REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
GRIFFIN ROOM TOWN HALL
Monday, December 24, 2007
12:00 PM
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Marsland, McManus, Wilkins and Cole
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Administrator James Merriam, Town Accountant David Ryan, Town Clerk Anita Doucette, Town Appraiser David Scannell, Fire Chief William Flynn
Special Election Warrant - February 5, 2008
Mr. Merriam presented the Board with a copy of the Special Election warrant with a single question as follows: “Shall the Town of Harwich be allowed to assess an additional $192,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of purchasing a new AMBULANCE for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008?” The special election ballot has been approved by Town Counsel. Mr. Merriam explained that a Capital Exclusion required a 2/3 vote of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Merriam provided the Board that Mr. Piekarski could not attend and was opposed to this ballot question. Mr. Merriam informed the Board that Dave Scannell stated that $50,000 equated to a penny on the tax rate, so this vote if approved would equate to 4 cents or $18 one time for an average house assessed at $450,000. Chairman Wilkins
asked Mr. Merriam to convey this information to Mr. Piekarski.
Chief Flynn explained the need to replace the 2001 ambulance now rather than wait until the May Town Meeting. The Board received a copy of the Commonwealth’s DPH advisory regarding the condition of the 2001 ambulance and the need for repairs or removal from service.
The Board also received a copy of a January 24, 2000 memo from Lauren Goldberg, Legal Counsel, State Elections Division regarding “Presidential Primary and Annual or Special Elections. Anita Doucette explained the need for two separate ballots and registrations, which may be somewhat confusing for Election workers, but would save voters from having to come out to vote at two separate elections or a couple weeks apart.
Discussion ensued regarding retaining the 2001 ambulance and disposing of two army surplus ambulances. The Board advised that the 2001 ambulance should be included in the Town Meeting article as a trade in.
Selectman McManus moved to approve a Special Election ballot for February 5, 2008 with one question as:
“Shall the Town of Harwich be allowed to assess an additional $192,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of purchasing a new AMBULANCE for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008?”
Selectman Cole seconded it and Selectman Marsland asked about the Capital exclusion being a one time impact with no debt or interest payments. Mr. Merriam explained that there is a $210,000 capital exclusion approved for fuel tanks at the Highway garage. This vote would virtually offset the impact of the fuel tanks, so the tax rate would not further increase because of it. The Board voted in favor 4-0.
The executive session adjourned at 12:30 pm.
| 
