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School budget under FinCom microscope
Banner Daily Update Mon. Mar. 3
By Pru Sowers
Banner Staff
PROVINCETOWN – The finance committee took aim at the proposed school budget for fiscal year 2009, looking for ways to reduce an anticipated $200,000 deficit in town finances.
FinCom met with the school committee and board of selectmen this week to go over the $3.65 million proposed school budget line by line. Despite the fact the school committee submitted a budget that was $4,435 under its FY 2008 budget, town officials are looking for ways to close the a town-wide budget deficit that has been reduced from $900,000 to approximately $200,000.
“We’re looking at a $200,000 deficit for services we must provide,” FinCom chair Gary Delius told the school committee.
If the deficit cannot be reduced to zero, voters will be asked to approve a Proposition 2 1/2 override at the April 7 town meeting.
FinCom members, who have been going over the entire town budget for FY 2009, took aim at proposed salary increases for two staff members in the school superintendent’s office. The increases for the business manager and human resources & benefits manager totaled approximately 20 percent, or just over $12,000 for each staff member. Several FinCom members said town wide finances were too tight to support the increases.
“Those are 20 percent increases in a year when we’re talking about laying off people,” said Robert Vetrick, FinCom member.
“It really does concern me when on the municipal side we are looking at layoffs and possibly permanent cuts,” added Ruth Gilbert, FinCom member.
Terese Nelson, chair of the school committee defended the salary hikes, saying the two staffers had taken on extra responsibilities as a result of earlier layoffs in the school district. In addition, the two staff members were promoted, which contributed to the salary increases, she said.
“A lot of administrative positions were cut back and those responsibilities went to [the two staff members]. A lot of reports that have to be done fell into their laps,” Nelson said.
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Feb 28th, 2008