HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1/23/2014Town of Mansfield
Budget Subcommittee
Minutes of January 23, 2014
Present: Jess Aptowitz, Selectman; Walter Wilk, Finance Committee; Steve Schoonveld, Finance Cpmpti(telej, John
Stanbrook, Town Accountant; Bill Ross, Town Manager; Brenda Hodges, Superinteiii�'' of SaHoo)'s . Vozzella,
Finance Director of Schools; Lynn Cavicchi, School Committee
Call to Order at 6:30pm: Jess Aptowitz opens meeting by explaining how the budget subc6mmttte6' `wds4ormed.
The committee does not tell the Schools and Town what to do, but offer advice to progress.
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Jess Aptowitz explains that this is only the beginning of the budget process. Town and Schools need to start looking at
places where they can save money.
Bill Ross talks about the Governor's budget. The numbers are flat, which is not a surprise, even though state revenues
are up 5 %. Bill Ross says this is what was anticipated when creating the budget. Numbers are still not set on charter
schools or southeastern regional schools.
Jess Aptowitz talks about the disadvantage from the State in regards to Chapter 70 money. He suggests a mixed
meeting with representative from boards and committee to meet with State Representatives.
Bill Ross says that most of the money spent in the budget is spent on personal services. The best situation would be to
get everyone on the value blue cross blue shield plan. Mostly everyone on the Town side are on this plan, however,
most are not on the value plan at the Schools.
Walter Wilk asks if the new school bus in the school budget has been moved to CIP along with school and lab desks.
Ed Vozzella said it does not meet CIP criteria. Bill Ross is on the CIP Committee and says furniture would meet CIP
requirements and the furniture does not need to be broken down between schools.
Bill Ross suggests to school to put together a five -year plan. It has worked out very well on the municipal side.
Members have general discussion on school budget, teachers and FTE's. Brenda Hodges talks about staffing of
teachers. Regular teachers are down 14 and the special needs teachers are up 18 which are regulated by federal
regulations. The increase is in more high risk student. More physiologists and guidance counselors are needed. If the
needs of the higher risk students are not met, it would cost approximately $250,000 for placement outside of the
school.
Ed Vozzella said last year 15 teachers retired and they were able to fund all retirees. Only four people are retiring this
year. They hired two teachers for the one that retired. Brenda Hodges says teacher's contract negotiations are still
going on.
Next meeting of the budget subcommittee is scheduled for February 6, 2014.
Motion tp adjourn at 7:40pm (Schoonveld /Ap bwit') All in favor
A4 e&Signaturc Dy e
Pagel
Budget Subcommittee Meeting January 23, 2014