Category Archives: Budgets

State road $

Posted on April 8, 2015 | Comments Off on State road $

This alert this afternoon from the Massachusetts Municipal Association-

April 8, 2015

LEGISLATURE ENACTS $200M CH. 90 BOND BILL
GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE EXPECTED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY
Cities and Towns Now Have a Total of $330M Available for 2015 Construction Season

This afternoon, the House and Senate both enacted a one-year, $200 million Chapter 90 bond bill, which gives cities and towns access to a total of $330 million to repair and maintain local roads during the 2015 spring-to-fall construction season.

The Chapter 90 bond bill for fiscal 2016 was filed by Gov. Charlie Baker on March 12 and was passed unanimously by the House and Senate on March 25 and April 1, respectively. The Massachusetts Constitution, however, requires a two-thirds vote of each branch to enact all bond bills, which necessitated the votes cast today.

The Governor is expected to sign the bill immediately.

The funding will be combined with $100 million in new Chapter 90 authorizations that the Governor released in January, as well as the $30 million fund announced last month to help cities and towns repair potholes and other winter damage. Municipalities look forward to putting the money to work to repair local roads that took a beating during an historic winter.

The MMA applauds the Baker Administration and all members of the Legislature for moving swiftly on this critical funding bill. This year more than ever, cities and towns need to be able to get to work early in the construction season.

The Chapter 90 local road and bridge program provides cities and towns with a source of funding to maintain, repair and rebuild 30,000 miles of local roads in every corner of the state. Adequate and timely funding for Chapter 90 is essential for public safety, economic growth, and quality of life in Massachusetts.

With the state working to erase a $1 billion mid-year budget deficit in fiscal 2015 and a $1.8 billion structural budget gap for fiscal 2016, the Baker-Polito Administration decided to file a one-year Chapter 90 bond bill. Now that it has been enacted, the MMA and local officials will work in partnership with the Governor and legislators to achieve long-range funding for Chapter 90 that is both adequate for cities and towns and sustainable for the Commonwealth.

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Posted in Budgets, DPW

Trees save towns $

Posted on April 6, 2015 | 1 comment

This came in today on the benefits of trees to a town, some of which are economic in ways that had not occurred to me.  For instance, one benefit is extended roadway asphalt life due to the shading and temperature control.

Medfield needs better data on all our town trees by means of an inventory, and then a thoughtful plan on where and when to plant more trees.

Also, I noticed while jogging at the former MSH site this weekend that many of the sugar maples that line the main entrance driveway that crosses the front view scape are now looking like they are beyond saving, and since they are now the town’s responsibility, we should probably cut many down and trim the rest, to reduce the safety risk and prolong the life of those we can save.  In years past someone has taped the trees for their sap to make maple syrup, which is a great synergy, especially if the sugar shack could be located in town –  Weston has one attached to its middle school and the kids help out.

Finally, the DPW was at the former MSH site this weekend taking collapsed porches off some buildings.

Below is an excerpt from the tree article –

 

Everyone knows trees are good for the environment – they generate oxygen, filter air pollutants and absorb rainwater during storms. A growing volume of research indicates trees are also providing perks to local transit, quality of life and property values.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for every single street planted – at a cost of around $300 – the city will enjoy more than $90,000 in direct benefits throughout the lifetime of the tree. The research suggests adding trees to urban landscapes can bring about a significant number of benefits to the local community including:

  • Increased motorized traffic and pedestrian safety through reduced speeds
  • Creating safer walking environments
  • Increased access to green space
  • Boosted security
  • Economic growth and sustainability
  • Less drainage infrastructure
  • Protection from rain, sun and heat
  • Reduced impact of tailpipe emissions
  • Gas transformation efficiency
  • Lower urban air temperatures
  • Reduced blood pressure, improved overall emotional and psychological health
  • Added value to adjacent homes, businesses and taxes

 

1 Comment

Posted in Budgets, Environmental, Planning

Road $

Posted on April 2, 2015 | Comments Off on Road $

$330m. this year and $200m./year going forward from state for town road repairs.  Last year the legislature approved $300m., but when they also failed to approve sufficient transportation funding, Gov. Patrick only released $200m.  From John Nunnari –

SENATE APPROVES $200 MILLION ROAD REPAIR BILL

Facing an April 1 deadline, the Massachusetts House and Senate are now in agreement on $200 million annual road repair program, down from $300 million approved last year.

The road and bridge repair bill (H 3187) sailed through the Senate Wednesday afternoon on a unanimous vote.

Cities and towns have looked to Beacon Hill for confirmation by April 1 of road repair funds in order to give public works officials time to accomplish “Chapter 90” projects as spring weather conditions improve.

Sen. Thomas McGee, a Lynn Democrat who co­chairs the Transportation Committee, said cities and towns would have a total of $330 million in Chapter 90 funding available to them this season since Gov. Charlie Baker released $100 million in funds approved last year and also set aside $30 million for pothole repairs.

The Legislature in 2014 approved a record $300 million for Chapter 90.

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Posted in Budgets

Meals tax $ comes in

Posted on March 30, 2015 | Comments Off on Meals tax $ comes in

The town just got meals tax monies from the state.  Mike shared this email from earlier today from Georgia.  At this rate town will get about $120,000 a year. –

just got a wire in for $30,672.49 for local meals tax revenue for Dec 2014-Feb 2015

 

—

Georgia K. Colivas, CMMT

Treasurer/Collector

Town of Medfield

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Posted in Budgets

Snow $

Posted on March 26, 2015 | Comments Off on Snow $

Snow plowing spending as of today:

Original appropriation    $276,913 .00

YTD expended                      $623,729.82

Deficit                                     -$346,816.82

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Posted in Budgets

MSBA grant for Wheelock boiler

Posted on March 25, 2015 | 1 comment

Letter this afternoon from the Massachusetts School Building Authority approving a grant to the town for the boiler replacement at the Wheelock School in the amount of $179,137 to $187,565 –

Massachusetts School Building Authority
Deborah B. Goldberg John K. McCarthy
Chairman, State Treasurer Executive Director

March 25, 2015

Mr. Michael J. Sullivan, Town Administrator
Town of Medfield
459 Main Street
Medfield, MA 02052

Re: Town of Medfield, Ralph Wheelock School

Dear Mr. Sullivan:

I am pleased to report that the Board of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (the
“MSBA”) voted to approve the Proposed Accelerated Repair Project (the “Proposed
Project”) for the Town of Medfield (the “Town”) for a boiler replacement project at the
Ralph Wheelock School.
The Board approved an estimated maximum Total Facilities Grant of $179,137, which
does not include any funds for potentially eligible owner’s or construction contingency
expenditures. In the event that the MSBA determines that any owner’s and/or
construction contingency expenditures are eligible for reimbursement, the maximum
Total Facilities Grant for the Proposed Project may increase to $187,565. The final grant
amount will be determined by the MSBA based on a review and audit of all project costs
incurred by the Town, in accordance with the MSBA’s regulations, policies, and
guidelines and the Project Funding Agreement. The final grant amount may be an
amount less than $179,137.
Pursuant to the terms of the MSBA’s Accelerated Repair Program, the Town has 90 days
to acquire and certify local approval for an appropriation and all other necessary local
votes or approvals showing acceptance of the cost, site, type, scope and timeline for the
Proposed Project. Upon receipt of the certified votes demonstrating local approval, the
MSBA and the Town will execute a Project Funding Agreement which will set forth the
terms and conditions pursuant to which the Town will receive its grant from the MSBA.
Once the Project Funding Agreement has been executed by both parties, the Town will be
eligible to submit requests for reimbursement for Proposed Project costs to the MSBA.
We will be contacting you soon to discuss these next steps in more detail, but in the
meantime, I wanted to share with you the Board’s approval of the Proposed Project for
the Town of Medfield for a boiler replacement project at the Ralph Wheelock School,
40 Broad Street, Suite 500 •Boston, MA 02109 •Tel: 617-720-4466 •Fax: 617-720-5260 • http://www.MassSchoolBuildings.org
~··
Page2
March 25, 2015
Town of Medfield PF A Board Action Letter
and the Board’s authorization to execute a Project Funding Agreement for this Proposed
Project.
Sincerely,

Cc: Legislative Delegation
Osler L. Peterson, Chair, Medfield Board of Selectmen
Christopher Morrison, Chair, Medfield School Committee
Dr. Jeffrey J. Marsden, Superintendent, Medfield Public Schools
Michael LaFrancesca, Director of Finance and Operations, Medfield Public
Schools
Alexandra Vresilovic, Owner’s Project Manager, Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Mike Trzcinski, Designer, Hesnor Engineering Associates, PLLC
File: 10.2 Letters

1 Comment

Posted in Budgets, Schools

MMA to Baker – $20/pupil insufficient

Posted on March 24, 2015 | Comments Off on MMA to Baker – $20/pupil insufficient

More on state aid, per the MMA, from the SHNS, via John Nunnari –

GREENFIELD, MASS., MARCH 24, 2015….While taking issue with Gov. Charlie Baker’s proposed education budget, the head of the group that represents Massachusetts cities and towns said Tuesday that the state’s first slot parlor should spin off more than enough money to fund the governor’s proposed increase in unrestricted local aid.

Plainridge Park Casino will generate $86.7 million to $118.5 million, Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Geoffrey Beckwith told lawmakers Tuesday, noting the funds are required to flow into a local aid account. The slots parlor is set to open June 24. The Baker administration budgeted $87 million in gaming revenue from the slots facility in its fiscal 2016 budget.

The group representing cities and towns backed Baker’s proposed $34 million, 3.6 percent increase in unrestricted local aid at a hearing before the House and Senate Ways and Means committees, which met at Greenfield Community College Tuesday.

“The governor’s increase would be a return to the concept of revenue sharing,” said Beckwith, who was more critical of Baker’s proposed a minimum $20-per-student increase in local education funding.

Baker’s budget would increase local education funding, also known as Chapter 70, by $105.3 million. The funds are sent to cities and towns based on a formula.

Beckwith pushed for a $100-per-student minimum increase, calling it “clearly achievable” with state revenues forecast to rise 4.8 percent. He said in his testimony that Baker’s proposal is an “insufficient amount to maintain current school staffing and services.”

In his testimony, Beckwith said cities and towns are “more reliant on the property tax to fund essential services than at any time in the past thirty years.”

North Adams Councilor Lisa Blackmer said rural towns are left to police state parks, which she said are some of her favorite places.

“A lot of the parks aren’t even staffed anymore,” said Blackmer.

Greenfield Mayor William Martin said any increase in state funding to cities and towns would relieve the burden on property owners.

Orleans Selectman David Dunford, who is the president of the municipal association, said his town aimed to avoid layoffs by foregoing needed upgrades to buildings and water infrastructure.

“It was tough to cut personnel. We don’t want to do that,” Dunford said.

The municipal leaders also called for increases that help pay for special education needs and school transportation costs.

END
03/24/2015

Serving the working press since 1910
http://www.statehousenews.com

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Posted in Budgets, State

Slots $ for local aid

Posted on March 24, 2015 | Comments Off on Slots $ for local aid

This from the State House News Service, via John Nunnari –

MMA CHIEF SEES SLOTS DELIVERING LOCAL AID $$$
[Story Developing] The opening of the state’s first slot parlor in Plainville should provide more than enough money to fund the governor’s proposed increase in unrestricted local aid, Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Geoffrey Beckwith told lawmakers Tuesday. Plainridge Park Casino will generate $86.7 million to $118.5 million, according to Beckwith, who said the funds are required to flow into a local aid account. The slots parlor is set to open June 24. The group representing cities and towns backed Gov. Charlie Baker’s proposed $34 million increase in unrestricted local aid at a hearing before the House and Senate Ways and Means committees, which met at Greenfield Community College Tuesday. “The governor’s increase would be a return to the concept of revenue sharing,” said Beckwith, who was more critical of Baker’s proposed minimum $20-per-student increase in local education funding. Baker’s budget would increase local education funding, also known as Chapter 70, by $105.3 million. The funds are sent to cities and towns based on a formula. Beckwith pushed for a $100-per-student minimum increase and said the governor’s proposal is “insufficient.” – Andy Metzger/SHNS

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Posted in Budgets, State

STM tonight – my top 10 reasons

Posted on March 23, 2015 | 2 comments

The Special town meeting (STM) takes place this evening at the MHS gym at 7:30 PM to decide upon:

  1. The new public safety building; and
  2. A solar photovoltaic array next to the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Top ten reasons that I favor the new public safety building:

  1. The new public safety building has been designed and vetted by the Building Committee right from the very beginning.
  2. The Building Committee is comprised of a group of extremely knowledgeable,  talented and diligent people.
  3. As a result of my attending many of the Building Committee’s meetings, I have come to trust the judgment of the Building Committee, and to feel secure with what they recommend.
  4. The public safety building has been designed with specific input from both chiefs, to meet both current and future needs of police and fire.
  5. I do not have the expertise to question whether the size and build out of the public safety building is appropriate, but I have faith in those who have vetted the design.
  6. There are extra spaces designed into the public safety building to accommodate future growth, but it is not of such an amount as to me to make the total design questionable, even if one were to disagree with those assumptions about future needs.
  7. The marginal costs of those extra spaces designed into the public safety building is not substantial when compared to the cost of the building without that space.
  8. Alternately, it would be extremely costly to have to add onto the public safety building later if we designed it too small now.
  9. The town has asked the police and fire to work in substandard space for too long.
  10. The police and fire have been exceedingly gracious about accommodating the town need to postpone any consideration of a new facility for them for many years beyond the time when we knew the current facilities needed to be replaced.

2 Comments

Posted in Budgets, Buildings, Town Meeting

MMA on pothole $

Posted on March 19, 2015 | Comments Off on MMA on pothole $

This alert from the Mass. Municipal Assoc. –

 

Thursday, March 19, 2015

BAKER ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE CITIES AND TOWNS WITH $30 MILLION FOR POTHOLE AND WINTER RECOVERY EFFORTS

$30 MILLION IN ONE-TIME AID TO BE AVAILABLE AND ALLOCATED THROUGH CHAPTER 90 FORMULA

The Baker Administration announced today that it has established a “Winter Recovery Assistance Program” that will provide cities and towns with $30 million in funding this spring to repair potholes and other damage to roads, bridges and signs caused by the punishing winter.

“This winter’s record-setting snowfall has left our cities and towns with a major maintenance deficit that needs to be addressed immediately,” Lt. Governor Polito said in a statement on Thursday. “This program provides municipalities with additional resources to accelerate those repairs and make our roadways safer for everyone.”

The $30 million for cities and towns will be allocated to municipalities using the Chapter 90 formula. The program will allow municipalities to seek reimbursement on expenditures related to potholes, pavement cracking, surface defects, paving projects, guardrails, storm drains, line striping, and repair or replacement of damaged signs.

MassDOT officials have outlined the following details: 1) the program will be implemented this month, with all qualifying work completed by June 30, 2015; 2) the department will issue one-time contracts with municipalities allowing them to draw down their share of the $30 million for the specific purpose of road and facility repairs; 3) these contracts will include a “use it or lose it” clause to ensure that funds are spent and projects are completed by June 30; and 4) all work invoices must be provided to MassDOT by July 31, 2015 and MassDOT will reimburse cities and towns as invoices are received.

Cities and towns will be receiving official notification and information on this program within the next several days.  Click here to view the WRAP apportionment list and rules and regulations, which detail how the $30 million will be apportioned to each city and town.

This year’s harsh winter has damaged local roads, generated countless potholes and placed a huge burden on local taxpayers as municipal leaders work to shore up their crumbling roadways. Communities will put these funds to immediate use rebuilding and repairing roads, equipment and facilities in every corner of Massachusetts, which will save money, help our economy and improve public safety.

This is very good news for cities and towns, and the MMA applauds Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Secretary Pollack and MassDOT for this important program!

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Posted in Budgets, DPW, Massachusetts Municipal Association