Keep Framingham Affordable
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Every tax is a pay cut. |
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| Town looks for $7 million more next year | Wednesday, February 22, 2006 |
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| David McLaughlin 508-626-4338 | Metrowest Daily News |
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FRAMINGHAM -- The town could be facing a $2 million shortfall in next year's
budget, a spending plan that includes some new money for additional police
officers and Memorial Building staff.
Chief Financial Officer Mary Ellen Kelley is recommending a $183 million budget for fiscal 2007, an increase of slightly more than $7 million over the current budget. Kelley told selectmen last night the town is contending with a shortfall at this point of between $805,000 and $2.1 million, depending on how much local aid Framingham receives in the final state budget. When asked if the larger shortfall would force layoffs, Kelley said covering the gap would be difficult but that it could be done through "aggressive attrition," or not filling open jobs. "I think we could do it other ways," she said. The $2 million shortfall is based on an estimated revenue increase next fiscal year of about $5.2 million and expenses jumping by about $7.3 million over fiscal year 2006. The fiscal year starts July 1. Although Town Meeting has the final say over the budget, Kelley is calling for $310,000 in new spending beyond a budget that provides the same level of service as this year. That money, she said, would go in part to hiring a new employee for inspectional services to enforce sign regulations and additional Park and Recreation staff. It would also pay for two new patrolmen. A Police Department lieutenant, she said, would also be promoted to deputy chief and oversee emergency management. That change would allow a third patrolman to be hired, Kelley said. |
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