By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – City Councilors approved the $137 million budget proposed by Mayor Arthur Vigeant at the May 19 meeting, following a public hearing. It represents an increase of just under four percent over the current budget. The Finance Committee, chaired by Michael Ossing, reviewed and approved the document during only one meeting, making two cuts – from the bottom line and fringe benefits line item.
During the public comment portion of the public hearing, Katherine Hennessy, a member of the School Committee, expressed her agreement with the budget but expressed her concern about cuts made to the school budget as requested by the School Department to the mayor. This year's budget represents an increase in the school department spending by 4.5 percent over the FY14 appropriation.
Hennessey said she commended the council for not suggesting any cuts to the school budget, and hoped that councilors would work collaboratively with the School Committee in assessing line items needing attention in the operational budget, in particular providing all-day kindergarten classes.
In an effort to keep councilors informed and aware of departmental functions “which may not have been reviewed as a result of the streamlined approval of Mayor Vigeant's FY2015 Municipal Budget,” it was voted that the Council Operations and Oversight Committee be charged with continuing reviews.
The order submitted by councilors Joseph Delano and Matt Elder stated: “The Committee, after posting and proper notification to the Mayor and appropriate department manager(s), will undertake a collaborative review of any city department requested by individual City Councilors. This will allow for Councilors to ask any questions they may have regarding operations and/or finances, and for the public to be informed on said operations and finances.”
In presenting the new budget to councilors at the May 5 meeting, Vigeant emphasized that the budget recommendations were due to a collaborative effort of the finance team and each of the city's department heads. He also commended Superintendent Richard Langlois and his team for “working diligently on implementing many changes and reforms throughout our school system.”