HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-16 Finance Committee Minutes1%"ECEIVE0 t,
T0'AtIN CLERK
i Ei`,,UING, MASS.
Finance Committee Meeting 2005 MAR - 8 p I : 0 ~
February 16, 2005
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Chuck Robinson,. Finance Committee
Members Robert LeLacheur, Dick McDonald, Hal Torman, Michele Williams and Marsie West.
Also present were Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and School Cormnittee Member Pete
Dahl.
The Town Manager suggested that Chuck Robinson should be formally selected as Chairman
rather than just assuming the duties. This is so that he can participate in the Finance Connnittee
appointment process.
On motion by Torman seconded by Williams, Chuck Robinson was appointed as Chairman
until June 30, 2005 by a vote of 5-0-0. (Marsie West had not yet joined the meeting.)
Approval of Minutes
On motion by McDonald seconded by Torman, the Minutes of February 2, 2005 were
approved, as presented, by a vote of 6-0-0.
Reports and Comments
Liaison Reports - Bob LeLacheur noted that the School Committee voted a 3% budget, and had
lots of good discussion. It was good economic/legal news with the finding by the SJC in the
Hancock court case. Pete Dahl agreed that the Hancock decision was good news. It gives
stability to school finding. Mr. LeLacheur also noted that one of the concerns/unknowns is
school fiinds available for the equipment of the new schools.
Pete Dahl indicated that it was something to be concerned about. Last year, several hundreds of
thousands of dollars was put in the contingency for these projects. This was with monies that
were available because Circuit Breaker funding provided funding for Special Needs. These were
one time dollars that were put in for one time expenses. The FY 2006 Budget utilizes $900,000
in Circuit Breaker funding which seems to be realistic. However, as the Circuit Breaker revenue
anticipation gets closer to actual funding, there will be less opportunities for these one time
fiindings.
Bob LeLacheur noted that the School Department budget is much more understandable and
transparent closer to the Town budget. He also noted that the Hospital Development
Committee has been meeting, and there is nothing new to report.
The Town Manager went through the budget as presented to the Finance Committee. The
Finance .Committee Chairman suggested that questions for the School Committee or any other
budgets should be sent out in advance if possible so that the sessions can be as focused as
possible.
Finance Committee Meeting - February 16, 2005 - Page 2
The Finance Committee agreed on a schedule of meetings that will be all of the Wednesday
evenings in March to review budgets.
On motion by LeLacheur seconded by McDonald, the Finance Committee voted to adjourn
their meeting of February 16, 2005 at 8:50 p.m. by a vote of 7-0-0.
spectfu ly s bmitted,
V I ~Ml
Secretary