HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-04 Finance Committee Minutesk"E-CcIVED.
IN C
Financial Committee Meeting , h~ ta~D I 4'Nc,L E R K
MASS.
March 4, 2002
2003 JUL I ~ P 1: 5b
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, at the own Hall,
16 Lowell Street, Reading Massachusetts. Present were Finance Committee members
Richard McDonald, Catherine Martin, Karen Epstein, James Francis, Andrew Grimes,
Mary Grimmer, Robert LeLacheur, Randy Mason, and Chuck Robinson. School
Committee members present were Timothy Twomey, William Griset, Susan Cavicchi,
Pete Dahl, John Russo, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Haratunian. Town Accountant
Richard Foley was also in attendance.
School Department Budget and Capital:
Dr. Harutunian reviewed the School Committee's recommended budget. He stated there
has been a steady decline in the school budget since 1995. This year's budget was 1.07%
over last years and he anticipates next year's increase to be reduced to .7%. The schools
need $1,297,250 to open their doors next year. The expected revenue increase is
$281,365. Dr. Harutunian submitted a list of prioritized reductions totaling $1,249,000.
The list includes reductions of 23.5 positions and curriculum initiatives for K - 12. There
is also an increase in fourth and fifth grade class sizes at the Birch Meadow and Killam
Schools to 27 - 28 students. The budget includes a state mandated new teach mentor
program of $120,000.
Bob LeLacheur questioned if they could afford the new elementary school. Dr.
i j Harutunian replied "absolutely," the new school will eliminate the six portable
classrooms and the current staff would be spread out. John Russo asked why the Barrows
School was not expanded instead, with the anticipated increase of students there? Dr.
Harutunian replied the core areas of the school are too small and the school would have
to be torn down.
Dr. Harutunian stated they received $205,000 in Chapter 70 money. This is an increase of
$87,000. He is encouraged by the new growth revenue that the landfill, Longwood
Poultry Farm, and the Spence Farm will generate. Chair Dick McDonald cautioned that
the new revenue will be spread out between many departments, including the capital
plan.
8:55 P.M. On a motion by Susan Cavicchi, seconded by Pete Dahl, the School
Committee unanimously voted to go into executive session.
Dick McDonald stated the current split of revenues is 2/3 for the Schools and 1/3 for the
Town. He asked the Finance Committee to review this and other options.
Dick McDonald stated the RMLD task force audit is moving forward. They have found
some violations and they expect a final report on April 4, 2002.
Finance Committee - March 4, 2002
page 2
On a motion by Mary Grimmer, seconded by Catherine Martin, the Finance Committee
voted to.adjourn at 9:20 p.m.
The motion was approved by a vote of 9-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Mohr
Recording Secretary