Using some information from the MSBA website:

Templeton Elementary School

Total project budget . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,058,033.00

Reimbursement rate . . . . .63.11%

MSBA paid to date . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,368,720.00

MSBA estimated remaining
payment (s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $  5,392,059.00



$17,368,720.00 + $5,392,059.00 = $22,760,779.00

$45,058,033.00 / 2 = $22,529,016.50

50% of total project budget MSBA reimbursement (approximate)

So much for the advertised 63.11% - which can probably be attributed to 63.11% is only applicable to eligible costs rather than the total project cost. So, if MSBA wants to take money back, you have a dollar figure to use as a starting point. Keep in mind, 47 million was the figure town meeting authorized to borrow.

Just so it is clear: there are over 5,000 registered voters in Templeton, of those, records show 1160 voters took time to vote on override and of those, 320 voted for the override and 827 voters said no to the override. So about one fifth of voters thought it important enough to show up to vote. Translation - 1/5th told the other 4/5ths what to do and apparently that is okay. If you wish something to happen, show up and if you do not wish it to happen, show up!

Costs as shown in FY2020 Spending plan:

Page 58A increase in Town Accountant / personnel

After Hubbardston agreement -          $127,470.00
Before Hubbardston agreement -        $  90,000.00

On face value, it appears increase of   $ 37,470.00

Increase
Town Accountant salary -                     $  7,500.00

Increase
 switch from part time to full-time -      $49,780.00

Now benefits - approximately -             $25,000.00

Net Increase -                                         $61,934.00

part-time was $20,346.00 / no benefits

So, first year of accounting agreement with Hubbardston equates to a payment from Hubbardston to Templeton for $37,000.00 and Templeton taxpayers are on hook for additional $61,934.00 to cover this agreement. In the end, it seems this agreement benefits Hubbardston far more than Templeton, again!

Increase to Templeton . . . . . . . . . $61,934.00
Decrease to Templeton . . . . . . . .  $37,000.00
Net increase to Templeton . . . . . . $24,934.00

Looking at the straight math, how does this benefit Templeton now and in the long run?

Was this part of a five year plan that was done in three years? Perhaps should have taken more time looking at plan?

INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT

FOR THE PROVISION OF

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by the Town of Templeton, MA, a corporate body
politic, acting by and through its Board of Selectmen (the "Provider") and the Town of
Hubbardston, MA, a corporate body politic, acting by and through its Board of Selectmen (the
"End User"), which execute this agreement as follows:
WHEREAS, the End User is in need of professional, administrative, supervisory and
technical accounting services ensuring the proper recording and maintenance of financial records,
approving all financial payments, controlling expenditures of all town funds and auditing financial
records and transactions; and
WHEREAS, the Provider has the proven capability and experience to be able to provide
such services; and
WHEREAS, the Provider and the End User are authorized to undertake this Agreement
pursuant M.G.L. C. 40, §§4A and 4D.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Provider and End User, in consideration of the covenants and
mutual premises contained herein, hereby agree as follows:

1. TERM
This Agreement shall take effect on July 1, 2019 and continue in effect for a period of three years
unless extended or otherwise terminated as provided for herein.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Provider shall, on behalf of the End User, be present at the Hubbardston Town Offices an
average of ten (10) hours per week. The End User shall be otherwise available by email or
phone during all business hours to address problems or concerns of town staff. Normal and
ordinary inquires will be responded to within four business hours. More extensive research
will be completed within one week unless the requestor is advised that more time is needed. In
addition, the Provider shall attend the Annual and Special Town meetings as requested by the
Town Administrator. The Provider shall provide an onsite presence during the annual
municipal audit to accommodate the Town’s auditing firm.
Develops and oversees the implementation of the Town’s accounting system and procedures.

Examines, approves or disallows all town departments’ payroll and vendor payable
expenditures; oversees maintenance of all revolving funds and grants received, ensuring that
expenditures adhere to fund criteria.
Maintains a General Ledger and journal for the recording of all transactions; balances and
closes the Town’s books; maintains custody of all Town contracts; prepares and records
encumbrances into the next fiscal year; conducts internal audits of Treasurer’s cash and bank
accounts, and Collector’s detailed list of outstanding receivables.
Reconciles cash accounts with Treasurer; records monthly receivable commitments,
abatement's, and exemptions; maintains and reconciles receivables accounts with Treasurer,
Collector and Assessor.
Provides timely and accurate financial information and ensures the integrity of the financial
data by instituting proper internal controls; verifies that no claim or payable against the Town
is fraudulent, unlawful or excessive as prescribed by Massachusetts General Laws.
Prepares monthly reports to track all financial activity within the town’s funds. Oversees the
preparation of the monthly journal entries including receivable entries and reconciles these
receivables.
Processes warrants for payroll and accounts payable.
Develops and prepares year-end financial reports which include the balance sheet and revenue
and expense statements for the Department of Revenue for free cash certification. Also
prepares and submits annually the Schedule A report to the Department of Revenue detailing
all town financial activity for the fiscal year.
Assists the Town Administrator in the development of the budget by providing a working
template and providing limited proofreading for the accuracy of math and inclusion of major
cost items.
Oversees proper maintenance of inventory and fixed assets lists for compliance with GASB
regulations by amending a working list, from information supplied to them by others, to add
new capitalized items, delete capital items in surplus or otherwise disposed of and adjusting
the depreciation schedules thereof.
Works in conjunction with the Town contract Auditor, providing relevant documents and
information for the annual audit.
Creates and maintains new accounts and account lines for all Town departments for proper
financial reporting.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Attends an average of 85% or greater of staff meetings, to the extent they are held on days on
which the Provider is otherwise scheduled to be in the Community, and additional Board of
Selectmen meetings as reasonably required by the Town Administrator.

3. LIABILITY FOR COSTS
The Provider shall have complete and sole liability for the hiring, discipline, and management of
all personnel and supportive services, provided however that the point scoring used to consider
applications for employment shall have a bonus feature for community residents of any End User,
and the payment of all costs associated with the provision of services provided under this
agreement. Nothing contained herein shall create any employer-employee relationship between
the End User and the Provider. The End User shall have liability only for the timely payment of
all assessments rendered to it in accordance with this agreement.

4. RECORDS AND REPORTS
a. Ongoing Record Maintenance: The Provider shall ensure the creation and maintenance of
complete records as identified in the services rendered section of this agreement and in accordance
with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
b. Monthly Activity Reports: The Provider shall respond in a timely manner to the End User’s
reasonable request for a monthly summary of activities performed by the department.
c. Town Financial Reports: The Provider shall respond in a timely manner to the End User’s
reasonable request for monthly and quarterly financial reports as required by the End User’s Board
of Selectmen and Finance Committee.

5. APPORTIONMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF COSTS
The End User shall pay to the Provider per fiscal year as follows:

FY20 - $37,000

FY21 - $42,000

FY22 - $43,000

This is contingent on the End User’s receipt in FY20 of $30,000 in funds to offset the cost of
software conversions necessary to service both Town departments. It is further contingent upon
appropriation by Hubbardston and Templeton Town Meetings at their annual town meetings of
the necessary appropriations to fund the provision of and purchase of the services specified herein.

6. EXTENSION OR TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT
The Parties may terminate this Agreement at any time upon no less than six months of notice
preceding the commencement of a fiscal year (i.e., by December 30, 2020 to provide notice to
terminate the provision of services effective July 1, 2021) provided however that the End User
may request the Provider to provide services on an hourly per-diem basis for two additional months
to prepare year end closing reports and documentation for the annual audit.
Notwithstanding notice of termination, the parties shall remain bound to and liable for all
responsibilities set forth herein until the effective date of such termination (i.e., July 1st) provided,
however, that the Provider shall provide to the End User all reports as set forth above.

7. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties, in writing, in the same manner as it
was entered into.

8. NOTICES
Any notice required to herein shall be given in hand or by first class mail:

Board of Selectmen
160 Patriots Road – Box 620
Templeton, MA 01438
OR
Board of Selectmen
7 Main Street
Hubbardston, MA 01452

Or at such other address to be established by the parties and to be considered delivered upon the
third day after mailing.

9. SEVERABILITY
If any term or condition of this Agreement or any application thereof shall to any extent be held
invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and
enforce-ability of the remaining terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed
affected thereby unless one or more parties would be substantially or materially prejudiced.

10. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the parties hereto submit to the jurisdiction of any of its
appropriate courts for the adjudication of disputes arising out of this Agreement.

11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire integrated agreement between the parties with respect to the
matters described and supersedes all prior agreements, negotiations and representations, either
written or oral.

Town of Templeton
 Employment Opportunity
 Full & Part-Time Police Officers

Full-Time Police Officers: This is to establish a list of potential appointees for the remainder of calendar 2019. Successful candidates for this law enforcement position will be at least 21 years of age, a United States citizen, high school graduate or equivalent, and have a current driver’s license. Advanced education in criminal justice or a related field or law enforcement experience are desirable attributes. Those with a current MA Police certification, or are capable of obtaining the same under reciprocity consideration by Massachusetts of similar certifications from other states, will receive priority consideration.

Part-Time Police Officer: Successful candidates should hold, or be able to obtain, a certificate(s) in CPR/Basic First Aid, Firearms Class “A” License, Reserve Intermittent Police Officer certification, a valid Driver’s License, and a High school diploma or GED. Preference will be given to candidates with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field and who currently hold required certifications. These positions will be filled as suitable applicants apply. 

Submit application letter, resume, and standard Town application form available at www.templeton1.org (click on Paid, Volunteer and Contract Opportunities) or Town Hall to Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator, 160 Patriots Rd, PO Box 620, East Templeton, MA 01438. The Town of Templeton is an EOE.

Posted: Town Bulletin Boards (7) Town Hall 2, Light & Water, Police, Fire, Library, Public Works, Council on Aging, Sewer

Mailed: Town Hall Mailing List
Advertised: The Gardner News 06/19/19
Web: Templeton1.org, JobQuest

from the newspaper:

PHILLIPSTON — The future of Phillipston Memorial Elementary School may be very different from the past, filled with the youngest students, including those bused from Templeton, while Phillipston elementary students are bused to Templeton.

And many people in Phillipston are concerned.

“Selectmen are trying to look at what their options are,” Phillipston Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Flynn said.

A planned consolidation of elementary schools in Phillipston and Templeton could impact children from pre-kindergarten to grade 5. Elementary students in grades 1 to 5 would attend a new Templeton school under construction while pre-k and kindergarten students from both communities would attend school in the Phillipston building.

The plan is being implemented by the School Committee after Phillipston passed a tax override to give additional funds to the schools but Templeton taxpayers failed to approve the increase in that town’s election.

Phillipston parents are planning to turn out to fill the meeting room Wednesday night when Phillipston selectmen meet at 7 pm in the public safety complex at 90 State Road. On the agenda is a budget update from Superintendent of Schools Chris Casavant.

Selectmen Chairman Kim Pratt asked the superintendent to come in to talk about the budget, Flynn said.

He said the town council has been asked what choices are available.

School committees have certain authority over schools under state law, limiting the ability of other committees to take action, especially under a regional school organization.

Complicating the discussion, some documents are missing.

“No one has a copy of the leases for the schools,” Flynn said. In 1974, a 20-year lease was supposed to be approved, which would then normally be renewed every couple decades. But the superintendent can’t find them, he said.

The townspeople’s opinions, however, can be easily found, in surveys and social media postings.

Flynn said a community survey was done through the community newsletter that goes to 675 households, with over 100 responding.

“There was quite a lot of concern about closing the school,” Flynn said of the results.

“There has been a public school in Phillipston since before there was a Phillipston, when it was a part of Templeton,” Flynn noted.

Among parents objecting to the move, Richard Degan has been vocal.

With Templeton building a new school, as well as a police station, taxes in that community may have driven voters to turn down the override, Degan said.

But Phillipston residents are not keen on the solution presented by the school administration: busing students between the two towns in order to reorganize the schools and cut staff.

He said plans would increase class size substantially and result in long bus rides for young children, both concerns driving parents to seek options.

“We have a real issue with that,” Degan said. “The school committee said the schools wouldn’t be closed,” adding that technically keeping the Phillipston school open for pre-K and kindergarten was not meeting that promise.

Degan said residents are exploring legal actions as well as pressuring community leaders to take action.

“The community is outraged,” Degan said of the drive that has parents especially energized to fight the decision.

Among ideas being floated is one to break up the region, with Phillipston pulling out, at least at the elementary school. It could form a separate school district for the elementary school while remaining in the regional high school, a model used by some other districts. Another option would be to join with another town in a regional school.

And residents are not happy with their school committee representatives, prompting discussion of a recall.

Degan said the preliminary 85 signature threshold has already been reached for a recall election. Next would be a second signature-gathering effort to meet a higher standard and bring it to an election vote.

He said there are people who are ready to step in and run for the seats to give a new voice for the town’s three votes on the board. Templeton controls the school committee with five seats on the eight-member board, but Degan said the vote to proceed with the consolidation was supported by the Phillipston members as well.

“We need to prevent this,” Degan said, even if it requires legal action such as an injunction. “Once it’s stopped, we can discuss how we’re going to proceed.”

What figures from DESE show:

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education show Narragansett Regional School District, as of June 2019 was at 108.6 % of Net School Spending for FY 2018.

According to DESE, that is the latest financial data they have.

What is Net School Spending?

I. Three Components A.
A foundation budget calculated for the district representing minimum spending needed. Adjusted annually to reflect changes in enrollment, demographics, inflation, and geographical wage differences.
B. A local contribution or local appropriations required to meet net school spending.
C. Chapter 70 Aid is the share of the foundation budget funded by the state.

II. The Foundation Formula
A. Required Net School Spending = Local Contribution + Chapter 70 Aid.
B. Required Net School Spending = Foundation Budget.

 III. The Concepts
A. Foundation Enrollment – the number of students a district is responsible for educating financially as of October 1 each year.
B. Foundation Budget – increases or decreases based upon the foundation enrollment and the inflation factor used by the state.
C. Local Contribution is calculated by increasing the previous year’s contribution by the Municipal Revenue Growth factor and adjusting this number based upon municipality's' ability to pay, the latter based on the state’s aggregate wealth model.
D. Municipal Revenue Growth Factor is Towns' percentage increase in local revenues from one year to the next as calculated by the Department of Revenue.
E. The Aggregate Wealth Model looks at both personal income wealth statistics and property wealth statistics in a Town.