The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (Mass Budget) has a preview of the Commonwealth's 2012 budget shortfall at this link.
Mass budget also has a preview of the effect of the Commonwealth's budget shortfall on Chapter 70 school aid at this link
There are going to be significant cuts to local aid and school aid this year.
There are likely to be consequences for our town's budget as a result.
What do you think are areas where the town can reduce costs? Tell us in comments.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Commonwealth budget preview
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14 comments:
All town departments, including the schools, should make a 7% budget cut. This will be a total reduction of 3.6 million dollars. Don't touch the reserve funds.
The police department should be level funded. Remove the school police officer an assigned to the patrol sector to save overtime money spent on the promotion of too many police sergeants. Patrolman over time is sky rocketing.
Police overtime during the Christmas holidays is always high. Control for traffic around the mall is one reason.
We do need a police officer in the schools! Don't cut this important resource for our young citizens or it will come back to bite you in the end!
The area business's pay for the additional traffic control around Faunce Corner Rd and Rt 6.
Maybe contract negotiations would have been a good place to start. Raises? You've got to be kidding me and town meeting went right along with it. Certain people worked very hard to get this town back on track and our current leadership is dragging us back down again. The schools? Yeah right! Try cutting anything there. Shall we try Kevin Lee again???
I agree with too many sergeants (particularly the ones that were chosen). Patrolman OT "skyrocketing." Really? Year after year, the OT has become less and less available, while the call volume and violent crime stats continue to rise. As far as the "raise" that we received: With that 2.5% raise over 3 years, I'll finally be able to afford that beach house on the Gulf of Mexico. Come on!!!!!
Mr. Watson categorized the monetary amount of the town employees' raise as being " a modest amount" or words to that effect. Many expenditures he has approved are just "modest" or "relatively small" amounts in his estimation.
Does anyone consider that the total of all the "relatively small," " modest amounts" that he finds acceptable expenditure adds up over time to a monetary figure that might possibly be more than voters/Town Meeting members imagined - - money that could be put to better use than on some of his approved projects/issues and money that they perhaps might object to spending if it were proposed all in one sum?
I personally think many voters and Town Meeting members especially do not see the big financial picture. They vote what looks good, sounds good, or meets the current buzz word of the day, with no thought beyond.
Poor Bill,
I've stopped at your blog a couple of times and just read some of the comments, and I'm amazed at the number of people in this town that are mentally challenge. They really are clueless!!!!
Without increases in local revenue sources and without increased state funding, expenses will exceed total revenue. Only a matter of time. Basic math. A comment Mr. Trimble made several BOS meetings ago was to reflect on town programs and services "just going away" in the future. Sadly, reality indicates Mr. Trimble is probably right.
We do need a police officer in the schools
The override pays for this COP, you take him out of the School, and place him back in Patrol, the override funding goes away, bottom line you will not save any money.
Override amounts are permanent. They become part of the tax levy unless removed by an under-ride petition and vote of the town. While override petition may purport to reserve funding for a specific purpose. The funding becomes part of the general levy and can be used for any appropriation thereafter.
The funding becomes part of the general levy and can be used for any appropriation thereafter.
General Levy in a specific Department or just the General Government Mr Trimble? Your answer would be most appreciated, I fear not to be educated.
Time to start the "Under Ride" Petition!
Override amounts can be appropriated to any purpose, not a specific department.
Override amounts can be appropriated to any purpose, not a specific department.
Thanks Mr Trimble, you answered my question, I appreciate your honesty. You're a man of integrity.
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