HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget Sub Comm. 12/19/2019Budget Subcommittee
Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2019 RECEIVED
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Present: Jenn Walsh; Lynn Cavicchi; Frank Delvecchio; Michael A. Trowbridge; Brian Eagle; and Walter Wilk
Also Present: John Stanbrook, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director; Teresa MurpIRDSWIRAeAA; 35
Edward Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations; and Kevin Dumas„TofiH/n Mina r
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Mr. Wilk called the meeting to order at 6:06 PM,
1. Current budget update from each group, revenue update from John
Ms. Murphy presented the Committee with the school budget that had just been approved by the School
Committee. Mr. Donoghue explained that this was budget that they considered to maintain "level services' at
the schools with a slight reduction in staffing. The budget represents a 4,62% increase over FY20. Mr.
Donoghue stated that they were only requesting to add one position — a technology technician to support the
Chromebook initiative. He further stated that they have just entered negotiations with the teachers' union for
their next contract. Mr. Donoghue continued saying there is an 18% increase in the Special Education budget
and Mr. Wilk asked why. Mr. Donoghue explained that they are anticipating some additional needs based on
the student population and outside tuition for services that the schools cannot provide in-house. Mr.
Donoghue continued and stated that the schools are still hoping to hire an in-house HVAC technician to save
costs of hiring a third party to service the schools.
2. Scenario of this years budget — coming in on budget (what would your budget look like if you had to
meet the current budget/revenue projections)
Mr. Trowbridge stated that the scenario they had requested was a 2.5% increase over FY20 and Ms. Murphy
replied that to meet that number there would have to be staff reductions. Ms. Murphy explained that the
numbers are "tricky" when you look at just the numbers and explained some of the increases and decreases
on the handout. Mr. Eagle asked if the state mandated certain paraprofessionals to be in the classroom and
Ms. Murphy explained some of the scenarios.
3. Budget Scenario of level services budget
Mr. Stanbrook presented the Committee the Town's budget with level services without the School's budget
included since it was just passed by the School Committee. He stated that Town is negotiating union
contracts: teachers, bus drivers, police and fire so assumptions were made in the budget. Mr. Dumas
explained the increase in the Town Clerk's office was because of the change in designation of the employees.
Ms. Cavicchi asked about the cost of the new computer system (MUNIS) that the Town is transitioning to and
the line item increase. Mr. Wilk asked about the increase in highway construction and Mr. Dumas stated it
was the extra money being put aside to cover the costs of the firefighters when their grant ended. Ms.
Cavicchi asked if there were any FTE reductions and Mr. Dumas stated that if there were any FTE positions
vacated, they would not be filled more than likely based on this scenario. Mr. Eagle confirmed that the
current budget as presented is starting approximately $2 million "in the hole" but Mr. Stanbrook stated that
the next budget update will include revenue from the State so it will be more actual numbers than what he
has currently.
4. Budget Scenario with additions that is next step above level services
5. Overview of new education funding law (Student Opportunities Act)
Ms. Cavicchi explained that Mansfield would likely not benefit from this law as it tied to specific initiatives to
move certain groups of students to higher levels of performance and this might cost more than what the Town
would gain from the new law.
6. Last 10 years of town FTE's versus population; last 10 years of school FTE's versus students (John has this
from last year and prior years budgets, so no need to add current budget, please add your part time
FTE's to reflect full year if they are going to be full time in new budget
7. Who will be point of contact after John's departure
Mr. Dumas stated that he will be the point person until the Town hires Mr. Stanbrook's replacement. He said
that the position has been posted. He continued by saying that he received the budgets from all the Town
departments and he has met with each of them. Mr. Wilk volunteered to assist Mr. Dumas with going through
the Town budget during this process.
Mr. Wilk stated that the next meeting would February 5, 2020 at 5:30 pm.
8. Any items not known within 48 hours prior to the meeting
None.
9. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the December 19, 2019 meeting at 7:04PM. (Eagle/Trowbridge)
Passes 6:0
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Sign toe ate
Minutes prepared by Mary Dalton