Barnes: Tough fiscal times ahead
By Karen Mann

Town Administrator Gregory Barnes warned all town officials and residents that the town is entering into "a more difficult time" financially.

Based on projections for the upcoming year, the town will be in a deficit in fiscal year 2008, which starts on July 1, 2007, he said.

It comes down to the fact that the town is spending more money every year but revenues are not increasing, according to Barnes. He said there are three solutions: make cuts in the budget, increase revenue or do a combination of the both.

"There is no easy solution," said Barnes. "Some difficult decisions will have to be made."

Barnes said that the free cash funds are quickly declining. He warned selectmen it would be a bad idea to take money from the stabilization fund

"Unless there is a set plan, with a set time frame, don't do it, because the problem will just compound," Barnes said.

Barnes said he wanted the public to be aware of this problem, and said they would be included in future processes dealing with this issue.

Barnes also added that the deficit is based on projections, which may not hold true, but seem to be realistic.

On this note, selectmen warned town boards that their budgets might be cut next year. Selectmen spoke with the recreation commission, to find out what it would take for the group to become self-funded.

Alice Kennedy, a member of the commission, said this is the group's future goal, but it would not be feasible for the upcoming year. The group would need to implement more programs, which would require their director be hired fulltime, said Kennedy. Director Karen Clement is budgeted to work 20 hours a week.

The town budgeted $22,000 for the commission in fiscal year 2007.

Selectmen said the commission might have a smaller budget next year and they should plan for how they would deal with this.

"No area is off-limit for budget cuts next year," said Selectman David Chenelle. "We wanted to warn you so you aren't surprised come next April or May."

Board Chairman Robert Plamondon said the board supported the goal of the recreation commission.

Selectmen also spoke with North Middlesex Regional Schools Superintendent Maureen Marshall about this same issue. Since Marshall was just hired this summer, selectmen wanted to let her know the financial situation of the town.

Plamondon was concerned with gaps between the assessed budget the town pays for and the supplementary budget the state pays.

Selectmen again stressed the anticipated deficit and warned Marshall cuts may have to be made.

Marshall said she has experience with regional school budgeting and will be creative with how to manage resources most efficiently.

She added she hopes to have a very collaborative relationship with selectmen.

"It will be an amicable relationship, but I will whine and scream when it is in the best interest of the children," said Marshall.

In Other Business:

 Selectmen decided they will no longer allow Einstein's Inc. to do landscape work for Memorial Town Hall. As part of a previous agreement, Einstein's Inc. offered free landscape services to the town, in exchange for putting two signs in the yard of Town Hall advertising Einstein's Inc.

Chenelle said it would be a conflict of interest to receive free work from the company when it has received three cease and desist orders from other town boards.

Chenelle said he would not let Langton validate his position by having a sign displayed at Town Hall.

The Zoning Board of Appeals claims that Einstein's Inc. is being operated from an area zoned residential by the town. The ZBA upheld the three cease and desist orders issued. David Langton, who runs Einstein's Inc. is appealing this decision in land court, and is trying to have the land zoned for commercial use.

Langton said selectmen were "jumping the gun" by not waiting for a decision to made by the court.

 Selectmen appointed Patrick Balcher to fill an open spot on the recreation commission until the spring election in 2007.

 The board voted to accept the fire department's decision to surplus three vehicles previously used by the department.

Fire Chief William Donahue said the two cars and one truck are unsafe to use, and would cost too much money to fix. The fire department will sell the vehicles in "as-is" condition, Donahue said, most likely for parts.

 Selectmen also approved a contract for $6,750 with Thomas Schulze Custom Builder to replace windows at the fire department's 13 Elm Street location. Barnes said this is part of damage to the building that is being fixed because of a leak in the roof. He said some of the costs will be covered by insurance.