HomeMy Public PortalAbout20100303 - Appropriations Committee - Meeting MinutesTown of Hopkinton Appropriation Committee (AC)
Minutes of Meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Room 211, Town Hall, Hopkinton, Massachusetts
In attendance:
Stuart Cowart Norman Khumalo, Town Manager
Ron Eldridge
Mary Lou Haroian
Joe Karner
Chairman Eldridge called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Stuart moved and Joe seconded a motion to accept the minutes of our meetings on February 11,
February 24, and March 1, 2010. The motion passed unanimously.
The first item for discussion was our upcoming meeting schedule. The BOS will be voting on
the 2011 budget next Tuesday, March 9. We will meet next Wednesday evening, March10th,
and plan on meeting every Monday and Wednesday thereafter, until Town Meeting in May.
All Committee members are concerned about the current policy of budgeting payroll increases in
advance of collective bargaining negotiations. The concern is that this policy is likely to result in
a much higher likelihood of pay increases becoming reality, than if no such increases were set
aside in the budget in advance. An alternative proposal to the current budget strategy is to
budget no payroll increases, and return to a Special Town Meeting in the fall, should the results
of negotiations necessitate an increased appropriation for salaries. Ron suggested that if this
policy were instituted, it should be for all town departments. Norman will further investigate the
possibility of implementing such a change in budget strategy.
Discussion ensued about the Keefe Tech budget, and the possibility of having a representative
from Keefe Tech present our committee with a summary of the Keefe Tech 2011 budget. A
request was made for the presentation not to exceed 10 minutes.
Discussion continued on the tax impact of the 2011 budget on Hopkinton taxpayers. Norman
will be discussing the impact further with the Board of Assessors.
Norman informed the Committee about his RFP for health and general insurance. Any change in
insurance provisions must be approved by the Insurance Advisory Committee. Norman will
keep the AC updated on this process.
Brief discussion was made concerning the budget for the Youth Commission. Opinions of AC
members vary on this subject.
Norman informed the AC that Heidi is continuing to look into the appropriateness of the budget
for excise taxes next year. Norman will inform the Committee of the results of her research.
Stuart noted that in addition to a possible change in the percentage of the CPA tax levied on
taxpayers’ bills next year, he would like to see a change in the allocation of CPA funds, so that
the Town would have maximum flexibility as to how it spends these dollars.
Joe moved and Stuart seconded adjournment at 8:40 pm. The motion passed unanimously.