By Nate Leskovic
Times Staff
3/13/08
The Warrant Committee released an initial draft budget last week that includes a $3.27 million override budget option intended to keep departments operating at the same levels as last fiscal year.
Town officials are still considering whether to add more money to the budget, which would enlarge an override, or to force cuts in departments in an attempt to avoid bringing an override to voters.
The $72 million non-override budget option cuts $129,000 from the police department, $38,000 from the DPW, and leave the fire, school and most other departments at the same levels as last year.
“We’re having trouble getting the budget balanced,” says Selectmen Chair Marion McEttrick, who has not decided if she will support an override. “We need some other sources of funding, if we’re going to get through this year without an override, and I don’t know of any.”
Proposition 2 1/2 regulations limit yearly tax levy increases to 2.5 percent. Increases above 2.5 percent require bringing the matter to voters for a decision, called an override referendum.
“The 2.5 is an arbitrary number and it doesn’t seem to be enough, and it’s the same for many other communities,” says McEttrick.
A number of factors contributed to the budget situation, according to Warrant Committee Chair Katie Conlon.
The town is still negotiating contracts with the police and fire unions for the current fiscal year and last fiscal year (note related story, page one) and a number of other union contracts, including teachers, will be up in July. Because the raise amounts are unknown, they are not included in department budgets. A set-aside of $1.9 million to help cover salary increases is included in the override budget.
McEttrick says a three percent figure was used as an estimate for the raises. Without a set-aside, departments must absorb the increase in their budgets.
Medical costs for injured Firefighter Tony Pickens totaling $320,000 are included, based on an initial estimate from insurance consultants. This number could end up being lower as figures solidify later in his rehabilitation. In addition, legislation requesting state help to cover these costs has been filed.
In addition, for the second year in a row, there will be no funds available from the previous year to help supplement the budget.
The override budget leaves the school department $500,000 short of its request. School Committee member Glenn Pavlicek says that eliminates the possibility of any new positions.
The non-override budget level funds the schools, however, Pavlicek says it will take about $1 million more just to cover staff salary increases.
Selectmen Kathy Fagan and John Shields are undecided about the override and its amount.
“I’m a resident, and I get the services of the DPW, and I recognize the importance of all those departments,” says Fagan. “You’re always thinking how it will affect you personally, but you have to think about the greater good. This is a tough year for people.”
Fagan says she hopes the money put aside for salary increases can be cut back through contract negotiations.
“I think you should present an honest evaluation to the town,” says Shields about not having an override this year. “My feeling is if it’s $2.7 million this year, next year that (override amount) is going to be $5 million. Can you sell a $5 million override?”
“I would not want to see an override that would only give us level service for one year,” Fagan says. “That makes the next year worse. An override for level service is a hard sell.”
Budget numbers will continue to change as revenue figures and state aid numbers become clear. The Warrant Committee is having biweekly meetings to discuss the impact of the draft budget on departments and potentially make adjustments.
Changes could continue until Annual Town Meeting in May.