1998-01-28 School Committee Minutes

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BUDGET COUNCIL Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION 28 January 1998 Call to Order Selectman Chairwoman Anthony called the Budget Council Meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, D'Antona, Spadafora, Stohlman, Twomey and Williams, Selectmen Members Hoyt, Anthony and Hines, FinCom Members, Brown, MacDonald, McDonald, Kurker, Grimm and Keigley. The Library Trustees present were Hanley, Silvaggi, Dubois, Redford. REVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP IN BUDGET COUNCIL Selectwoman Anthony explained that Town Council was sought to review the Library Board of Trustee membership issue. She reported that Town Council stated that the Budget Council is a non - entity. It is just an umbrella under which we all meet. It is a forum in which we get together, ask questions, exchange ideas and make suggestions. Any one is welcome. REVIEW REVENUE PROJECTIONS Mr. Foley, Town Accountant, gave a review of revenue projections. He stated that there were only a few changes since the last meeting. The FY99 Chapter 70 revenue would be $ 4,140,673. He noted that there would be a 2% increase in non - property tax local revenue. The total proposed projected revenue for FY99 would be $ 44,012,595. Ms. Grimm asked about excise taxes. Mr. Foley responded that they had just received the excise tax commitment that afternoon. Mr. Twomey asked if a 2% increase in non property tax local revenue was used in prior years. Mr. Foley stated that you cannot project an increase of any more than 2% at this time. It is too early to state. It gets easier to determine as time goes on. Mr. Twomey stated that 2 1/2% would make more sense. Mr. Foley responded that 2 1/2 % or even 3% would not make that much of a difference over all. Mr. Foley stated that the projected FY99 "free cash" would be $ 560,000. Ms. Grimm stated that Mr. Blewitt, former FinCom member, always suggested that at this point in the budget process that "free cash" should be stated at zero. This would better state our revenues, thus giving us a clearer picture of where we stand. Mr. Hechenbleikner gave an overview of the FY99 Town Budget. He stated that the large increase in the Northeast Regional Vocational Assessment was due to the fact that last year we had 14 students attend the vocational school and this year we have 25 students attending.