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Advisory Committee
December 13, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Hingham Town Hall
Present: Committee Members Asher, Johnson, MacCune, Innis, Marwill, Power, Pyles, Farrell, Sharkansky, Eldredge, Taylor, Friedman, Kutsch
Chairman Jon Asher called the Advisory Committee meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Jon reported to the Committee that Ron Kirven had submitted his resignation for personal reasons. Jon expected the Moderator to appoint a replacement prior to the next scheduled meeting.
The minutes of the October 24, 2011 meeting were approved by a unanimous vote of the members present.
Dennis Friedman provided a brief update on the status of the Middle School project.
The FY 13 budget books were provided to the Committee members. Ted Alexiades, Town Administrator, provided a brief overview of the data contained therein. Among the highlights, Ted noted that the budget currently reflected a budget deficit of approximately $1.2 million, but that, consistent with past practice, he did not yet have the departmental input from the School Department. Ted noted that he asked the Departments for 3 budgets: a level services budget with new initiatives identified, a 2% reduction (requested in anticipation of possible state aid cuts which are now deemed unlikely), and a modified level-funded budget incorporating a 2% increase for salary COLA. There was a discussion of what was meant by “new initiatives” and Ted clarified that it included restoring cuts from prior years. There was a general discussion among the Committee, Ted and Sue Nickerson, Town Accountant, with respect to assumptions and potential risks and uncertainties in the current budget. The most significant discussion was focused on healthcare costs and the Town’s consideration of participating in a GIC-like plan should the Mayflower Group offer such an option.
There was a brief discussion of the FY 2011 fund balance which was still unofficial pending completion of the annual audit. Ted noted that fund balance was approaching the high-end of the 14% to 18% target in the Town’s financial policy under the pre-GASB 54 criteria. Ted also noted that Moody’s recently reaffirmed the Town’s AAA rating and removed the negative outlook.
Jon distributed the proposed schedule for budget and warrant article hearings through the date of Town Meeting. Liaisons were instructed to confirm the proposed dates as soon as possible.
Jon distributed a memo he prepared regarding his expectations for AdCom members with respect to the Committee’s leadership role in the Town’s legislative process.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg MacCune, Secretary