Warrant and Finance

Warrant & Finance Committee’s Review of the School Committee’s 2010-11 Fiscal Year Budget – Mr. Roy stated the Committee discussed some recommendations at their previous workshops and one of them was the increase in the legal fees account. He said he would prefer that expense be a separate Article so the voters can say whether they agree with it or not, but doubts there is sufficient time to place it on the Warrant. He stated given that it can’t be placed as a separate Article, this Committee has to decide whether they wish to leave the $25,000 in that account or reduce it to the previous $5,000.

To Ms Rix’s question whether there was time to do as recommended by Mr. Roy for the June, 2010 Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Long advised that was a decision the School Committee has to make as they are currently developing the Warrant Articles [for the school vote].

Mr. Crowley mentioned this Committee is here to make recommendations and when the discussion is finished, they can decide whether to keep the $25,000 in the budget or remove it with Messrs. Hodgdon, Crowley and Roy advising they would like to see it removed.

It was noted that both Ms Rix and Mr. Thomas had developed spread sheets with very close totals which are being reviewed by the group this evening.

Referencing those spread sheets, Mr. Roy stated he was in agreement with the recommendations and figures contained therein with Messrs. Hodgdon and Crowley concurring.

Ms Rix stated the Committee will provide the School Committee with both her and Mr. Thomas’ proposals along with a cover letter.

Mr. Roy mentioned once the recommendations are submitted it will be up to the School Committee to either accept or disregard them. He stated the Committee’s workshops have shown them [the School Committee] where the cuts can be made, but what is done with them is out of the Committee’s control.

It was suggested since one total is $4.58 Million and the other is $4.53 Million that the figures be submitted as $4.55 with the Committee concurring.

There was no response to Ms Rix’s question of whether there any questions or concerns. She said the total will be adjusted as recommended and the final document and cover letter will be delivered to the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen.

It was noted that a draft cover letter had been developed and was still on one of the Committee Member’s laptop computer which was passed among the group to obtain their consensus of its contents.

Mr. Long advised once the Committee submits their recommendations, they will be made available to the taxpayers. He pointed out the Warrant will include both this Committee’s and the School Committee’s recommendations.

In a straw poll of the entire Committee’s concurrence with the proposed cover letter, all Members agreed to its contents.

Regarding the Committee’s Meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM tomorrow evening, March 9, 2010, and whether it was necessary, Mr. Kryzak felt the Meeting would be similar to the Committee’s workshops wherein they questioned the School Committee, therefore, he felt the Warrant & Finance Committee should meet as scheduled at the school.

D. OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business to come before the Committee.

E. NEXT MEETING

It was noted that the Warrant & Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 9. 2010, at 6:00 PM at the Acton School.

F. ADJOURNMENT

The Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________

ANNA M. WILLIAMS,

Recording Secretary

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