Since there were approximately 57 residents at the Annual Town Meeting, Wednesday, June 8, I want to share my notes.

There was a discussion about reinstating the position of Assistant Town Clerk. The Town had an Assistant Town Clerk until 2001. The Town Clerk position is an elected position. The Assistant Town Clerk is an appointed position. Jane Phinney, Town Clerk, stated her position is for 8 hours a week at minimum wage. Jane said from September to May she is working between 10 to 16 hours and times are hectic. She would rather have less hours and not more pay. “I am getting older and don’t know how long I will stay Town Clerk”.

Eric Krutiak, Moderator, asked Emile if the Finance Committee presented the Select Board with a balanced budget. Emile responded ‘yes’. Emile stated the budget had $11,000 surplus and used some of the money to subsidize the Highway Department hourly pay. “This will not raise the tax rate at all”. The Finance Committee differed with the Select Board on the increase for the Highway Department. The Finance Committee wanted to give all town employees a 2.5% raise. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) would be used for increases in the future. The Select Board did not agree and wanted a 10% increase for the hourly wage per man for the Highway Department. The Highway Department has not had a raise in two years. There was a motion to amend the article which failed. Emile said the 2.5% would not bring the Highway Department salaries in line with surrounding towns; but the 10% was a good start. Emile did not have the supporting documentation available used to reach the 10% increase. (The towns reviewed were Peru, Windsor, Worthington and Florida) The documentation was available at the office and since it is public record is available for review. Sandy Brazee asked why other town employees did not get an increase. Dick Holmes said they did not ask. Increases were budgeted for positions that requested an increase.

There was an issue about taking money from the Stabilization Fund to support snow and ice. A question was asked how much money would be left if money is taken from the Fund. Emile did not have the balance. Sandy Brazee stated that $50,000 for the Town Park was going back into the Fund. The town did not get the grant for town park so the money was returned. Emile said taking from the Stabilization Fund is not the best way but to keep the town operating there was no other way. The override failed last year so there are few avenues to keep the town running and not raise taxes. “Not to go into the 21st Century but to stay in the 19th Century”, Emile’s opinion as a taxpayer. Emile said the town is at the point of going into receivership. If there is not enough money in the Stabilization to float a bond, the State can come in and put the town in receivership.
Emile said it is his understanding the State will look the other way as long as there is enough money to pay bills. The problem Savoy has is the State land. Savoy use to get money but the State changed procedures and decided that money should be distributed according to population. Boston gets $85 million while Savoy gets $23,000. Emile further explained that Hancock is the flagship for the State’s attempt to change how they determine money paid for State property. The State is trying to cut down on the frontage which will reduce their financial responsibility to the town.

Sandy Totter, representing Savoy on the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste, told the Select Board the money for this line item (N. Berk. Solid Waste) was short $190.35. She said payments can be made quarterly after July 1. The Finance Committee can remedy this at any time, an amendment was not necessary.

The Police Safety Salary was reduced by $2,000.00. Steve Dean explained this was the result of one officer being out on medical leave and a cruiser being down. Steve wants the Police Department to be self-sufficient and the only way that can happen is to have the cruiser on the road. The question was asked if we will be safer. Steve said there will be less patrol hours (approximately a 40% decrease).

Sandy Totter asked about the $5200 for the fire truck. Emile felt this was not the time to address this issue. This issue will be addressed at the Special Town Meeting at the end of the year. Sandy Brazee explained “since this is a Capital Expense, it must be voted on by the townspeople unless there is a grant. Capital Expenses are guided by the Massachusetts General Laws.”

The Town received a one-time grant from the State for $10,707.00. This money was transferred to the Fire Department Engine 1 Repair Account.

After listening to all the explanations, I agree with Emile this is complicated to follow. It would help us, townspeople, if the Select Board and Finance Committee took the time to hold an informational meeting to explain to us the process of the budget. Have an informational meeting independent of the Annual Town Meeting. It would be easier to make decisions at the Annual Town Meeting if I knew how the budget was developed, what goes into the line items, where the money comes from to support the articles. I would be more inclined to support an override vote if the Select Board and Finance Committee had the time to answer our questions.
by Brenda Smith