See Video Below

That’s right, last night’s special BOE meeting lasted 28 minutes- possibly a record. Albeit short, it was very interesting.
 
The agenda read as follows:

I. Call to Order
II. Approve 09/10 Maintenance Level Budget
III. Adjourn

Notice that it doesn’t say ‘discuss’ or ‘vote’- it says ‘Approve’, interesting. It appears that things didn’t go exactly as planned. There was resistance from the members of the Board- but a little background first-

Recently, the BOE asked the Board of Finance for more time to present their budget; however, the budgets need to be put out to the public two months prior to the town meeting. The request was granted, pushing the BOE budget presentation until April 7th, but something had to be into Town Hall today in order to meet the State statutes and timelines; a “placeholder budget” if you will.

At last night’s meeting, Frank Baran put forth a slightly different version from the original 4.31% increase paring it down to a 3.56% increase in juggling some numbers around- still far above the directive of the BOF to bring it in at 0%. Mrs. Andrzeicik took issue with the cover letter and the fact that it made no further mention of how or if this is going to happen- discussion ensued around adding wording around the intent and reasoning for putting forth the budget as presented last night and how it will be revisited in the next meeting.

Kevin Ford saw the light, mentioning that he was uncomfortable voting on something just put forward at the meeting. Moreover, he also identified that as an official act of the Board, without some verbiage to reflect the intent to lower the budget at the next meeting, it could be construed that they did not intend to do that. It appeared that Mrs. Paul was fit to be tied over these suggestions of an amendment to the cover letter and the potential limitations that it would place on the BOE’s “control”.
 
Mrs. Paul’s quote in response to Mrs. Andrzeicik speaks volumes:

Andrzeicik: “…We’re committing ourselves to this number unless we come up with a different number at the next meeting”

Paul: “…Right, which is entirely within our control- and nobody else’s control”.

So, “control” is what it’s all about for her- not the kids, not the potential tax burden- control.

Hat’s off to Mr. Ford for stepping out of the shadows and into the light.

[Video -HERE-] 28 Minutes- Requires Media Player