Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, SB Chair
• Patrick White
• Chuck Cardillo
• Jay Bikofsky, FC Chair
• Steve Shatz
• Bill Vogt
• Neil Holden
• Diane Reuss
• Pam Boudreau
• Jim Balfanz via Zoom
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Peter Dillon, Superintendent of Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)
• Chief Vincent Garofoli, Stockbridge Fire Department (SFD)
• Hugh Page, Superintendent Highway Dept
• Steve Knopf, Chair, Parks and Rec

1. McCaffrey said the SB would take no action on request to place “Fair Share Amendment” on the warrant for Town Meeting. (The Fair Share amendment adds 4% to tax on income over $1,000,000/year.)
2. Bikofsky asked for approval of Finance Committee minutes 3/17 and 3/23. 3/17 approved as amended; 3/23 approved as written.
3. Dillon Superintendent BHRSD — school budget will increase by $433,318 this year
   1. Dillion explained that the increase is partly the result of an increase in students — Stockbridge went from 111 to 118 students — but also a function of the Commonwealth formula for dividing costs. The formula is tied to the real estate assessment. At the same time that the number of Stockbridge students went up so did real estate values. Minimum obligation set by state is $250,000; that is half the increase is due to rise in assessment set by Commonwealth.
   2. There are 271 “school choice” students — more choice students opting into BHRSD than opting out. The sending school pays $5000 per student or $1,355,000 per year for 27.
   3. Amount paid per choice student is less than actual cost per student. The Commonwealth sets the fee and has no interest in changing the amount. For some reason pay Charter Schools full amount; that is, sending-school pays a charter school actual amount/cost per student
   4. Extra fees collected for special needs students
   5. Question about why BHRSD needs a Communication position @ $50,000/annually. Dillon explained this cost does not add to $31,000,000 budget — is taken out of excess funds. The internal communication — parent/teacher — is excellent but school/community could be improved. This position would enhance web site and social media
   6. Question about additions and subtractions to staff: one art teacher and one social studies teacher gone — one school psychologist and two social workers added. Could represent a cost savings as $40,000 was spent last year in transportation to take children to off campus mental health services.
   7. Question: what percent English as a Second Language (ESL) students? 13% — rose from 4% over 20 years and rising.
   8. What per cent poverty? Determine by number in free lunch program — 20-50% and rising.
4. Dillon also discussed the capital expenditures:
   1. $1,500,000 for a feasibility study to determine next step for capital expenditure. They may request six plans as follows: there are three choices (restoration, restoration and addition, or new school). Then for each of the three, planning for 550 BHRSD students or 750 students if the districts merge
   2. The impact may be somewhat diminished as BHRSD will pay off old debt in 2024 possibly before incurring new debt for renovations or new build.
   3. Finally, Dillon explained the reason behind the new formula: for years spending for new school approved at Stockbridge and West Stockbridge town meetings but turned down in Great Barrington. One reason for new formula was to encourage Great Barrington to approve. GB was 70% and now — GB 53%, St 30%. W St 13%
   4. Commonwealth paid for one feasibility study and will not pay for another — whole cost falls to us.
5. Vincent Garofoli, Chief SFD
   1. 2021: 515 calls — 261 EMS, 254 fire, 10 active fires — seven SFD assisted other towns; in three, other towns assisted SFD.
   2. No formal replacement plan — no fleet replacement cycle so equipment on the road beyond intended use.
   3. 1995 engine and 2001 engine — cost of parts (when available) and labor as much as $50,000/year
   4. Spent an hour discussing compromises whereby Stockbridge can avoid spending $960,000 on new fire engine — that was $600,000 last year when the old engine was 26 years old. Suggestions: use equipment from other towns with whom we have shared services — that idea increases the response time. Use the newest engine (2018) that is in good shape but is not equipped properly for the task. Put aside $250,000 per year and amass the money needed while risking a break down and as the price rises. White mentioned repairs could be as much as $50,000 and loan for new truck cost $64,000 — why not move forward with purchase?
   5. The Chief has applied for a grant to fund the engine with the Town contribution of $100,000 but it is a national grant and many applicants for same money
6. Hugh Page, Superintendent Highway Dept
   1. Page made the same request — to replace old vehicles that were costing more and more for repair plus towing. The price tag was lower per vehicle and lower total cost for six vehicles requested ($500,000 plus) than the $960,000 fire engine.
   2. Mentioned — important to remember our Town Fire Chief and Highway Superintendent are not responsible for the high costs
   3. While the fire engine may take as long as 18 months to receive, Page thought he could get his vehicles more quickly
7. Steve Knopf, Chair, Parks and Rec
   1. $20,000 for metal roof for bathhouse at Town beach
   2. $5700 to clean beach and add to sand
   3. An employee to be added to Highway Department but would oversee all necessary work at beach.
8. Chair asked if wish to continue with warrant items, revenues, and debt schedule but chose to adjourn. Before adjourning Chair wanted everyone to know our revenues are also up

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s note: Shatz asked what if anything the SB decided about the fire engine and said he would like to know that first. However, according to MA Gen Law “The Finance Committee serves as the Advisory Board, making recommendations to Town Meeting on the Town Budget and all Warrant Articles.” Therefore, submitting their recommendations first — prior to the SB final decisions.