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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE <br />Reading, Massachusetts <br />BUDGET COUNCIL June 9, 1999 <br />CALL TO ORDER <br />Finance Committee Chair Carol Grimm stated that the Finance Committee was already <br />called to order. <br />At 8:05 p.m. Chair D'Antona called the School Committee to order. Present were <br />School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Keigley, Twomey and <br />Williams. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian, Town Manager <br />Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean ,Town Accountant Richard <br />Foley, Town Treasurer Beth Klepeis, members of the Board of Selectmen, Finance <br />Committee and Library Board of Trustees. <br />Selectman Sally Hoyt advised that the Board of Selectmen did not yet have a quorum. <br />Library Board member Maria Silvaggi advised that the Library Board ,of Trustees did <br />not yet have a quorum. <br />STATE FUNDS <br />Town Accountant Richard Foley reviewed the state aid numbers with the Council. <br />A discussion was held regarding whether the $248,000 in increased aid was guaranteed <br />by the state. Dr. Harutunian advised that the $248,000 figure was approved by both the <br />house and the senate and was as firm as any other state aid figure. He stated that there <br />was a discussion with the state representatives and state senator regarding the possibility <br />of additional state aid but that any additional state aid figures were not solid as of this <br />date. <br />Town Manager Hechenbleikner advised that due to the DOR Y2K issues, the tax rate <br />would have to be set earlier this year. A discussion was held among council members <br />regarding the process used to determine the new growth figure. Town Manager <br />Hechenbleikner stated that this is the process that is always used but that it is being <br />done earlier in the year because of the need to set the tax rate early. <br />Mr. Dahl asked about the costs of town meeting and special elections. <br />Town Manager Hechenbleikner advised that town meeting will cost approximately <br />$500 and the special election about $9,000. <br />The Council decided to take the agenda out of order and discuss the proposed <br />distribution of funds from additional state aid next. <br />