1999-11-10 School Committee Minutes - Financial Forum

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Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Financial Forum Meeting November 10, 1999 Chair Grimm called the Finance Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. Chair Hoyt called the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:35 p.m. The Library board did not have a quorum present. The School Committee did not have a quorum present and did not call to order until 9:00 p.m. School Committee Members Cavicchi, Dahl and Twomey were present. Ms. D'Antona arrived at 9:00 p.m. and Ms. Williams arrived at 9:20 p.m. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Town Manager Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Dean, Town Accountant Foley and Town Treasurer Klepeis. The Town Manager reviewed projected revenues. The Town Manager advised that he, Superintendent Harutunian and the Chairs of the boards had met to brainstorm for ideas to solve the projected shortfall. The Town Manager advised that he had put together a chart of ideas that he had taken from the meeting to review as possible alternatives for balancing the FY01 budget. The Town Manager reviewed the chart of possible increases in revenues or decreases in expenses, and the chart showed the impact that each action would have on the FY01 budget. Ms. Anthony asked why the fee increase in the chart was listed at I%. Town Manager Hechenbleikner advised that he had used I% only because it was an easy multiplier. Ms. Grimmer asked what the approximate cost per household would be for a trash fee. The Town Manager advised that it would be approximately $120 per household or a sticker system could be implemented. Ms. Anthony asked if there has been any movement on changing the way special education is being charged. Dr. Harutunian advised Ms. Anthony that he had attended the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' meeting and that there is talk about the state picking up from 50% to 90% of any special education student expense that is three times the foundation budget. Dr. Harutunian advised that there are about 40 students in Reading that fall into that category. Chair Dahl stated that even with the best of budget planning the special education charges can bring a budget out of balance.