2000-10-21 School Committee Minutes Financial Forum

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Financial Forum October 21, 2000 Parker Middle School Community Room CALL TO ORDER Finance Committee Chair Carol Grimm called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.. Present were Finance Committee members Catherine Martin, James Francis, Andrew Grimes, Mary Grimmer, Richard McDonald, Chuck Robinson, and Robert LeLacheur. Board of Selectmen members present were Sally Hoyt, George Hines, Matt Nestor, and Matt Cummings. School Committee members present were Chair Susan Cavicchi, Pete Dahl, William Griset, Jim Keigley, Robin D'Antona, and Tim Twomey. Library Board of Trustees present was Steve Conner. Also present were Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russ Dean, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harutunian, Library Director Kimberly Lynn, Town Accountant Richard Foley, Treasurer Beth Klepeis, and Reporter Nadine Wandzilak. The residents present were Fred Van Magness, Bill Brown, Paula Perry, Kathy Guyott, Paula Koppel, Jan Jones, Cathy Mandolese, Paula Tucci, Nancy Ortiz, Karen Epstein, Rosemary Lewis, Thomas Ryan, Alex McRae, Marie Cullen- Oliver, and Jeff Struble. Introduction of Facilitator Carol Grimm introduced the facilitator Fred VanMagness. Review of Guidelines Fred Van Magness reviewed the guidelines for this Financial Forum. The Financial Forum discussed the goal. George Hines stated this goal may not be achievable or accepted by everyone in the community. The goal was changed to: "The goal of the Financial Forum will be to develop a consensus and timetable on ways to close the gap for FY 2002 and beyond between available revenues, and expenditures." Options for solutions The Financial Forum discussed options for addressing the $3.5 —$4 million "gap ": 1. Increase property tax 2. Run government within the resources the community gives. 3. Offer solutions that add to revenue without having to ask the taxpayers. Review current and projected revenues Richard Foley reviewed the projected revenues from 2001 —2005. Peter Hechenbleikner stated the figures are a general projection, not exact.