Present: Selectmen Ward, Hewins, Angley, Chairman Casey, Town Administrator LaFond, and A.T.A. Bouchard. Absent Selectman O’Donnell. Also in attendance were members of the Finance Committee: McCaig, Wood, Menard, Fitzgerald and Walsh.
The Chairman read the announcements of the openings on the various committees, boards and commission after the Pledge of Allegiance.
FY2010 Budget Proposal:
LaFond stated a number of items are still tied to collective bargaining, and suggested the Board go into Executive Session with the Finance Committee to explain them, and then return to Open Session. Motion by Angley, second by Ward to go into Executive Session under Chapter 39, Section 23B for the purposes of discussing collective bargaining and then return to Open Session. Roll call vote taken: Yes - Angley, Hewins, Ward and Casey.
Open Session re-convened at 7:40 P.M.
LaFond explained projected revenue and new growth. Proceeds from the sale of 21 Plymouth Street of approximately $180,000 will go toward the snow deficit of $350,000. There is a reduction in the non-school budget of 1.68%. He does not want to plan for a worst case scenario and is not working with the Senate’s numbers. LaFond stated with the cut in state aid it has been a challenge, but this is essentially a level services budget. The library in this version would be closed on Thursday evenings to save $13,000. Discussion followed regarding part-time elected officials salaries as his recommended budget reduces their stipend by 50%.
The rest of the non-school budget was reviewed by department with explanations from LaFond and Adams. Wood asked what savings could be had by having a four day work week. LaFond stated for every two hours $28,000. Closing on Fridays could save about $60,000 in salaries. Franey questioned the need for part time help for some of the smaller committees. LaFond stated that they attend meetings and take minutes. Some are for permitting boards that have fees that help cover the administrative cost, for others it is clerical help for convenience; however it is an issue worth looking at.
Minutes of May 12, 2009:
Motion by Angley, second by Ward to approve as written. Vote unanimous.
Selectmen Notes:
Angley commented that other Towns do not go through these types of budget meetings and praised the leadership of Mr. LaFond.
Hewins encouraged people to attend Town Meeting and that we are fortunate to have the ability to make a difference.
Ward expressed his appreciation to LaFond, and they were given good material to think about before the Board makes their recommendations for Town Meeting.
Casey stated this was like a training exercise. He expressed his concern regarding the elected official stipends and stated that being in office does require some financial obligations.
Town Administrator Notes:
LaFond stated he tried to take a calm approach and wanted to thank Ellen, Jack and particularly John Adams who are part of the financial team. He also pointed out the conflict and oversight with the date on the STM of June 23 and the ATM being continued to June 16. He is looking into options.
Motion by Angley, second by Hewins to adjourn at 8:40 P.M.
Jean M. Bouchard
Assistant to Town Administrator
Town of Carver
108 Main Street
Carver, MA 02330
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