1998-01-28 School Committee Minutes

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REGULAR SESSION -2- 28 JANUARY 1998 Ms. Grimm stated that we were 1.2 million dollars apart on the budget this time last year. We do not have to use "free cash" at this time. When we meet here again in March we will make a recommendation for a balanced budget. There was discussion regarding budget deficits. Mr. Stohlman stated that we can cover a deficit with the sale of real estate, free cash funds, an override or by cutting the bottom line. Mr. Hechebleikner said it concerned him to speak of balancing a budget using sale of real estate funds. He will submit a balanced budget to the FinCom. The Capital Plan balances are one tenth of one percent of the budget over ten years. Compressed into five years, you have more capital funds and less operating funds. The landfill closure will cost 4 million dollars. Any money from the sale of the landfill will be used to offset the cost to close or cap the landfill. The Town Manager is accepting bids on the landfill and proceeding on the conservative side. He has more information and knowledge now on the landfill than he did two years ago when this all started. Mr. Hines added that through negotiations with a prospective developer costs could go up or down depending what the plans are. The developer may have a better plan or way to proceed. The proceeds could be less depending on the circumstances. Mr. Hechenbleikner stated that this is a neutral way of looking at the issue. When we are negotiations with the highest bidder they may be able to cap the site cheaper than we could. They will not have to pay the prevailing wage. We would be happy to break even. All of our estimates are conservative. Mr. Stohlman thought the proceeds from the landfill would go towards the new high school. The Town Manager said the proceeds from the landfill would go towards getting the landfill ready to sell. There will be no proceeds. Once developed, the land may generate property tax. We have the lowest commercial tax rate of all the surrounding towns. This may attract potential developers. Dr. Harutunian stated that he had, this afternoon, receive a preliminary report from Peat Marwick which will have major financial implication on the FY99 budget pertinent to personnel issues. He will forward the report the School Committee, FinCom and Selectmen. Mrs. Anthony asked if there were any more questions. There were none, so the discussion moved on to the schedule of up coming meetings. Mr. Hechenbleikner asked everyone to mark their calendars. The next Budget Council Meeting is March 18, 1998. Mrs. Anthony asked if any of the three boards had to move to Executive Session. The response from the three boards was no. Each board made a motion to adjourn The vote was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned. Mr. Twomey Mrs Williams Mr. Stohlman, Mrs Cavicchi Mrs. D'Antona and Mr. Spadafora Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent