement of the Fuel Tracking System:$10,000-NewThis will fund the replacement of the fuel tracking system attached to the pump at the Highway Garage. The software for the current system is no longer supported by the manufacturer which has impacted the ability to extract the usage data. This data is used for billing town departments for the use of gasoline and diesel and must be reported to the state as part of designation as a Green Community.

Article 22-Replacement of the Highway Garage Roof: $50,000-NewThis will fund the cost of replacing the roof at the highway garage. The replacement of the roof is part of a larger project designed to improve the energy efficiency of the building. The other components of the project, which include items such as siding the building, replacing the windows, and better insulating the building, are to be funded from the town's Green Communities Grant.

Article 23-The deletion of Chapter II, Section 7 of the Town By-LawsThis article would delete this section of the bylaw in its entirety.Chapter II of the Town By-Laws pertain to the Rules of Town Meeting. Section 7 of the Chapter II reads as follows:

SECTION 7. Any vote on a motion or proposal to raise, transfer or appropriate an amount in excess of that recommended by the Finance Committee for a particular purpose, or any amount for which the Finance Committee has made no recommendation shall be by written secret ballot.

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Those in favor of Section 7 elimination state that it is not needed due to the fact that Richmond tradition does not allow Town Meeting to entertain motions which increase the amount posted in the warrant, nor has the Finance Committee ever failed in making a recommendation on a spending item. In addition, proponents state that Section 11 contains a mechanism to call for a for a secret ballot and therefore, Section 7 is redundant.

Section 11 is a follows:

SECTION 11. When a question is put, the sense of the meeting shall be determined by a voice vote and the Moderator shall declare the vote as it appears to him/her. On matters requiring a 2/3 vote by statute, a count need not be taken unless the vote so declared is immediately questioned by seven (7) or more voters, as provided in MGL Chapter 39, Section 15. If as many as ten (10) voters so request, any vote shall be taken by written secret ballot.

Opponents of the change state that efforts by Town Meeting to increase amounts recommended by the Finance Committee from the floor, or where the Finance Committee makes no recommendation should automatically be decided by secret ballot without having to invoke the procedure for a secret ballot outlined in Section 11.

Article 24-Call for the Town ElectionThis is the call for the Annual Town Election which will be held on Saturday, May 17th. Polls will be open from 11AM-7PM.

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