Thread by @FranklinMatters

Getting ready to report on the Finance Committee meeting at 7, The agenda and released documents for this meeting can be found ->
franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/…. #fincom1207

On the agenda: Updates for
a.S&P Bond Ratings Report - November 2022
b.Stabilization Funds
c.FY23 Budget Update #fincom1207 followed by a deep dive on the school budget. A good time to find out about school finances!

A good representation from the School Committee and central office present for this session #fincom1207

Motion to approve mins for Nov meeting, second, via roll call 7-0 (2 absent, 1 remote) #fincom1207 change of April meeting to the 19th, no vote on this. Bond rating report came out last week, AAA maintained, did get 3.44% rate for Schmidt's Farm sale

Did get 7 bidders for the bond last week, hard to factor given the fluid market and drivers, an active market. #fincom1207 stabilization fund updates, see doc in packet, shows balances for last 3 years. Main account took a hit due to market fluctuation

Others took some hits as well hard to say exactly in this view, details at Comptroller level. Contributions also were applied in some cases like OPEB. #fincom1207 electric rate had been $.10 did get $.139. a good rate but more than 2.5% which we get annually

$200k hit to this year budget due to the electric rate increase not previously anticipated. Major capital projects are on hold as we don't fully know what the cost will be. DPW snow presentation next week cost of sand, plow drivers, etc. #fincom1207

Triage on facility projects or repairs will be delayed due to resources and materials #fincom1207 storm water fee will hit next year, (Jul 2023) town will have the expense as well. Fuel and diesel going to pay as we go rather than a long term contract

Do use a utility consultant on retainer for evaluation of the electric contracts, terms, bid, riders, etc. Complex but bottom line it has a dollar impact #fincom1207 next up School budget

Chair Conley opens with key question to come out with, given drop in school enrollment and rise in school budget one chart going down, one going up #fincom1207

SchCmte Chair Spencer starts explaining some of the info and answers to the question and questions anticipated on this topic. Mandated by the state to provide more, usually unfunded. Spec Ed costs had been going up 2-5% and now going up 14% #fincom1207

School budget presentation included in the packet link shared earlier #fincom1207 franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/…

We have more needs in our students and are required by law to address them. #fincom1207

Supt Giguere talks to the overview, Bus Administrator Goodman takes over to explain Chap 70 #fincom1207

More slides #fincom1207

Cost of transportation of student is almost twice what the bus fee is. Some students get free buses, some students within zones can choose to bus, some students get van transport. #fincom1207

Unit A teachers and general Ed, long list (listen to audio for others)
Additional slides on elem/middle school students/teacher rates, population comparison for 90's, 20's and current as an insight into changing requirements #fincom1207

More slides #fincom1207

Discussion on redistricting goes in multiple ways, the prior data will be used, the process will be followed, there are no pre-decisions made, the process will play out for a decision in Apr 2023, by the full school committee #fincom1207

Significant difference in the teacher contract at 4% for next 3 years, vs. 2.5% that the other unions in the Town settled for. #fincom1207 used interest based process, had previously deferred increases in the prior contract. Listing of hockomock league salaries...

Need to retain and maintain competitive salaries was key for the negotiation and settlement, SchCom doesn't appreciate the idea that all bargaining units should be treated alike. #fincom1207

Steps and lanes described, one item not mentioned is that there have been changes to the steps/lanes over time and is not well communicated as part of the negotiation process.
Hellen adds that the cost of living COLA equity is a key for good team work #fincom1207

On the wish list for other questions, unfunded mandates what are they
For future budget Cmte discussions, schools part of the Town audit, no findings for end of year audit not on web due to no findings #fincom1207

Bottom line the school story has not been well told, they just mentioned the in house vs out of district placements which is a major savings where available. They did not get into the details on the special Ed programs which are in house #fincom1207

Are they comfortable with the per pupil spend? Could answer with some of the stats and achievements, could also answer with the listing of programs cut over the years (librarians, language programs mentioned earlier) addition of the digital integrationists to help with the ...

Technology needs, no books these days, all software licenses instead. How do you use the smart board instead of the chalk board #fincom1207 Q on equitable budget, the school budget actually is done at a per pupil rate by school. Q on how many civics teachers do we have?

Chair Conley complements that this was the best school presentation in his many years; McNeill adds some closing comments on the evening, the teachers and support staff provide the student with what they need. #fincom1207

Jan meeting likely compensation plan study, and capital budget. Feb, Mar joint budget subcmte; DPW stormwater fees and credits
#fincom1207

Motion to enter executive session, second via roll call passes 7-0
#fincom1207

Yes, I'll acknowledge that I wasn't at my best reporting tonight. Not sure why, too distracted by what could have been done or said, or whatever, not able to put the head down and report on what was happening. #foncom1207

That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

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