March 29, 2014 BOS Meeting… and the Movie

March 29, 2014 BOS Meeting…

and the Movie

Part 1 of the March 29, 2014 BOS Meeting

Part 2 of the March 29, 2014 BOS Meeting

The approval of the minutes and the appointment of Marcia Breen to the Cable Committee were approved unanimously.

Override ballot questions were discussed and voted so that the ballot election can take place on May 5, 2014. The ballot questions are a time sensitive issue.

Strategy Update

The status of the tax rate –

The tax rate can’t be established until the override vote on the ballot. Templeton has a major cash flow problem because the tax revenue isn’t coming in because the tax rate hasn’t been set.

There is a tax anticipation note due on May 15, 2014 worth $2,650,000. There is $1.3 million in school assessments as well as $1.2 million in payroll until the end of the fiscal year – June 30, 2014. The discharge payment to roll over the note is expensive as well ($4,400).

The acting accountant may ask for a short term loan from the sewer department as well as ask the school department to defer 1 month’s assessment $451,000.

There is $323,000 in uncollected taxes. Tax bills cannot go out until the tax rate is set. Voluntary tax payments can be made.

Tax liens are being updated. Action will be taken shortly to bid out the eligible properties to collect revenue owed to the town. This revenue will not be available for use to resolve the current financial shortfall.

Hiring Freeze-

Due to the financial uncertainty of the town, the hiring freeze is still in effect. If the override fails more draconian cuts will be necessary which may impact cultural/social services in Templeton. These services include the library, the COA, parks and recreation to name a few.

No action was taken on the resignation of Jeffrey Bennett. Morrison and Farrell voted no to accept the resignation. Robinson and Haley Brooks voted yes.

Regional Dispatch –

No action taken.

252 Baldwinville Rd.-

The BOS voted to put the property out to bid.

Annual Town Meeting time was discussed. The May17th date is the same date as the Junior/Senior prom.

The search for a town administrator is making progress. According to one member of the search committee the work will be completed by May 5, 2014.

The BOS will meet on Friday April 4^th to discuss and vote BOS warrant articles.

The BOS will need to make a decision on rent/lease options for 690 Patriots Rd.

The Senior Center Construction Open House will be held on Saturday April 5^th from 10:00 am – noon on Bridge St.

My opinions…supported by FACTS ! ! !

Julie Farrell