I know the internet is just about universal  today. Not everyone is on it but most are, so yes, I assume people in Phillipston have internet and can read this blog.

So, if you can find it, and it is on the net, you can find in the selectmen's handbook stating that finance committee/advisory committee are financial watchdogs for the community. I live in Templeton, not Phillipston, so I try to look at things from Templeton perspective.

So, when it is put out that one is a member of both the school committee and a town finance committee, I ask, how can one serve two masters? When the finance committee has a school committee member on board, can that individual make a recommendation to Town Meeting that is unbiased. I believe school committee members should and do always make strong cases for the school, you know, it is all about the kids, but they also have labor contract negotiations, so as a member of the school committee, you vote to agree to a, b and c, you have in essence made a promise to honor and fund those things that can and surely do come from bargaining talks and agreements.

So now, being a member of a town finance committee, you go to Town Meeting and recommend for an override for the school district in order to cover something you have already agreed to and promised. Is or will that individual making a recommendation for an override (increase in taxes) because it is in the best interest of the taxpayers and their money or is it because of the already made promises and agreements made as a school committee member? I just feel appearance sometimes matter and it seems like a very debatable conflict of interest. Same with a former or present individual who is or has been in education for 40 years plus. I understand where their feelings and loyalty may lie, but is that a true independent look and again, recommendation?

It is really no different with the selectmen being on many committees, such as the school building committee. Some communities, selectmen appoint members of the finance or advisory committees and how does it work for someone who is appointed by the same people you should be questioning and challenging on say a budget or expense (s).

Again, sometimes it looks as though some have a problem with information being put forth and sometimes some dislike any debate at all. I believe there has been discussion on and recommendations concerning the makeup of and/or stacking of committees, boards, etc. I also understand that in a small community, these things can happen and probably for a long time. I am merely putting that information out there so when people of Templeton and beyond, see, hear or read that Phillipston finance committee is probably in favor of supporting and or recommending an override, or just funding an increase by whatever means available such as Town savings, etc., they are aware of the connections and makeup of the Phillipston finance committee.

So, do I worry what the people of Phillipston think of me, no I do not. If any Phillipston resident comes to any meeting of any committee, board, etc. where I am involved, I will be respectful, civil and listen. Maybe Templeton taxpayers will vote themselves a tax increase of $1.50 per thousand and call it a day, who knows? But they should know, that it is possible that the Phillipston finance committee is stacked in favor of the school and I say possible, but that is how it appears to me.

It is also possible for the increase in school assessments to the two towns could go down, even late in the game as they did in 2013.

Interesting facts,
One member of the Phillipston finance committee is a 40 year educator (associated with schools) and a current member of the Narragansett school committee representing Phillipston is also a member of the Phillipston finance committee. So how does someone fight for the school as a school committee member then ask the school committee to justify any increases in assessment in looking out for the Town's finances. Remember, the school committee is involved in union negotiations, so how does that work? Inside information happening? Seems like a very big conflict of interest, just in appearance.

Seems pretty hard to be logical and independent when looking at the district budget as a member of the finance committee when you are part of the district pushing for a budget as well as union negotiations.

Close the Town down, not just the senior center.

From the March 1, 2018 Town Administrator report;
The good news is the school district is not looking for $750 thousand more, they are reportedly only looking for $485 thousand additional dollars over last years assessment.

That is $335 thousand more than the Town of Templeton can do without devastating the Town budget.
Some made suggestions Templeton go for a larger tax override (permanent tax increase) to cover this.

Phillipston finance committee appeared okay with funding there portion.

See, just pay more taxes and you will be okay.

Narragansett budget hearing is March 21, 2018 and the administrator feels the Town should have a well thought out plan and a strong presence at the meeting. Oops a daisey, we got budget meeting of the Town on that date/advisory committee meeting as well, almost as if planned so it would be hard for Templeton selectmen and advisory committee to attend. I say scrap the budget hearings and pack the house at the school and let them know what you think.

Fair is fair, right?

On a selectmen meeting om February 26, 2018, the initial fiscal year budget/spending plan was presented and the spending plan books were handed out. The seven member Advisory Committee was invited and all members were emailed informing them of this meeting.

Of the seven, only two members showed, Robert May and Jeff Bennett. There can be many reasons for not showing, but you cannot question or critique without expecting some in return, even from within.

On the flip side, selectmen scheduled a few budget meetings on days of already, ahead of time scheduled regular meetings of the Advisory Committee. This equals less time for the Advisory Committee to meet and discuss and plan for a pre-town meeting and annual town meeting. Yes, the committee could choose alternative dates to meet, but some volunteers plan ahead by using the regular schedule of meetings. One solution would to begin earlier in the year, have these meetings on Mondays when selectmen do not have their regular meetings and then Advisory could hold regular meetings and have more time for discussion, questions etc., Be that as it may, the advisory committee will probably do what they usually do, spend more time, as in longer meetings to get done what needs to get done. In my opinion, this scenario puts Advisory at a disadvantage which also puts the residents/taxpayers at a disadvantage, less time to gather information and ask questions of Advisory Committee. There has to be a better way.

What the board of selectmen seem to want you to void; they are looking for Town Meeting to approve the selectmen to continue to pack committees with members of the select board, who later fail to show up for those committee meetings.

Massachusetts General Law chapter 268A

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.

Selectmen are also involved in trying to limit what the Advisory Committee can comment on at Town Meeting. The question I have is; why do the selectmen wish to limit what the Advisory Committee has to say concerning the Town Meeting warrant? I do know one thing, selectmen cannot stop individuals from asking questions or commenting on warrant articles, not yet anyway.

Capital Planning, the meals tax, a new fire engine, financial policy and plan B

First, the above are but a few reasons people should be packing these meetings where they could ask questions, if allowed.

A new fire engine to replace the one that has been discussed is going to be in the half million dollar range at the least.

I question to use of a meals tax to pay for new equipment because I heard selectmen state that we were set financially, we had a good plan in place now and they put money into capital stabilization fund and they still had over 300 thousand dollars of "working capital on the table. (remember the special town meeting this past fall?)

A plan B was mentioned concerning the police station project - as in they should begin to at east think of one.

One of the things in the selectmen's financial policy is that free cash (so called) will be used to replenish other reserves, such as the Town's reserve fund, which the selectmen state cannot be increased from 35 thousand to 80 thousand dollars this year coming (fiscal year 2019)

Interesting item in the new FY2019 spending plan (budget) book - page 8.

Remember that school inspector fee amount that came out of the free cash back in, $25,000.00. in case we forgot. Well in fiscal year 2019, that school inspector fee number is stated to be $50,000.00, to come from that "working capital" free cash left on the table (good thing we had that money) That by the way is listed as annual town meeting article 25 (this May ATM)

There is also a FY2018 supplemental (additional) dollar figure in the amount of $75,000.00 - to be taken from that working capital - looks like there were more than one hiccup in that FY 2018 plan.

Article 27 is a buy down lease principal on DPW/Police in the amount of $12,500.00

Article 28 is a fire capital buy down lease principal in the amount of $25,000.00.

Article 28 is capital budget - A in the amount of $40,000.00.

So,as I look at the $199,000.00 that is being rolled over I have to ask my sef why?

My first thought is more hiccups must be expected in FY2019, the state numbers will not really be good until after the fiscal year ends (June 30, 2018) and selectmen need all the money they can get to back fill their spending plan. Remember, since we under fund snow & ice, the needs to be money to cover that deficit.

Second, if you have $199,000.00 in your pocket and you wish to buy a truck for $85,000.00, why not pay for it right up front and avoid future bills? The truck would be paid for and in say two years, that truck would still have value and it could be traded or sold to aid in the purchase of a newer truck, thus avoiding high maintenance costs.

As for capital planning, I wonder where the selectmen are regarding salt storage, which is an expensive item and requires some care so it is available for use. It basically needs to be kept dry. It is not the end of the world if it gets some moisture on it, but it broadcasts/spreads so much better when kept dry. I believe it was stated at a selectmen meeting it is actually cheaper to use salt than sand, so for future financial planning, plans for a proper salt storage facility, is that even in the discussion?

Speaking of snow, looks like it is possible for this weekend - ca-ching, or as a boat refers to, bust out another thousand.

finished watching the meeting of February 27, 2018 - elementary school building committee.

Invoices were approved in about 5 minutes.

One from Strategic Building Services for the month of January, 2018 - $    45,324.00

One from SMMA for the month of February, 2018 -
Contract Administration                                                                             $  49,508.69

One for payment application Fontaine Brothers - construction                  $824,628.50

It was sstated that Holly, administrative assistant in the board of selectmen office is stil handling the invoices rather than the Town Treasurer/Collector.

The foundation is still there because of unexpected finding of more asbestos and price discussion for removal.