HomeMy Public PortalAbout20091014 - Select Board - Meeting MinutesBos Minutes October 14 2009.doc 1
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Date: October 14, 2009
Joint Working Session with Appropriation Committee and School Committee
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hopkinton Senior Center
MINUTES
Board of Selectmen members present: Brian Herr, Chairman; RJ Dourney, Todd Cestari, Michelle Gates;
Member absent: Matt Zettek, Vice-Chairman; Others present: School Committee members: Nancy Burdick,
Chairwoman, Jean Bertschmann, Appropriation Committee: Ron Eldridge, Chairman, Dr. John Phelan, School
Superintendent; Geoff MacDonald, School Business Manager; Heidi Kriger, Financial Officer; Norman
Khumalo, Town Manager and Geri Holland, Executive Assistant
FY’2011 Budget Discussion
6:30 p.m. Mr. Khumalo stated the object of the meeting is to allow those in attendance, early in the budget
process, the opportunity to review and question the preliminary projections of revenue estimates and expenses
that would be presented at this evening’s meeting. Mr. Khumalo said that comments and input received from
them would be one of the factors that the Board of Selectmen and he would consider when developing the FY
2011 budget message.
Mr. Khumalo commented that the general fund revenues for FY 2011 operating budget are projected at levels
lower than originally anticipated. Mr. Khumalo added that by a coordinate effort by town departments, boards
and committees to identify efficient operations, revenue enhancement opportunities and additional cost cutting
measure could be realized.
Mr. Khumalo gave an overview of the potential additional State budget cuts that would affect the FY 2010
budget. He said that is unknown how local aid would be affected by these cuts but could potentially be a 5%
reduction that would reflect a budget cut of $343,683 or a 10% reduction that would mean a budget cut of
$687,366. Another challenge facing the town is the projected FY 2011 budget deficit of about $2M. Mr.
Khumalo said that a Special Town meeting would be required to make any necessary budget adjustments but
added that a date would not be set at this meeting.
There was a discussion regarding how to address the shortfall and potentially using $200,000 of free cash which
the Finance Officer, Ms. Kriger, said would be certified in another month. It was noted that the tax rate would
need to be set before a Special Town meeting and that the Tax Classification Hearing is planned for the end of
November. Mr. Khumalo said that the Town needs to maintain its reserves at a level sufficient enough to
maintain its bond rating. He also recommended setting a recommended level of funding for capital items
whether for replacement of vehicles and equipment or upgrading the town’s infrastructure and buildings. Mr.
Khumalo also talked the need to exercise stricter fiscal discipline in processing and responding to the challenges
identified in the financial projections. He added that tonight’s meeting is to find a common way that best serves
the town. Ms. Kriger gave an overview of the tax recap worksheet(s) (see attachments) and said that a 5% cut in
state aid might mean a shortfall of $2.5M for the town. A discussion regarding ways to look at saving initiatives
ensued such as looking at the pay as you throw trash program, regionalization, and the possibility of putting a
hiatus on CPA funding. It was agreed to submit cost saving strategy ideas to Mr. Khumalo.
8:10 p.m. Vote: Mr. Herr entertained a motion to re-convene the public meeting at the Town Hall in Room 215
at 8:30 p.m. Second. Mr. Cestari. Unanimously voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Geri Holland
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager
Date Approved: 10/27/09