town of abington finance committee meeting march 25, 2009 … · town of abington finance committee...

TOWN OF ABINGTON FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

MARCH 25, 2009

PRESENT: Denis Bergin (Chairman), Mike Boyle, Barbara Cristoforo, Maureen Jansen (Secretary), Paul Joyce (1 st Statistician), Theresa Maze, Katie Marini (2" d Statistician), Sean Tyler (Vice-Chairman), Debra Libby (Recording Secretary)

GUESTS: Representative Allan McCarthy, South Shore Vo-Tech

Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance.

Reviewed/discussed State Stimulus package. Ms. Cristoforo attended the School Committee meeting and noted that the schools did not make the list for receipt of stimulus funds based on the foundation level formula. Reviewed letter sent by House of Representatives (Attachment A). Representative McCarthy noted the stimulus funds package is only a proposal at this time and work is being to have funds distributed to all towns. Ms. Cristoforo questioned if the Town should draft a letter voicing concerns regarding the stimulus funding for the Town. Mr. Bergin questioned if meetings should be attended by the Town and Finance Committee. Mr. Bergin noted he was advised to speak to the Department of Education, but does not anticipate a local aid resolution this year. Mr. Tyler questioned if the Governors stimulus proposal has been approved by the House of Representatives. Mr. McCarthy stated that it has not been approved and some decisions will most likely be vetoed, but the Governor ultimately decides where funding will go. Mr. Tyler noted that the 166 communities that are slated to receive stimulus funds are affluent communities. Mr. McCarthy noted the foundation formula is not based on affluence. Mr. McCarthy noted that in 1993 Chapter 70 money was level funded and 166 towns will fall below the foundation level. Mr. McCarthy noted that Abington is $700,000 above the current foundation level.

• 7:30 pm — Michelle Roberts (Board of Health) — Reviewed budget — Salaries up slightly due to step increase of staff member. Visiting Nurse expenses decreased slightly. Trash budget level funded and Ms. Roberts noted that Town Manager has sent out invitations to bid on trash contract. Bids will be reviewed on April 29 th and firm dollars for trash funding will be known at that time. Mr. Joyce questioned when new trash contract would be effective. Ms. Roberts noted it would be effective at the start of the fiscal year, July 1st.

7:35 pm — South Shore Vo-Tech (Robert Kelly/Charles Holmes) — Gave brief history of South Shore Vo-Tech (Attachment B). Eight towns are included in the school district. Level funded budget was mission of SSVT. All Department Heads were asked what they could cut from their budgets this year. $500,000 trimmed off the budget. Current budget request is $9,981,584. Level service budget would be $10,800,000. Preliminary estimates for towns reviewed (Attachment C). Figures are preliminary until the stimulus funding is known. It was noted that $14,144 that was returned to the Town from SSVT was not noted in the Town's warrant. At this time, Mr. Kelly noted that a letter had been sent to SSVT from an Abington resident stating concerns regarding Abington High School versus SSVT. Mr. Kelly stated he has not seen the letter, but the sender did not attend any meetings held by the SSVT. The letter stated that the costs of SSVT are higher than Abington schools. Mr. Kelly noted the costs of SSVT are higher because of excessive items, i.e., materials, tools for shop, insurance paid by school not towns, restaurant costs, etc. Reviewed student enrollment (Attachment D). Reviewed costs not typically in a towns school budget (Attachment E). Abington students pay for transportation and athletic fees. Some other fees charged by SSVT — work boots, uniforms. Eight towns vote on SSVT budget — 4 have approved thus far. Six needed for budget approval. If not approved, SSVT has 30 days to revise budget request. Reviewed formula for town assessment. There are 26 calculations for formula. Reviewed costs specific to Abington, i.e., pupil transportation costs; building addition ($19,000); capital costs ($21,000) for new bus and renovations to Science Lab. Mr. Joyce questioned how $187,000 was determined for Abington. SSVT noted the formula for setting budget and this amount is required for a balanced budget. Funds needed to balance the budget are based on the number of students from the town that will attend SSVT. Mr. Boyle questioned the $14,000 returned to the town. Mr. Kelly noted this was money not used and was returned to the Town. Mr. Bergin questioned if the returned funds went to the General Fund. Mr. Kelly noted it is a separate line item. Mr. Bergin questioned if the returned funds should be allocated at the beginning of the budget process.

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Abington Finance Committee. Minutes — 3/25/09

Mr. Kelly stated the returned funds are a budget process. Mr. Kelly noted the returned funds are not known until after budget process is completed. Mr. Boyle questioned if unanimous approval of SSVT budget is standard. Mr. Kelly noted that for the past 29 years, there has been unanimous approval of SSVT budget request. Regarding the letter sent to SSVT, Mr. Tyler noted that what is important to recognize is what SSVT offers and what is being cut from the budget. Mr. Kelly noted teachers have voted on a 0% increase for next year. Mr. Tyler noted 0% increase is fantastic testimony to those who are not getting raises. SSVT noted that items under review for future funding requests, i.e., repair of windows and roof (48% reimbursement expected from the State). Expected cost $2 — $2.5 million. School building assistance under review.

8:30 pm — Mr. Bergin noted an email received from Town Manager requesting the Finance Committee to reconsider/recommend Article 2 (Special) regarding litigation costs for Strawberry Valley Golf Course. Mr. Bergin noted this request is for litigation costs regarding contract for management of Golf Course. Attorney fees requested are $11,000 and an additional $10,000 is anticipated. Mr. Bergin called for a motion to reconsider Article s.

Motion made by Theresa Maze, seconded by Paul Joyce to reconsider Article 2.

VOTE: 8/0/0 Unanimous Motion carries to approval reconsidering Article 2.

Mr. Bergin called for a motion to approved appropriation of $22,000.00 for SVGC from enterprise account.

Motion made by Theresa Maze, seconded by Paul Joyce to recommend approval of $22,000.00 as noted above.

Discussion — Mr. Bergin questioned information available for making vote, i.e., copies of invoices. Mr. Boyle questioned if funds requested are for litigation purposes only. Mr. Joyce noted balance in fund is unknown. Mr. Bergin noted his hesitation to vote for this article until more information is available. Ms. Maze noted the information received at this time is sufficient for voting.C)Cristoforo questioned if more funds will be requested. Ms. Maze noted the Town Manager would have to request any additional funds needed. Mr. Tyler noted the bills received do not have sufficient information. Mr. Boyle noted he would like more detailed information. Mr. Bergin noted he will ask the Golf Committee to meet with the Finance Committee to review this request.

VOTE: 3 For (Maureen Jansen, Paul Joyce, Theresa Maze), 4 Against, 1 Abstained (Barbara Cristoforo). Motion does not carry to approved Article 2 as noted in motion above. Mr. Bergin noted the previous vote stands.

Article 13 (quorum request)

Motion made by Paul Joyce, seconded by Mike Boyle to reconsider Article 13.

VOTE: 6 For, 2 Against (Theresa Maze, Sean Tyler), 0 Abstained Motion carries to reconsider Article 13.

Motion made by Katie Marini, seconded by Mike Boyle to recommend approval of Article 13.

Discussion — Mr. Joyce noted the Article raises a reasonable point, but the Article was not thought out. Mr. Joyce noted the only good point is attendance requirement. The vote is not on the starting time of meeting. Mr. Joyce noted a reduced quorum request, not zero, is more reasonable. Mr. Joyce noted that zero quorum may work for other towns but does not believe it will work for Abington.

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Abington Finance Committee Minutes — 3/25/09

Mr. Joyce noted that citizens should want to come to the Town Meetings. Ms. Cristoforo questioned if the Finance Committee could recommend a reduced quorum requirement to something, but more than zero. Mr. Bergin noted the Finance Committee could make a recommendation to reduce the quorum request and this would have to be a bylaw change. Ms. Maze noted the quorum was reduced five years ago and was successful for a time. Ms. Maze noted that Warrant articles are affected if more than one Town Meeting is required due to not having a quorum. Ms. Maze noted that Paul Mollica did a great presentation for zero quorum and noted the citizens are not giving up the right vote by not attending, or being late, to the meeting. Mr. Joyce noted that citizens should want to come to the Town Meeting and has noticed that some citizens sign in at beginning of meeting to reach the quorum request, and then leave the meeting. Mr. Bergin noted that Committees of the Town have a quorum requirement. Ms. Maze noted Committee quorum requirement is because Town Committees are representative boards. Ms. Marini noted that citizens, who attend the Town Meeting even if the quorum request is zero, will make decisions/votes on town articles/budgets. Ms. Maze noted that there should never be a meeting where no citizens attend because Committee Members (Finance and Board of Selectmen) will always be at the meetings. Mr. Tyler noted quorum request is insignificant and a ratio of people attending meeting will represent all citizens who do not attend. Ms. Maze noted that if the meetings start on time all articles/budget will be completed in one night. Ms. Maze noted that additional costs are required for continuation of meeting. Mr. Joyce would recommend passing over this article for further review.

VOTE: 4 For (Barbara Cristoforo, Maureen Jansen, Katie Marini, Theresa Maze), 4 Against (Denis Bergin, Mike Boyle, Paul Joyce, Sean Tyler), 0 Abstained.

Motion does not carry to recommend approval of zero quorum.

Mr. Bergin will get legal clarification regarding vote, i.e., if past vote to recommend approval stands or if new recommendation to not approve zero quorum takes precedent over past vote.

Motion/vote on zero quorum will be placed on hold pending clarification.

Review of Minutes — February 25, 2009

Motion made by Theresa Maze, seconded by Barbara Cristoforo to recommend approval of the minutes of the February 25, 2009 meeting of the Finance Committee as written

VOTE: 7/0/0 Unanimous Motion carries to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2009 meeting of the Finance Committee as written.

March 4, 2009

Motion made by Theresa Maze, seconded by Mike Boyle to recommend approval of the minutes of the March 4, 2009 meeting of the Finance Committee as written

VOTE: 6 For, 0 Against, 1 Abstained (Katie Marini) Motion carries to approve the minutes of the March 4, 2009 meeting of the Finance Committee as written.

March 11, 2009

Motion made by Maureen Jansen, seconded by Mike Boyle to recommend approval of the minutes of the March 11, 2009 meeting of the Finance Committee as written

VOTE: 6 For, 0 Against, 1 Abstained (Paul Joyce) Motion carries to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2009 meeting of the Finance Committee as written.

Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting of the Finance Committee at 9:15 p.m.

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March 19, 2009

Dear Colleagues:

As you may know, earlier today the Governor announced his intention to use federal economic recovery funds to "ensure every district in the Commonwealth reaches so-called foundation spending levels next school year." As part of his announcement, the Governor distributed a list of 166 districts that would require an additional $168 million above the Chapter 70 distribution proposed in House 1 in order to fund a shortfall in districts that the Governor proposed to fund below their foundation budget amounts. These figures assume that the House and Senate will adopt the Governor's budget exactly as he proposed it.

I am writing to let you know that House leadership has been working with the administration to coordinate the various and complicated funding streams that will be required to achieve foundation levels during these difficult fiscal times. No decisions have been made at this time, although we do share the Governor's confidence that, working with our partners at the local level, the use of federal recovery funds will allow us to achieve foundation levels in all districts for the coming fiscal year.

With regard to the particular distribution and amounts identified by the Governor, I note that the House 1 budget proposal is the beginning of the budget process. If various elements of the Governor's budget proposal (including his changes to the Chapter 70 formula and local revenue assumptions) are not adopted exactly as proposed by the Governor, the amount and distribution of federal recovery funds necessary to maintain foundation levels could vary considerably from the amount and distribution identified by the Governor today. Therefore, the distribution amounts provided by the Governor should be understood as an elaboration on House 1 and not as a reflection of what the budget figures will be once the House and Senate adopt the FY10 budget.

We will continue to work with the administration and our partners at the local level to achieve a timely, sustainable distribution of school aid, and we share with the Governor an appreciation of this important federal assistance during these difficult fiscal times.

I look forward to working with you as we prepare the fiscal year 2010 budget, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

•

GLAI-L, AA_ U3,_

Martha M. Walz

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school District 1Sourth:;Shor nal

S

Proposed Budget 2009-2010 February 18, 2009

SOUTH SHORE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSED 2009-2010 BUDGET

SUMMARY

ACCOUNT EXPENDED BUDGETED PROPOSED 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010

SALARIES & WAGES $5,833,759 $6,215,835 $6,411,671

GENERAL EXPENSE 1,436,557 1,770,075 1,780,567

INTEREST / DEBT SERVICE 342,230 329,245 310,995

TRAVEL / PROF. IMPROVEMENT 107,954 106,200 98,850

SUPPLIES 700,687 793,220 554,832

LIBRARY 23,691 23,204 10,948

HEALTH & FIRST AID 5,451 8,000 8,000

PUPIL TRANSPORTATION 117,869 112,000 127,000

MISC. TRANSPORTATION 12,375 21,000 21,300

UTIUTIES / PLANT MAINE 622,403 629,270 657,420

TOTAL $9,202,976 $10,008,049 $9,981,583


SALARIES


SALARIES-ADMINISTRATION $564,786 $652,485 $632,254

SALARIES-ACADEMIC INSTR. 1,335,241 1,427,230 1,423,780

SALARIES-SHOP INSTRUCTORS 1,309,744 1,313,561 1,378,872

SALARIES-RELATED INSTR. 838,185 915,752 916,999

SALARIES-PHYSICAL ED 54,207 58,293 62,387

SALARIES-ATHLETIC COACHES 98,432 126,345 129,510

SALARIES-EXTRACURRICULAR 33,547 36,874 38,309

SALARIES-SUBSTITUTES 40,275 40,000 50,000

SALARIES-CURRICULUM DEVEL. 97,726

SALARIES-GUIDANCE 139,440 192,396 229,185

SALARIES-SPECIAL NEEDS 368,726 406,145 425,779

SALARIES-RECRUITMENT 4,424 5,000 5,000

SALARIES-CUSTODIAL STAFF 309,250 312,548 316,014

SALARIES-BUS DRIVERS 128,371 132,000 135,000

SALARIES-CONFIDENTIAL STAFF 141,785 203,019 203,311

SALARIES-SUPPORT STAFF 369,621 394,187 465,270

TOTAL $5,833,759 $6,215,835 $6,411,671

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GENERAL EXPENSES


LEASED EQUIPMENT $3,111 $4,166 $4,166

SCHOOL INSURANCES 91,531 100,090 102,190

UNEMPLOYMENT 31,390 30,000 30,000

COUNTY RETIREMENT 187,345 206,855 213,787

HEALTH INSURANCES 698,751 776,000 866,000

TELEPHONE 17,110 15,000 15,000

LEGAL, AUDIT, PROFESSIONAL 35,289 40,000 47,000

PAYROLL TAXES 75,199 65,000 70,000

OFFICE SUPPLIES 12,526 15,000 14,000

POSTAGE 13,205 13,000 13,000

ADVERTISING 3,792 15,000 5,000

OFFICE MAINT. CONTRACTS 26,356 32,750 21,000

DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 28,081 41,570 41,850

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE 13,750 15,465 15,975

SNOW, RUBBISH, ETC. 18,476 27,650 29,700

INTEREST/ DEBT SERVICE 342,230 329,245 310,995

RECRUITMENT/ PUBLIC RELAT 6,641 35,000 18,000

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES 88,441 101,529 91,900

CAPITAL OUTLAY EQMT. 58,269 179,000 110,000

SPECIAL NEEDS 27,297 57.000 72,000

TOTAL $1,778,787 $2,099,320 $2,091,563

3

I s


TRAVEUPROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT


IN-STATE TRAVEL $18,789 $21,200 $20,450

OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL 5,401 8,000 8,500

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT 83.764 77,000 69,900

TOTAL $107,954 $106,200 $98,850

S


SUPPLIES


BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-SHOPS $55,942 $65,000 $34,500

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-ACADEMIC 67,201 77,160 43,860

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-P. E. / ATH. 35,187 26,000 28,000

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-A.V. / COMPUTER 20,289 23,000 17,500

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-GUIDANCE 9,643 22,000 10,000

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-SPECIAL ED. 10,244 22,500 2,500

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-TRANSP. 1,012 1,000 1,000

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-ADMIN. 9,517 17,600 11,000

BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL-OFFICES 13,623 17,000 15,000

SHOP SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT 447,471 489,460 358,972

CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES 26,610 30,000 30,000

SAFETY SUPPLIES 3,947 2,500 2,500

TOTAL $700,687 $793,220 $554,832

5

♦ 0



BOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL $23,691 $23,204 $10,948

TOTAL $23,691 $23,204 $10,948

•

I6

I I


CIE ALTH / FIRST AID

ACCOUNTS EXPENDED BUDGETED PROPOSEE 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010

HEALTH / FIRST AID EXPENSES 451 a000 $8,000

TOTAL $5,451 $8,000 $8,000

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7•


PUPIL TRANSPORTATION


GAS & OIL $62,047 $60,000 $62,000

REPAIRS 40,758 36,000 42,000

INSURANCE 15,064 16,000 23,000

TOTAL $117,869 $112,000 $127,000

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8

I

p

110

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MISCELLANEOUS TRANSPORTATION


GAS & OIL -$384 $4,500 $4,500

REPAIRS 2,089 2,500 2,500

INSURANCE 3,636 4,000 5,300

GAS & OIL -MAINTENANCE DEPT. 3,348 5,000 6,000

BUS RENTAL 3,685 5,000 3,000

TOTAL $12,375 $21,000 $21,300

9


UTILITIES / PLANT MAINTENANCE


ELECTRICITY $155,623 $150,000 $160,000

NATURAL GAS 81,067 95,000 104,000

FUEL OIL 32,875 85,000 85,000

WATER 13,524 15,500 16,500

R&M BUILDINGS & GROUNDS 253,743 180,500 195,500

R&M EQUIPMENT-SHOPS 66,310 77,570 70,920

R&M EQUIPMENT-P.E. / ATHLETICS 5,425 5,700 5,500

R&M EQUIPMENT-AV. / COMPUTERS 6,015 11,500 11,000

R&M EQUIPMENT-GUIDANCE 299 1,500 1,500

R&M EQUIPMENT-OFFICE / PLANT 7,522 7,000 7.500

TOTAL $622,403 $629,270 $65.7-420

10

This is a picture of Dr. Valentine F. Harrington, school committee member from Hanover, opening day of school

(circa) September 1962.

•

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SOUTH SHORE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENTS

PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE 2009-2010

TOWN

2009 ASSESSMENT

FINAL

2010 ASSESSMENT PRELIMINARY $ CHANGE % CHANGE

ABINGTON $1,288,359 $1,338,533 $50,174 3.89%

COHASSET $131,949 $75,529 -$56,420 -42.76%

HANOVER $726,460 $803,324 $76,864 10.58%

HANSON $507,632 $537,955 $30,323 5.97%

NORWELL $130,133 $46,003 -$84,130 -64.65%

ROCKLAND $1,424,812 $1,467,848 $43,036 3.02%

SCITUATE $635,582 $571,233 -$64,349 -10.12%

WHITMAN $799,528 $758,832 -$40,696 -5.09%

TOTALS $5,644,455 $5,599,257 -$45,198 -0.80%

January 29, 2009

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• • 6110 /2-010?

Abington History of Student Enrollment

Sol • SOUTH SHORE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

BUDGET INFORMATION

COST NOT TYPICALLY IN A TOWN'S SCHOOL BUDGET

•

INSURANCES $102,190

UNEMPLOYMENT 30,000

RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTION 213,787

HEALTH INSURANCE 866,000

PAYROLL TAXES 70,000

SNOW REMOVAL 4,000

DEBT SERVICE 310,995

$1,596,972

PERCENT OF TOTAL BUDGET 16% FY 2009-2010

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•

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BOUT; SHORE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SEPARATE ASSESSMENTS

2009-2010

MINIMUM ABOVE OPERATING DEBT CAPITAL TOTAL TOWN CONTRIBUTION MINIMUM COSTS SERVICE COSTS

ABINGTON $1,082,114 $187,883 $27,410 $19,321 $21,804 $1,338,533

COHASSET $61,754 $9,240 $1,348 $1,288 $1,899 $75,529

HANOVER $667,139 $100,102 $14,604 $11,593 $9,887 $803,324

HANSON $367,235 $120,122 $17,525 $17,228 $15,845 $537,955

NORWELL $35,624 $4,620 $674 $2,335 $2,750 $46,003

ROCKLAND $1,150,115 $237,164 $34,600 $20,368 $25,601 $1,467,848

SCITUATE $484,763 $63,141 $9,212 $5,474 $8,643 $571,233

WHITMAN $532,001 $158,623 $23,142 $21,495 $23,571 $758,832

TOTALS $4,380,745 $880,895 $102,520 $99,103 $110,000 $5,599,257

15-Jul-08

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town of abington finance committee meeting march 25, 2009 … · town of abington finance committee...

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