FINCOM 20180314 Minutes

Source page 1

Canton Finance Committee Minutes Voted on: 3-26-18 
Meeting Minutes Vote: 5-0-1 
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 
Members Present: 
Rob Barker, Nichola Gallagher, Cynthia Holcombe, Barbara Saint Andre and Cindy Thomas. 
Members Absent: Tim McKenna. 
Guests Present: 
Debra Bromfield, Director of Student Services 
Jennifer Fischer -Mueller, Superintendent of Schools 
Patricia Kinsella, Assistant Superintendent for Special Projects 
Mike Loughran, Chairman, School Committee 
Jim Murgia, Finance Director 
Ellen Jones, Finance Committee Secretary 
Opening: A meeting of the Canton Finance Committee was called to order by Chairman Barker at 7:02 pm. on 
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in the Salah Meeting Room of Town Hall. 
A. Approval of Agenda 
Chairman Barker reviewed the items on the agenda which included the School Committee's budget deliberations 
and the continuation of the Finance Committee's voting of articles. 
B. Announcements 
Chairman Barker announced that there are three vacancies on the Finance Committee and interested residents 
should contact the Town Moderator. 
C. New Business 
Discussion of FY18 School Department Budget 
Mr. Loughran opened up the discussion regarding the FY19 budget increase request of 5.51% which the School 
Committee had voted on to support the strategic framework, in keeping class sizes down and still allowing some 
new items within the budget. 
The Revenue Forecasting Committee had recommended an increase of 4.16%. Mr. Loughran stated that the 
School Committee is willing to accept the 4.16% increase in light of the help that they need with the SPED budget 
for FY18 and FY19. 
The School Committee determined that there is a deficit for FY18 in the SPED budget of approximately $600,000 
which will also impact the FY 19 SPED budget. 
Dr. Fischer -Mueller continued the discussion. Mr. Nectow was unable to attend the meeting due to a death in the 
family. Mr. Nectow had provided the Finance Committee with very detailed information regarding the FY18 and 
FY19 budget. 
FINCOM 20180314 Minutes Page] of 8 03/18/18