HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget Comm. 03/24/2021Budget Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2021
Present: Jenn Walsh; Lynn Cavicchi; Frank Delvecchio; Michael A. Trowbridge; S*kI @JW@nd Walter Wilk
Also Present: Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director; T6r4 i3 9&r 9uQf`rFifiEdent;
Edward Donoghue, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations anIvi�nADD u $as,/TTow�n Manager
11
Jenn Walsh and Walter Wilk were not present at the start of the meeting but Tenn arrived at 5:10pm and
Walter arrived at 5:1413M. 1 VASSFII D
1. Call the Meeting to Order AT 5:00 PM
Ms. Sara Walsh, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:04PM.
2. Acceptance of meeting minutes from February 24, 2021
Motion: To approve the meeting minutes from February 24, 2021. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio)
Roll Call Vote:
M.Trowbridge — Yes, L. Cavicchi — Yes, F. DelVecchio — Yes, S. Walsh — Yes
Passes 4:0
3. Budget Planning Update
• Update/Modifications on Town and School Budgets
• Timeline of state budget announcement
• Federal Funding Impact
Mr. LaCasse stated that he emailed the committee earlier in the day and that as of today there is a $2.2 million
deficit. He then presented a document on how he is proposing to close the budget gap. He explained that he
has removed $980,541 from school's appropriation request, which represents the expenses that needs to be
absorbed schools' budget because the CHAMPS (After school program) revenue was basically non-existent
due to COVID. He then stated that the school's projected COVID needs were $1.6 million and that was reduced
to $900,000. Mr. LaCasse then explained the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and how that aid was divided
into three categories local, county and school. $1.2 is available for local aid in FY22, $2.3 in county aid and $1.1
million in school aid. Mr. LaCasse proposed that the local share and county share of the Rescue Plan Act
would offset the $980,541 for the Champs revenue loss and part of the general government deficit and then
the school share and the ESSR Grant would cover the COVID expenses for the schools. Ms. Walsh asked a few
follow up questions to provide clarification. She also asked if the $2.2 million deficit was all COVID related and
Mr. LaCasse responded that the deficit was due to revenue shortfalls in FY20 and FY21 not due to an increase
in expenses. Members of the Committee asked some questions but no motions were made.
4. Plan for update to committees
Ms. Walsh asked if the school could present to the Finance Committee on April 1511, however Mr. Donoghue
stated that he would not be presenting to the School Committee until May 4tn so it would be too soon. Mr.
Donoghue also noted that the schools have not yet received notification if they need to provide remote virtual
learning next year to students. If they do that will increase their budget. Mr. Donoghue suggested moving his
hearing up a week and then meet on April 29th. It was agreed to have Schools, Finance Committee and Select
Board join the Budget Subcommittee meeting with all the Boards.
S. Timing of additional meetings if needed (next scheduled 4/29)
As noted in previous agenda the next meeting will be April 29 at 513M and Ms. Walsh stated it did not appear
that another meeting would be needed.
6. Items not known within 48 hours meeting
There were no items.
7. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the March 24, 2021 meeting at 5:3813M. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
I Walsh — Aye, W. Wilk — Aye, M.Trowbridge— Yes, L. Cavicchi — Yes, F. DelVecchio — Aye, S. Walsh —Aye
Passes 6:0
a'K Cq
Date
Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne