The live reporting summary of the budget hearing by the FINCOM can be found here
Showing posts with label FY 10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FY 10. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Live reporting - final items
Sheet provided to Finance Committee to summarize the differences amongst the State level budgets. This is still very fluid.
Next two budget hearings
April 28th - Tuesday (Planning, Police, Recreation, Fire) (not on cable/web, in training room on 3rd floor)
April 29th - Wednesday (in Council chambers and broadcast via cable/web)
Next two budget hearings
April 28th - Tuesday (Planning, Police, Recreation, Fire) (not on cable/web, in training room on 3rd floor)
April 29th - Wednesday (in Council chambers and broadcast via cable/web)
Live reporting - Controller, Legal
Controller
Financial services, fixed asset update is done with an outside consultant. It is an annual expense and done at the end of the year.
Legal
Up to 2002, the Town used outside council. When Jeff came in, he thought it would be better to have that service in house. Cost avoidance is done by awareness and on-going training. The bylaws and town regulations have been re-written over time to ensure the best legal position.
Mid-to-late 80's this budget line items was quarter million dollars. Effectively, the process of having our lawyer in-house saves us money.
Financial services, fixed asset update is done with an outside consultant. It is an annual expense and done at the end of the year.
Legal
Up to 2002, the Town used outside council. When Jeff came in, he thought it would be better to have that service in house. Cost avoidance is done by awareness and on-going training. The bylaws and town regulations have been re-written over time to ensure the best legal position.
Mid-to-late 80's this budget line items was quarter million dollars. Effectively, the process of having our lawyer in-house saves us money.
Live reporting - Insurance, Town Council, Town Admin, Finance
Insurance claims
Folks should be aware of the MA General law in this area. If the Town has no prior knowledge of the pothole, the Town has no obligation to pay the claim against it. If they do know of it, and fail to fill it, they are liable for up to $5,000.
Insurance of $315,000 was approved.
Town Council
There is no budget line item for payroll as the Town Council is a total volunteer effort. Contrary to what some folks believe, they Town Council does not get paid for what they do.
Town Administrations
Budget cut on training and travel.
Some items shifted to other departments.
Finance Committee
The one annual training will be held at Tri-County in October. That will save some expenses this time.
Folks should be aware of the MA General law in this area. If the Town has no prior knowledge of the pothole, the Town has no obligation to pay the claim against it. If they do know of it, and fail to fill it, they are liable for up to $5,000.
Insurance of $315,000 was approved.
Town Council
There is no budget line item for payroll as the Town Council is a total volunteer effort. Contrary to what some folks believe, they Town Council does not get paid for what they do.
Town Administrations
Budget cut on training and travel.
Some items shifted to other departments.
Finance Committee
The one annual training will be held at Tri-County in October. That will save some expenses this time.
Live reporting - Human Resources
Pensions
"We don't control the pensions at all." - Jeff Nutting
"Once you were more than 20 hours a week, then you are in the pension system." That is a county decision.
"They have a fiduciary responsibility to manage their funding."
Health Insurance
Retired Teachers were moved from the State plan to move it to a local control. They have saved $400,000 from the peak of 1.4 M in FY 07.
"It did have a significant savings. The retirees did have angst but are now a very satisfied group." Stephanie McNeil
"The employees have been excellent in changing co-pays to save premium dollars... It is a constant on-going analysis every year." Nutting
The active plans increased 2% and the retired plans dropped about the same so it was really more of a flat (i.e. no rate increase) budget.
Any change in co-pay is a negotiation item with all 13 unions.
Medicare
Audited the payroll records in detail to review classifications.
The experience rating (i.e. accidents) and a competitive rate recently bid has produced savings in this area this year.
Unemployment
Driven in good times and bad by the school system. The requirement of new teachers to become certified has created some turnover for those teachers on a regular basis.
There is some exposure in this area as the school budget is not finalized and the number of teachers that may be laid off is not known. We did well last year with the 42 teachers that were laid off about 20 of them got jobs right away.
The employee benefits budget of over $7 million was approved.
"We don't control the pensions at all." - Jeff Nutting
"Once you were more than 20 hours a week, then you are in the pension system." That is a county decision.
"They have a fiduciary responsibility to manage their funding."
Health Insurance
Retired Teachers were moved from the State plan to move it to a local control. They have saved $400,000 from the peak of 1.4 M in FY 07.
"It did have a significant savings. The retirees did have angst but are now a very satisfied group." Stephanie McNeil
"The employees have been excellent in changing co-pays to save premium dollars... It is a constant on-going analysis every year." Nutting
The active plans increased 2% and the retired plans dropped about the same so it was really more of a flat (i.e. no rate increase) budget.
Any change in co-pay is a negotiation item with all 13 unions.
Medicare
Audited the payroll records in detail to review classifications.
The experience rating (i.e. accidents) and a competitive rate recently bid has produced savings in this area this year.
Unemployment
Driven in good times and bad by the school system. The requirement of new teachers to become certified has created some turnover for those teachers on a regular basis.
There is some exposure in this area as the school budget is not finalized and the number of teachers that may be laid off is not known. We did well last year with the 42 teachers that were laid off about 20 of them got jobs right away.
The employee benefits budget of over $7 million was approved.
Live reporting - Town Clerk, Assessors, Building
The Town Clerk and the elections budgets were approved.
The Assessors budget was approved. There will be a reduction of one clerk in this department. It may affect window service at the Municipal Building but the forms and information generally required is available from the Town website.
The Building Inspectors budget was approved. There is a reduction of one inspector in the FY 10 budget. An inspector brought on and trained during FY 09 is being let go. The approaching risk is that when the economy picks up the permitting process may grow in volume. If the volume increases, there could be risk of not reviewing a permit within 30 days. If the permit was not reviewed within 30 days, it is automatically approved. That is the risk. The contingency is to use the existing employees to cover the permits and take away from window service available hours. At some point an increase in permit volume will require additional staffing to return.
The overall Town budget is down 10 full employees from FY 09 to FY 10.
The Assessors budget was approved. There will be a reduction of one clerk in this department. It may affect window service at the Municipal Building but the forms and information generally required is available from the Town website.
The Building Inspectors budget was approved. There is a reduction of one inspector in the FY 10 budget. An inspector brought on and trained during FY 09 is being let go. The approaching risk is that when the economy picks up the permitting process may grow in volume. If the volume increases, there could be risk of not reviewing a permit within 30 days. If the permit was not reviewed within 30 days, it is automatically approved. That is the risk. The contingency is to use the existing employees to cover the permits and take away from window service available hours. At some point an increase in permit volume will require additional staffing to return.
The overall Town budget is down 10 full employees from FY 09 to FY 10.
LIve reporting - Finance Committee 4/21/09
No agenda was published on the Town website for this meeting (at least that I could find).
Full listing of attendees not available due to viewing the meeting via cable.
This is the second of the FY 10 budget hearings.
Full listing of attendees not available due to viewing the meeting via cable.
This is the second of the FY 10 budget hearings.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Finance Committee - 04/16/09
The collection of live reporting posts from the Finance Committee meeting to start the annual budget review held on Thursday 4/16/09
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget
Wayne added some background to the presentation on the "To Kill a Mockingbird". It arose from a debate between the FHS and middle school teachers, the middle schools won out and this was the result of the first year study.
To a student, they all thought (despite the complexity) it was warmly received, challenging, and rewarding. The final chapters are available to be read.
----
Chandler Creedon, President Franklin Teachers and Nurses
Teachers did ratify the proposal to save 1 million dollars and 20 teachers
Is reluctant to discuss the details of the proposal in the public. Wants a negotiation session to meet as soon as possible.
Jeff Roy, the School Committee will take this under advisement, there is an executive session this evening
Cafasso - Can you tell us about the meeting?
Creedon - There was a meeting Monday (4/13/09) lasted 3 hours, final voting was done by secret ballot.
Cafasso - Are there conditions associated with the proposal?
Creedon - I am not sure I'd call it conditions, there are subjects that should be discussed that go along with it.
Armenio - There were multiple opportunities to discuss the budget
Creedon - There were multiple queries about negotiating and the appetite was that there was none beyond the 2.5 percent
--------
Rohrbach - update from the budget subcommittee
compiled a listing of reductions over the year, holding clipping from 2003 "Franklin begins cutting from schools".
program reductions have been significant since 2003
over the course of six or so years, tried to reduce the budget by protecting class size
last year, was the first year where class size increased
next year, if the deficit is not resolved, staff reductions will continue and class sizes will increase again
what has been cut has not come back, they are pretty permanent
it is a good exercise to go through every year.
Pat Slight - everybody is fighting for the same goal, the best education for the students
Mullen - we have cut everywhere, this is a one year deal with the teachers, we know that. It is a good chance to review what has been going on and on. The high school is still facing their accredition issues
Rohrbach - fees via advertising, pilot program at FHS, the PCC's and booster clubs raise approx $100,000 every year.
Ogden - House announces their budget Weds afternoon, significant changes predicted.
The school website has presentations that show various scenarios depending upon the budget level and what it would do to class size.
The Financial Planning Committee presents to the Town Council on Weds evening and again to a Town-wide forum on April 27th. Recommends everyone to get to the meeting or at least watch it. A lot of work has been done, it is good work, people should pay attention.
Armenio - one time revenue, it is not a school issue, it is town issue, everybody needs to step up and be part of the community. Teachers have been incredible stretching dollars to educate our children. PCC's will be providing funds for field trips and that used to be part of the budget.
Roy - Where do we go from here? Tonight was planned to be our public hearing but based upon the news we are hearing, the next meeting (Apr 28th) is also not likely for the numbers to be ready. I am happy to see that people are stepping forward to come up with creative solutions. Keep in touch, visit the website to see what the updates are.
To a student, they all thought (despite the complexity) it was warmly received, challenging, and rewarding. The final chapters are available to be read.
----
Chandler Creedon, President Franklin Teachers and Nurses
Teachers did ratify the proposal to save 1 million dollars and 20 teachers
Is reluctant to discuss the details of the proposal in the public. Wants a negotiation session to meet as soon as possible.
Jeff Roy, the School Committee will take this under advisement, there is an executive session this evening
Cafasso - Can you tell us about the meeting?
Creedon - There was a meeting Monday (4/13/09) lasted 3 hours, final voting was done by secret ballot.
Cafasso - Are there conditions associated with the proposal?
Creedon - I am not sure I'd call it conditions, there are subjects that should be discussed that go along with it.
Armenio - There were multiple opportunities to discuss the budget
Creedon - There were multiple queries about negotiating and the appetite was that there was none beyond the 2.5 percent
--------
Rohrbach - update from the budget subcommittee
compiled a listing of reductions over the year, holding clipping from 2003 "Franklin begins cutting from schools".
program reductions have been significant since 2003
over the course of six or so years, tried to reduce the budget by protecting class size
last year, was the first year where class size increased
next year, if the deficit is not resolved, staff reductions will continue and class sizes will increase again
what has been cut has not come back, they are pretty permanent
it is a good exercise to go through every year.
Pat Slight - everybody is fighting for the same goal, the best education for the students
Mullen - we have cut everywhere, this is a one year deal with the teachers, we know that. It is a good chance to review what has been going on and on. The high school is still facing their accredition issues
Rohrbach - fees via advertising, pilot program at FHS, the PCC's and booster clubs raise approx $100,000 every year.
Ogden - House announces their budget Weds afternoon, significant changes predicted.
The school website has presentations that show various scenarios depending upon the budget level and what it would do to class size.
The Financial Planning Committee presents to the Town Council on Weds evening and again to a Town-wide forum on April 27th. Recommends everyone to get to the meeting or at least watch it. A lot of work has been done, it is good work, people should pay attention.
Armenio - one time revenue, it is not a school issue, it is town issue, everybody needs to step up and be part of the community. Teachers have been incredible stretching dollars to educate our children. PCC's will be providing funds for field trips and that used to be part of the budget.
Roy - Where do we go from here? Tonight was planned to be our public hearing but based upon the news we are hearing, the next meeting (Apr 28th) is also not likely for the numbers to be ready. I am happy to see that people are stepping forward to come up with creative solutions. Keep in touch, visit the website to see what the updates are.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SchCom Letter to FEA
The letter as read by School Committee Chair Jeffrey Roy during the meeting 3/24/09:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Live reporting - general Q&A
Trahan - To summarize, the time line is still unclear, how the revenue will be distributed amongst the Town departments is still unclear? And you mentioned the survey amongst the high school teachers, so have others been duly involved, informed, etc.
Ogden - yes, the principals have been talking with them, Maureen and I are also cycling around to the schools and PCC's.
Armenio - I am worried about "finding money". These stimulus funds are one time funds, they are not in the revenue base.
Ogden - yes, the Federal stimulus is two years, the state portion is coming, the answer as to whether it deducts from Chap 70 or not is unknown.
Ogden - the late bus is not in this budget
Sabolinski - we stopped protecting class size about two years ago, the educational gaps are growing, the last bastion of curriculum and instructional support is within the elementary level. There is no district wide instructional support.
Ogden - this is totally new and potentially devastating to the budget (covering for the unemployment within the school budget), it spirals down a hole
Cafasso - I am not convinced about the half day kindergarten. In order to keep class sizes reasonable (albeit high) we have to short change the kids in their initial year? I am not convinced of it at this point. I am not convinced that a school closure and a re-districting might not be a solution.
Mullen - we haven't had the conversation yet about what are the "sacred cows"? We still need to discuss those things. You haven't made the asst superintendent change and that is not in the presentation but should be.
Ogden - the vendor has offered a package that would cost the district $250,000 less if we did several things, 1 - larger co-pay for tier 1 and 2 drugs, 2 - some doctor visits.
Sabolinski - we also got a reduction as our claims were down. We have a healthy group.
Mullen - can you look at the high school fees?
Light - we are still in discussion on this, I think it would double the fees for sports. There would also be a simialr increase in activity fees.
Slight - we are $125/sport. Doubling would be $250. Compared to other towns, Canton for example is $350, we are lower.
Roy - I want to guauge the committee's feeling on fees? I would like to keep an open mind on fees. Other consessions might be out there.
Roy reads a letter to the school teachers union president: a copy of this will be made available later. Formally asking the union for a wage freeze, the freeze would be applied to saving teachers.
Ogden - yes, the principals have been talking with them, Maureen and I are also cycling around to the schools and PCC's.
Armenio - I am worried about "finding money". These stimulus funds are one time funds, they are not in the revenue base.
Ogden - yes, the Federal stimulus is two years, the state portion is coming, the answer as to whether it deducts from Chap 70 or not is unknown.
Ogden - the late bus is not in this budget
Sabolinski - we stopped protecting class size about two years ago, the educational gaps are growing, the last bastion of curriculum and instructional support is within the elementary level. There is no district wide instructional support.
Ogden - this is totally new and potentially devastating to the budget (covering for the unemployment within the school budget), it spirals down a hole
Cafasso - I am not convinced about the half day kindergarten. In order to keep class sizes reasonable (albeit high) we have to short change the kids in their initial year? I am not convinced of it at this point. I am not convinced that a school closure and a re-districting might not be a solution.
Mullen - we haven't had the conversation yet about what are the "sacred cows"? We still need to discuss those things. You haven't made the asst superintendent change and that is not in the presentation but should be.
Ogden - the vendor has offered a package that would cost the district $250,000 less if we did several things, 1 - larger co-pay for tier 1 and 2 drugs, 2 - some doctor visits.
Sabolinski - we also got a reduction as our claims were down. We have a healthy group.
Mullen - can you look at the high school fees?
Light - we are still in discussion on this, I think it would double the fees for sports. There would also be a simialr increase in activity fees.
Slight - we are $125/sport. Doubling would be $250. Compared to other towns, Canton for example is $350, we are lower.
Roy - I want to guauge the committee's feeling on fees? I would like to keep an open mind on fees. Other consessions might be out there.
Roy reads a letter to the school teachers union president: a copy of this will be made available later. Formally asking the union for a wage freeze, the freeze would be applied to saving teachers.
Live reporting - FY 2010 overview
This is the text live reporting that accompanies the presentation just posted
Original cut of 3.5 now reduced to 2.9 million
Worse case scenario = 60 staff cuts (teachers, etc.)
Ogden says that there is a storm brewing at the State House, rumor today was that the Fed Stimulus dollars announced on Friday may be deducted from the Chap 70 funds which would leave us in a net zero position.
Other sources of revenue are still under discussion at the State level
Possible $250,000 if school employees agree to co-pay changes
School Committee class size guidelines are posted in the presentation for reference.
With the cuts, there will be some changes to these class sizes
Original cut of 3.5 now reduced to 2.9 million
Worse case scenario = 60 staff cuts (teachers, etc.)
Ogden says that there is a storm brewing at the State House, rumor today was that the Fed Stimulus dollars announced on Friday may be deducted from the Chap 70 funds which would leave us in a net zero position.
Other sources of revenue are still under discussion at the State level
Possible $250,000 if school employees agree to co-pay changes
School Committee class size guidelines are posted in the presentation for reference.
With the cuts, there will be some changes to these class sizes
Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget
Here is the document used in the presentation/discussion on the FY 2010 School Budget.
Franklin, MA District Budget 3/24/09
View more presentations from Steve Sherlock.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Live reporting - Salary freeze agreed to by 51 administrators
Roy - a group of administrators, a total of 51 people that have agreed to freeze their salary for this year
Sabolinksi - it is a credit to their leadership, makes me very proud to work with these professionals.
Rohrbach - thank you, it is impressive
Trahan - it is redundant, but thank you
Sabolinksi - it is a credit to their leadership, makes me very proud to work with these professionals.
Rohrbach - thank you, it is impressive
Trahan - it is redundant, but thank you
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget
Approach to provide the same level of services as this year.
$3.8 million or 6.9% increase would be required
What the state budget does will drive what our numbers come out as
Budget will be posted to the School's website tomorrow for a more detail review
a "level service" budget
the individual schools got the same allocation as last year. The individual schools may have chosen to distribute within differently.
Dollars allocated on a per pupil basis, will account for the major differences in the overviews for each line item
Teacher reimbursements to individual teachers and hence to the schools were centralized.
Increases for health benefits are projected to be about 10-15%
Armenio - This budget year will not be pleasant, not that any of the recent ones were too pleasant. This assumes School Choice would be continued at the same level as this year?
Ogden - Yes
Armenio - So if the reductions are such that people choose to bring the students back to their home district, that would be revenue we would loose.
Cafasso - On the transportation, can you give us a little more what is behind that?
Goodman - We are expecting an increase, there is an offset for the pay-to-ride, but there is also an increase in special ed out of district transportation.
Slight - What is included in the cost per pupil?
Ogden - the material and expenses associated with each level of the schools
Ogden - Chapter 70 formula possibly to be re-done for the FY 2011 year.
Rohrbach - some relief in spec ed transportation cost would be appropriate
Ogden - Rep Deleo did not think that was possible this year
Roy - Per Nutting, he is expecting Franklin to be short approx 4.5 to $5 million for FY 2010.
We have to be cautious, none of the reductions already made will not be considered for being back next year. It is more likely to see further cuts.
Ogden - what we may get is more like a level funded budget
$3.8 million or 6.9% increase would be required
What the state budget does will drive what our numbers come out as
Budget will be posted to the School's website tomorrow for a more detail review
a "level service" budget
the individual schools got the same allocation as last year. The individual schools may have chosen to distribute within differently.
Dollars allocated on a per pupil basis, will account for the major differences in the overviews for each line item
Teacher reimbursements to individual teachers and hence to the schools were centralized.
Increases for health benefits are projected to be about 10-15%
Armenio - This budget year will not be pleasant, not that any of the recent ones were too pleasant. This assumes School Choice would be continued at the same level as this year?
Ogden - Yes
Armenio - So if the reductions are such that people choose to bring the students back to their home district, that would be revenue we would loose.
Cafasso - On the transportation, can you give us a little more what is behind that?
Goodman - We are expecting an increase, there is an offset for the pay-to-ride, but there is also an increase in special ed out of district transportation.
Slight - What is included in the cost per pupil?
Ogden - the material and expenses associated with each level of the schools
Ogden - Chapter 70 formula possibly to be re-done for the FY 2011 year.
Rohrbach - some relief in spec ed transportation cost would be appropriate
Ogden - Rep Deleo did not think that was possible this year
Roy - Per Nutting, he is expecting Franklin to be short approx 4.5 to $5 million for FY 2010.
We have to be cautious, none of the reductions already made will not be considered for being back next year. It is more likely to see further cuts.
Ogden - what we may get is more like a level funded budget
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