An interesting read; Massachusetts law about governmental health insurance.

Massachusetts General Law; chapter 32B:

Section 7: Premiums; withholding, contribution; direct payment

Section 7. (a) With respect to any period of insurance which is in effect for an active or retired employee and dependent there shall be withheld from each payment of salary, wages, other compensation, pension or retirement allowance, subject to the provisions of section nine A, fifty per cent of the premium for the insurance of the employee and his dependents and the governmental unit shall contribute the remaining fifty per cent of such premium. The governmental unit shall also contribute fifty per cent of any additional premium which may be required for coverage of an employee's dependent child who is nineteen years of age or over and mentally or physically incapable of earning his own living.

So it is not a corporation or private business covered by the 50%/50% as someone who is uninformed commented. It is a governmental unit, as in a Town, that is required to pay at least 50% of health insurance premium. The town can agree to pay more but it only has to pay 50%, that is the law and it is not hard to understand nor is the math. That is no gibberish either!

One would think that someone who serves on the Templeton Insurance Advisory Committee would be up on these things. Maybe there lie the problem?

So a town employee says I am uninformed because they claim the information is wrong. Well, that is the information taken from the "budget book" handed out at a selectmen meeting and used during the budget process. Since the selectmen are the ones who eventually approve the health insurance costs that taxpayers pay for, that wold seem to indicate the selectmen are uninformed and that the information they put forward is wrong.

I believe the important numbers are the 75/25 split for health insurance costs and the fact that yearly increases are reaching double digit numbers. If health insurance increases by 13% and Town revenue from property taxes can only increase by 2 1/2% without a town approved override, I do not think you have to be a math genius to figure out that scenario cannot continue for long without something changing. Perhaps the split should change with the increase in costs. A 13% increase in insurance costs is met with a 13% change in the split, until you get to the 50/50 split. I believe the law is that the town has to pay at least 50% of the costs.

How qualified does one have to be to be hired for Templeton highway? Have a license/CDL class B, not on drugs, able to show up on time.

What happened to all the bluster about big changes coming to Advisory Committee/ Resignations, your outta here, etc, etc. Appears that is all it was, bluster and bull shit! Maybe that is why the selectmen are having a retreat at a fire station!

The yearly costs for health insurance are not on the Town budget versus actual document. Why not? There is no accounting of OPEB funds on the budget versus actual documents. Why not? Those questions have been asked and no answers provided to date, a week so far without answers, so why would any other questions be asked concerning other things when those have not been answered.

So, there was an open meeting law complaint dropped off at Town hall yesterday. The Town Clerk and the selectmen office. It is in response to perceived improper posting of executive session meeting of the selectmen.

A question asked of the "Town" concerning the lack of information on two Templeton Town meeting votes involving money for OPEB funding. This item is missing from the monthly or quarterly budget versus actual documents that come from the Town Accountant. Why wolld the accounting of public money for health insurance payments and other benefits not be included in that report?

Apparently the pay scale and generous benefits package offered by the Town of Templeton does not keep people away. Two new employees at the Templeton highway department. Seems like the individual who made a comment about that situation did not or does not nderstand or know how things work, in my opinion.

For example, in the fiscal year 2018 budget book put forth by the selectmen, it shows health insurance costs; it has highway employee dave smart having the plan HMO blue vale plus - family at a monthly cost of $2094.07. According to the book, that is the monthly town cost for that option per employee.That is a 13.30% increase over the last year.

If those kind of increase trends in health insurance alone continue, something has to change. I mean where does the money come from? How long can the shuffle keep going? Time for the cost split to change and the 50/50 number should not be far off.

Selectmen meeting scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2017 has agenda item listed as 4c, open meeting law response from Advisory Committee.

TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE: Administrator’s Weekly Report
DATE: August 24, 2017
CC: All Departments

BoS: Please submit your Annual Retreat Survey to Holly ASAP so we are ready for 09/06.

The following is intended to provide information where a full memo may not have been warranted or supplement the provided information.
Business Meeting or Workshop:
4. c. The response takes refuge in a defense on the basis of free speech rights and does not acknowledge the issue of a majority of the board viewing or commenting upon matters over which they have domain. That said, it seems the best approach would be a continuation of that expressed by the Board at its last meeting. 

4. d. Should any final draft presented to you gain your approval, or – failing that – should you decide to continue negotiations, we will also need to discuss the schedule for Town Hall and any changes to your meeting schedule. This will also impact potential revisions to the Countdown to the FY’19 Budget & Legislative Package. You asked me to consider accelerating the presentation of the FY ’19 revenues (which I can move to your workshop of 10/02 if I am not trying to also present the five-year financial forecasts envisioned in the Draft financial policies). You have also asked me to consider accelerating the review process. I am not at all convinced we can do this by having all departments present and defend on the first workshop of 03/02. First this would be a substantial amount of material for you to have to review in the week between the 02/26 presentation and this workshop. Secondly, I do not believe you could get through all of the departments in the one evening. Therefore, I am going to suggest that we look at adding some meetings in March such that we can target 03/26 as Adoption.

If the selectmen follow the last approach, there will be more name calling and more of the "we are the adults here, etc, etc." Kind of hard to state a quorum of a seven member committee violated open meeting law when only 3 names appear on the complaint. The selectmen appear to be assuming things - again and as the  saying sometimes goes; when you assume, you make an ass out of You and me. In my opinion this is more posturing by the selectmen and is aimed at mitigating effectiveness of something covered within Templeton Town by-laws. It also distracts from the fact that in 3 years, the board of selectmen have failed to deliver a Town Administrator, which was a Town Meeting vote. So the almighty "we are elected" ones, the superior board, the "when I was on Advisory, our report was only one page" (when it was actually two /three pages) they cannot get the job done so they need distractions. Remember this past year, the selectmen, the superior board could not get the budget documents out to the Advisory Committee by the date required in the Town's by-laws.

Selectmen failed to follow their own policies and could not take the criticism, the selectmen failed to follow Town by-laws and the selectmen have failed to hire a town administrator. So if the selectmen follow the same routine as their last response to an OML response, they will show just how childish they really are, in my opinion.

Your government at work or not at work, for you!
The  failure of the board of selectmen to hire a full time experienced Town Administrator



TO: Board of Selectmen
 FROM: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE: Administrator’s Weekly Report
DATE: August 17, 2017
CC: All Departments

THE SELECTMEN’S OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY. OPENINGS THE REST OF THE WEEK WILL BE INTERMITTENT AS CARTER’S SCHEDULE PERMITS. 
If you have procurement questions, you are urged to consult with this Office ASAP.
It is imperative that all Town Departments understand that any contract which is entered into that is not in compliance with the statute “… shall not be valid, and the governmental body shall make no payment under such contract.” (MGL Ch. 30B §17). I think we can all agree that we certainly do not ever want to see the Town in such a position.

The following is intended to provide information where a full memo may not have been warranted or supplement the provided information.
Business Meeting or Workshop: N/A
Weekly Report: I worked with the Diane and Keith on the IMA in keeping with a request from the Winchendon representatives to try to move the IMA forward. In keeping with our backup/supplemental plan of 08/14, the Management Fellow position was posted with 15+/- colleges and universities, ICMA, the northern four New England municipal associations, the municipal mangers email blasters, our typical web site postings and the like. Please remember to get me comments on the financial policies ASAP so we can pull them all into the next Draft w/a target of your 09/06 policy setting workshop to finalize them going into budget season. Time was spent seeking additional information on the procurement issue for finalizing the memo for the state. The BAN paperwork is off to the bank and the monies will be in our account(s) shortly.
Administration & Finance:
 Town Accountant: Nothing to report this week.
Treasurer/Collector: Nothing to report this week. (Out of the Office)

From Massachusetts General Laws:

Chapter 268A: CONDUCT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES;

Section 21A: Members of municipal commission or board; restrictions on appointments to certain positions

Section 21A. Except as hereinafter provided, no member of a municipal commission or board shall be eligible for appointment or election by the members of such commission or board to any office or position under the supervision of such commission or board. No former member of such commission or board shall be so eligible until the expiration of thirty days from the termination of his service as a member of such commission or board.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to a member of a town commission or board, if such appointment or election has first been approved at an annual town meeting of the town.

Does this section apply to the Templeton selectmen being on/serving on or being appointed or voted on by the board of selectmen? Putting themselves on so many committees seem to give undue influence to the selectmen; for instance, two selectmen serving on the elementary school building committee and then those same selectmen voting on that issue. Conflict of interest? A selectmen serving as veteran service officer and receiving pay which is voted on by the board of selectmen. Signing the warrant for town meeting which that selectmen has a financial interest in, conflict of interest law violation? In fact, is serving on any committee that is overseen by the selectmen, with one or more selectmen serving on the committee, is that a violation of the law? Questions that need asking and will be asked. First up, questions about conflict of interest.

Selectmen serving on far to many committees and having way to much interest/influence over them cannot be good for the town. This could be one of the reasons for the change at the VSO position in Templeton. (lack of certification could be another reason) A selectmen stepping away from serving on the veterans oversight board could be the result of this chapter/section of MA law. Question (s) concerning this chapter/section brought to the interim - part time town administrator by member (s) of the Templeton of the community who really care about this Town.

While watching the selectmen meeting of August 14, 2017, I heard several interesting items;
There is an amount of "cash" not yet accounted for, $9,400.00.

Carter Terenzini stated the town will have these issues for a few years, but I thought with the audits completed, the town now has good clean numbers. What happened? Did someone mispeak?

There is a deficit due to property tax of $64,000.00, apparently the town does not collect all of the property taxes available every year, imagine that, perhaps the town (selectmen) should take a more conservative approach to taxes and revenue. Where have I heard that before?

With regards to the E911 grant, which according to the town accountant, has not been properly accounted for.  In 2013, 2014 and 2015, it was not done correctly. Apparently, the town has to spend all of it or the left over funds have to be sent back to the state.

Question: How much do Templeton taxpayers spend on dispatch service, including benefits such as health insurance and pensions and labor contracts? How much does Phillipston pay Templeton for the exact same dispatch service? I believe if Phillipston is not paying half the costs, Templeton taxpayers are getting screwed over by those who sign the agreement.

You can create all the policies you wish, consolidate and change things around as much as you want, but eventually, it will all come down to available funds. Perhaps it is time for the selectmen to lead and make some real change that could save Templeton taxpayers money in the long run, long term, and still provide a service. Might be that is the action to take to free up funds to be spent on important things, like more free stuff for davey. Just kidding, but as Carter stated at the August 14 selectmen meeting, counting pencils and paper clips will not get the job done. I kind of agree, but I bet a hard look and a detailed plan on those things could save some real money over the long term.

Speaking on detail, seems like the selectmen, town accountant and Carter have decided to jumble things up and make it harder, as in less transparent to find out financial information. This question has to be asked and explained in a public forum. Plain, simple, in the open accounting of taxpayer money has to be available to the public!

An example of what the real problem might be:

Note: There is an email from the Town Accountant that shows the work of Advisory Committee was correct, there was an error on the number shown on the expenditure part of a budget versus actual document provided as part of a transfer request. The response from davey smart could be an example of the real problem at finding highway department employees.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Town Vehicle Fuel update:

Upon looking back through the Budget versus Actual documents, provided by the Town Accountant, show numbers that do not match Town Meeting appropriations and transfers made both at Town Meeting and end of year financial transfers. This is why it is important for the end of the year financial transfer information to be included in a Committee's report for the annual town report.

The Budget versus Actual document dated September 12, 2016, shows Town Vehicle Fuel as having an appropriation of $100,000.00. The Budget versus Actual document provided by the Town Accountant dated November 7, 2016 shows an appropriation of $80,500.00, due to transfers done at the October 20, 2016 special town meeting.

The Budget versus Actual document provided by the Town Accountant shows Town Vehicle Fuel having an appropriation of $80,500.00 and the Annual Town Meeting of May 13, 2017, article 1, shows transfers from Town Vehicle Fuel in the amount of $3,500.00 to inspection services, a transfer from Town Vehicle Fuel in the amount of  $5,000.00 to group insurance expense and a transfer from Town Vehicle Fuel in the amount of $2,500.00. So, $11,000.00 was transferred from Town Vehicle Fuel. With the Budget versus Actual dated May 11, 2017 showing an appropriation of $80,500.00 and with the transfers from Town Vehicle Fuel on May 13, 2017 totaling $11,000.00, and the  Budget versus Actual document dated June 29, 2017, that was provided by the Town Accountant, shows an appropriation of $73,000.00?


This should not bother me because the audits are completed and now we have good numbers. Remembering that the audits were presented on April 25, 2017.  Besides, asking questions concerning this item might be seen as being disruptive, causing trouble and getting in the way of moving forward. Oh, wait, I forgot, we have turned a corner!

posted by Jeff Bennett

You all should read Brian Tanguay's face book page, he is the man who does alot of work for the Templeton historical building, as in the Historical society (Narragansett Historical Society) It seems he cannot get anyone from Town Hall to show up or be there to do a job. A grant check is needed to pay a contractor for work completed. No selectmen can be bothered to come in and sign it and the interim town administrator apparently takes any day off he chooses (for about $1200.00 a week) of your money. These are your selectmen serving you - NOT! They may all be away at retreat discussing how they can screw with the Advisory Committee some more, as in wasting more time on nothing!

This is a guy who gives quite a bit of his time working on preserving Templeton's history and supports alot of town things. Below pretty much paints the picture; young sheriff justice and his posse are alot of talk and no walk. (in my opinion)

from Brian's face book:

Brian Tanguay Maybe they will come in on their day off and sign the warrant. Now that would be public service at it's finest.

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Brian Tanguay We all need to apologise to Bill Harris for stringing him along. Thinking he was going to get his deposit on last Thursday, then this Thursday, now next week. Not cool at all to do that to him. I just hope the next payment goes out promptly. That money has been sitting there waiting for no reason for over 3 years now.

Questions asked and they have been answered; enjoy the read.

Mr. Bennett,

Thank you for your service to the country.

We have an FAQ about electronic communications and deliberation on our website that I hope will be helpful for you:

May members of a public body communicate with the public through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and webpages?

Yes, members of public bodies may communicate with members of the public through any social media platform. However, members of public bodies must be careful not to engage in deliberation with the other members of the public body through such communications. If a member of a public body communicates directly with a quorum of the public body over social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, that communication may violate the Open Meeting Law. Public body members should proceed with caution when communicating via these platforms.

Posting on a blog is not a violation of the Open Meeting Law, nor is having comments open on the page. However, if a quorum of public body members discusses matters related to the business of the public body on the blog, it would probably constitute deliberation, which would be a violation of the Open Meeting Law.

We do not think it is necessary to include a disclaimer on your page.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Sincerely,
Kadie

Kaitlin Maher

Paralegal, Division of Open Government

Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General

One Ashburton Place, 20^th Floor

Boston, MA 02108

Ph: (617) 963-2451

Fax: (617) 727-5785

From: jeff bennett [mailto:j_bennett506@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 9:42 PM
To: Maher, Kaitlin (AGO) <Kaitlin.Maher@MassMail.State.MA.US>
Subject: Re: Templeton Advisory Committee OML complaint response

I have a couple of questions concerning the open meeting law, I am a member of the Templeton Advisory Committee and I have a blog as well as a facebook page, both are very open and public, as I block no one. I often post copies of emails from people such as the town accountant, selectmen etc, I sometimes post what was discussed/voted on at Advisory Committee meetings as well as selectmen meetings. I often comment on the actions of selectmen, I criticize them when I feel it is appropriate. My first question; is having the comments part of my blog "on" so anyone can comment a problem with the open meeting law? Second question, if I post a disclaimer such as all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

or Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee

Does that help keep me out of conflict with the open meeting law. I am a veteran with strong feelings and views on what is public and what should be allowed but I wish to walk the line so to speak so any guidance you may provide would be greatly appreciated. 

regards;

Jeff Bennett

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

Having just watched the meeting of the Templeton Board of Selectmen for August 14, 2017, it is apparent the selectmen had a conflict of whether to proceed forward with the supposed open meeting law violations of the Templeton Advisory Committee. The three present members of the board voted to not appeal or send anything to the division of open government concerning their two complaints filed with the Advisory Committee. It is apparent there will be no resignations, there will be no removal or big changes at or on the Advisory Committee, at least until some appointed terms are up. With davey smart in attendance, I look forward to his big blog post about all the action the division of open government will take against members of the Advisory Committee. I will be filing an open meeting law complaint against the board of selectmen for the posting of their meeting of July 31, 2017 as well as the elementary school building committee for their posting or lack there of for their last meeting. They will be filed according to the instructions on the complaint document and in the time frame specified. That would be following simple directions, as most adults can do. I hope they enjoy the read.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

"A repeat offender in recent years, the Board of Selectmen most recently failed to provide sufficient information in advance of a Feb. 27 meeting about topics discussed in executive session, and it discussed a topic that lacked a valid reason for being held in closed session, the attorney general’s office said."

If that applies to the selectmen of Webster, I believe it also applies to the Templeton Board of Selectmen, failing to provide sufficient information in advance of the July 31, 2017 meeting concerning the topic (s) for executive session. There are 10 reasons to go into executive session.

from the policies and procedures for the selectmen, drawn up by, discussed by , voted on by, and put in place by the selectmen only!

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIRMAN:
       The Chairman of the Board shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the Board. In doing so, he/she shall maintain order in the meeting room, recognize speakers, call for votes and preside over the discussion of agenda items.
2. Sign official documents that require the signature of the Chairman. A vote may be taken for the Chairman to sign when needed.
3. Call special meetings in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
4. Prepare agenda with the Town Administrator.
5. Arrange orientation for new members.
6. Represent the Board at meetings, conferences and other gatherings unless otherwise determined by the Board or delegated by the Chairman.

AGENDA PROCEDURES: The responsibility for coordinating and planning the meeting agenda is that of the Town Administrator. Each of the Board members and the Town Administrator may place items on the agenda. The Town Administrator, in consultation with the Chairman, will schedule a realistic time period for each appointment, interview, conference or other schedule of business.

So, with a secretary to the selectmen/administrator who states she was/is a paralegal and now a selectmen in another town, an administrator with several lives and 35 +/- years of experience and a chairman on his second consecutive stint as chairman, one would think that between the three of them, a meeting agenda would be correct and posted in the proper time frame. That would most likely be incorrect. It is time for the selectmen to follow procedure and the law and post their meeting accordingly. Templeton resident deserve to know or at least have an idea of what will be talked about in secret.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.


With "several lives" and 35 years experience, one would think interim town administrator Carter Terenzini would know how to properly post a meeting. With Templeton selectmen John Caplis on his second consecutive go round as chairman, one would think that he would have figured out how to properly post a meeting. Certainly, between the two of them, one could suppose that proper subjects would be scheduled for executive session. Perhaps that is not the case in Templeton, as there have been recent examples of what appears to be improper meeting posting and subject matter. TBA/TBD does not seem to give the public a good idea of what will be discussed at a meeting. That is one of the ideas behind the open meeting law guide. Putting up an agenda 24 hours before a meeting is not proper procedure. It is very clearly spelled out in the law: 48 hours prior (no Sundays/Saturdays). I believe these types of things are too often overlooked and officials are given a pass. I believe it is time to turn up the heat and get these basic items done correctly all the time. For the selectmen, no more continuance just to get around the 48 hour posting requirement.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

I think it is time to ask the question of the Chairman of the Templeton Board of Selectmen; do you understand how to post a meeting notice? Are you aware of the requirements on the content of said posting? Do you understand that there are only a certain number of reasons allowable by the law to enter into executive session? I am beginning to think the chairman does not, so it is time to start up the Open Meeting Law violation machine and fire away!




Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee

I wonder if people on this committee can count or tell time? The meeting agenda has to be posted 48 hours in advance

Change Summary

On Aug 7, 2017 3 PM EDT Susan Varney changed a meeting of Templeton Elementary School Building Committee as follows:

• Meeting agenda changed from

  To be determined

  to

  1 Call to order 
  2 Pledge of Allegiance 
  3 Approve bills and minutes
  4 OPM Update
  5 Contractor Pre-Qualifications
  6 Designer Update
  7 New Business
  8 Other

So that the meeting notice now reads:

Information for Meeting of Templeton Elementary School Building Committee
Tuesday August 8, 2017 6 PM EDT

Town:	Templeton, MA
Board:	Templeton Elementary School Building Committee
Time:	Tuesday August 8, 2017 6 PM EDT
Location:	Town Hall
Agenda:	1 Call to order 2 Pledge of Allegiance 3 Approve bills and minutes 4 OPM Update 5 Contractor Pre-Qualifications 6 Designer Update 7 New Business 8 Other
Scheduled By:	Susan Varney
Posted At:	Jul 31, 2017 10:05 AM EDT
Last Modified:	Aug 7, 2017 3 PM EDT

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

from the audit report;

The largest revenue source for Templeton is property taxes, representing about 59% of fiscal year 2016 revenue. Property taxes in Templeton come mostly from residential sources. Residential property taxes equal 89% of property tax revenue, the property tax burden is mostly on the residents. Unlike the rest of the state of Massachusetts, this area has not seen the resurgence of the housing market prices. Templeton's median household income is significantly less than the state wide average. Templeton generally taxes at or very near it's levy limit every year.

Education represents the largest expense for the town, at 48.7%. Public safety represents 19% of expense and public works represents 11.4% of costs. No other expense were more than 10%. Again, this is from the audit for fiscal year 2016.

Without an override, property taxes cannot increase by more than 2 1/2% per year, yet health insurance rises on average by 7% per year. So do you think keeping the health insurance cost split at its current level is sustainable? Do you think that a 2 1/2% annual increase will keep up with increases in other costs is sustainable? Is it right and just to seek property tax increases before adjusting other things, such as expenses, with one being adjusting the cost split of health insurance?

There are services that can be had without the burden of employee benefits, which equal higher operating costs for the taxpayers. Some of these are accounting services, dispatch and ambulance service to name a few. These are things paid for by a fee, which could be significant but does not come with the added burden of pension/retirement and health insurance. Just like the example of the state, increased benefit costs take away from education, roads, etc. Eventually, the town needs to change how it does business or residents will have to pay more. Their choice and their wallet. My opinion is that those who speak the loudest against these changes are usually the ones who stand to lose something, and they wish to keep those freebies, paid for by residents/taxpayers.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee 

posted by Jeff Bennett

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

Just not in Templeton! Health insurance costs matter!

Governor Charlie Baker’s proposed state budget keeps spending growth in the state’s Medicaid program, a lifeline for low-income residents who need medical care, to 5 percent a year.

That increase would be modest compared to the double-digit jumps in recent years. But the program, known as MassHealth, would still account for $15.4 billion — the single biggest chunk of the state budget — to provide insurance to more than one-fourth of the state’s residents. It accounts for nearly 40 percent of the $39.6 billion state budget The program’s massive costs and rapid growth force state officials to make difficult choices, given the governor’s stated goal not to raise taxes. So, every dollar spent on health care for the poor is a dollar not spent on education, transportation, or other programs

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee 

posted by Jeff Bennett

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

Just for clarity sake and correct information, The Town of Templeton and the Narragansett School district are two legal separate entities. Different labor contracts, separate retirement, separate health insurance costs. At Town meeting, the people either have to vote the whole school district budget as presented or reject it entirely, and the saw the process back in 2013 if both towns do not accept the budget that is present by the school committee.

So, if the Town of Templeton were to adjust the split for Templeton Town employees health insurance, that would not affect the school district employees.

Looking at the budget/expense plan present to Town meeting on May 14, 2016 by the board of selectmen, it shows Group insurance (health insurance) as:

Fiscal year 2014 - $   782,950.00
Fiscal Year 2015 - $   979,497.00
Fiscal Year 2016 - $1,056,012.00
Fiscal Year 2017 - $1,124,976.00
 And with Fiscal Year 2018 just voted on and comments from the interim town administrator:
"It is pretty tough to survive when one-half of your budget is totally uncontrollable - education/Monty Tech & NRHS, and consuming almost all of your new revenues while 12%  +/- of the remainder of your budget trends at 7% +/- per year increases. I believe if one checks, that would be health insurance costs to taxpayers. Move all employees to 35% contribution rates."

I only suggest the Town may have to consider percentage changes and may eventually have to move all employees to 50% contribution rates. When revenue is dictated at 2 1/2% and things such as health insurance rises at 7% increases per year, one does not have to be a rocket scientist to see that some thing (s) have to give. This is a financial consideration that selectmen will have to deal with. Transfers during the year to pay for group health insurance as well as leaving a position open (fire chief) and state thru a T/A report that such action may allow health insurance costs to even out to possibly make it through the fiscal year without further financial transfers demonstrates that something (s) must change. It is a financial reality that should be looked at and considered, in my opinion. If ya want free boots, free tee shirts and free coats, the money has to come from somewhere.

from the Massachusetts Municipal Association:

Governor signs final FY18 state budget after vetoes

July 18, 2017

The governor sent back to the Legislature important sections related to the state’s MassHealth program, including the $200 million assessment on businesses that was included in the budget’s revenue plan. The governor supported the plan, but asked the Legislature to couple it with reforms to the program to give it long-term sustainability. The governor asked the Legislature to act on his reform and revenue plan within the next 60 days in order to avoid a $350 million budget shortfall.

Business' may have to pay more so the state's health insurance program can be sustainable, so it seems to make sense to have employees pay more so they can have insurance. I believe if you check the law, the town has to pay 50% and anything else is from the heart, the taxpayers heart and wallet.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee 

posted by Jeff Bennett

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

More evidence the selectmen play with your money and present deceiving items at Town Meeting: If the selectmen are going to ask for $100,000.00 for Town vehicles fuel, those dollars should stay their and if not all used, they would roll over into un-allocated funds at the end of year  (known as free cash). If and when "free cash" is certified, some of it should go to the Town's savings, general stabilization fund.

from the Annual Town Meeting report of May 14, 2016: (34 transfers with just this article)

FISCAL 2016 FINANCIAL TRANSFERS To see if the town will vote to increase, decrease or otherwise adjust any budget line item as appropriated by the Town at the May 16, 2015 Annual Town Meeting, and to raise and appropriate, borrow pursuant to any applicable statute and/or transfer from available funds, such sums as may be needed by the various departmental budgets and appropriations to complete the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016; or to take any other action relative thereto. Submitted by the Board of Selectmen

Article 3 with amendments
                       from town fuel -  to town telephone                                   $  3200.00
                       from town fuel -  to medicare                                             $  9500.00
                       from town fuel -  to selectmen selectmen office expense  $16000.00
                       from town fuel to - town accountant                                   $11000.00

$37,900.00 apparently not needed for town fuel and if you look into fiscal year 2017, there was about $47,000.00 not needed or used for town fuel, even in both cases, selectmen told town meeting they needed $100,000.00 for fuel. Both times, money from town fuel was taken away and used for other bills, which makes me wonder about the whole process, do the current selectmen really understand how to do this expense process?

I ask the question; is this why selectmen draw out the budget/expense building process so long as to avoid any time for review and therefore try to avoid these questions before town meeting. If there is a Town by-law that states a certain committee is to have a pre-town meeting and the documents are so late in getting to them, are the tough detailed questions, discussion and analysis avoided? Is this a deliberate move on the part of the selectmen?
Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee 

posted by Jeff Bennett
                                                                   

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

Financial wizardry or cooking the books?

Board of Selectmen tell the voters, by way of Town Meeting, that we need $100,000.00 for fuel to serve town vehicles. Then use $47,000.00 of that money to pay other bills, charge fuel to snow & Ice deficit, thus creating a larger deficit that needs to be paid off somehow. The selectmen then use $12,500.00 from town vehicle fuel to help pay the snow & ice deficit debt (included in the $47,000.00 figure). So, get $100,000.00 for fuel, then use it to pay other bills, while they charge fuel and the genius part, take from the fuel account to help pay off the snow & Ice deficit, which includes fuel!  Now that is some awesome financial management. No wonder the selectmen do not like questions and criticism.

It just may be time for the town of Templeton to go to a 50/50 split on health insurance. The Town covers half the cost of health insurance for Town employees and Town employees pay the other half out of pocket. (the paycheck) Whatever happens, the charade of moving money around (robbing from peter to pay paul as the saying goes) needs to stop.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee 

posted by Jeff Bennett

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.


TO: Board of Selectmen
 FROM: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE: Administrator’s Weekly Report
DATE: August 3, 2017
CC: All Departments


Public Works:
 Highway Department: Completed street sweeping and began the road side mowing on Barre Road. Hauled several loads of gravel and sand from the pit to the DPW storage area. Crosswalks were painted on Baldwinville Road, Hubbardston Rd, Cross Rd, Partridgeville Rd, S. Main and Pail factory Rd. Excavation on the corner of Wellington road where it meets Dudley Rd in preparation for the change in traffic direction to “ONE WAY”. In the mechanics area, The MOW (MEALS on WHEELS) vehicle got new tires and the COA’s #3005 passenger van had repairs done to the A/C and was taken for an inspection sticker. The mechanic is continuing to install a new engine on the (H23) bucket truck.
Buildings & Grounds:
The director attended the Special Select Board meeting. A grave site was prepared for a funeral in Green Lawn Cemetery. Filled in ruts and holes with loam around the Gazebo and seeded. Addressed an issue of a clogged drain on the Library roof, further investigation is required to clear the pipe to fully resolve the problem. A resident requested that the Tether Ball area be cleaned up @ Gilman Waite and they are willing to donate a tether ball and rope. Brought a tractor to Padula’s for service and picked up supplies for the weed whackers and mowers. Loamed and seeded new walkways @ the TC fire station. Removed trash and cardboard from all common areas in town Put all flags to half-staff per the Governor‘s request. Moved mulch pile @ Gilman Waite. Mowing and trimming done in Pine Grove and Green Lawn cemeteries as well as Templeton center and Baldwinville common. Added new cribs (Raised lots) at Pine Grove.


Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee 

quote of the day - "I'm melting, I'm melting" from the wicked witch of the west
posted by Jeff Bennett

all material on this blog is directed to members of the general public and is not intended to be read by my fellow Committee members, nor do I intend for any readers to convey such material directly or indirectly to my fellow Committee members.

TOWN OF TEMPLETON 

WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING 

November 9, 2015

ARTICLE 5 FY 2016 APPROPRIATION TO THE OPEB ACCOUNT:

To see if the Town will vote amend Article 5 of the May 16, 2016 Annual Town Meeting , the Annual Operating Budget, by raising and appropriating a sum of money for deposit into the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) account; or take any other action relative thereto. Submitted by the Board of Selectmen On a motion duly made and seconded the Town voted to raise and appropriate Sixty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred Eight dollars ($64,608) to be deposited into the Selectmen’s Office Expenses Budget (01-122-5400-5421).

 Passed/November 9th @ 9:20pm

Where is OPEB account? Where is the money? End of the year Budget versus Actual does not show this account/fund. (OPEB)

Annual Town Meeting of May 14, 2016

ARTICLE 2 OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FUND To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of Section 20 of Chapter 32B of the General Laws; and pursuant to said section to direct the Treasurer of the town
 (1) to establish a separate account to be known as the "Other Post Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund" (OPEB) in the Treasury of the Town; and
 (2) to develop a funding schedule for the funding of the Town's liabilities for other post employment benefits; and
(3) to seek and obtain the approval of such funding schedule by the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission or as otherwise provided by state law; and
(4) to raise and appropriate, borrow pursuant to any applicable statute or transfer from available funds a sum of money for deposit into the OPEB Liability Trust Fund; or to take any other action related thereto.
Submitted by the Board of Selectmen
On a motion duly made and seconded the town voted to accept provisions of Section 20 of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General Laws and to direct the Town Treasurer to establish an Other Post- Employment Benefits Trust Fund in the Treasury of the Town; and further, to charge the Town Administration with developing an OPEB funding schedule and obtaining approval of said schedule by the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission of the Commonwealth; and further, to transfer Sixty Four Thousand Six Hundred and Eight Dollars ($64,608) from the FY’16 Selectmen’s Expense Account (1000-122-100-54-5420-0000) to the OPEB Liability Trust Fund.
 A motion was duly made and seconded to move the question.
Passed Unanimously/May 14th @ 10:13am
On main motion. Passed Unanimously/May 14th @ 10:13am

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed are those of Jeff Bennett and do not represent any other member of the Advisory Committee 

posted by Jeff Bennett