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Date: 7/12/2023
PALMER — The Town Council approved a $44.3 million operating budget for fiscal year 2024. The council’s final budget hearing June 29 focused on the School Department’s budget.
Town Manager Ryan McNutt proposed $19.7 million for Palmer School District and Pathfinder Regional, a $500,000 increase over last year. School Committee member Erica Nadeau cited rising costs and an increase in Chapter 70 or state education funding, particularly a $50,000 allocation from the previous year.
Nadeau noted that the town increased school funding by 1.8% or $302,573 in FY23, which only covered contractual salary increases. “It had nothing to do with non-salary related increases,” she said.
The town proposed a 2.9% or $500,000 increase in educational funding. “Again, this is only going to cover our contractual salary raises,” Nadeau said. The School Committee negotiated a three-year contract with a 2.5-3% wage increase with the Palmer Teachers Association.
“We felt the timing of the budget process seemed not a reasonable time frame,” Nadeau told the council. Early budget figures would have aided the School Committee in union negotiations. Additional shortfalls are making it “challenging” for the schools. “We’re looking at cutting six positions,” Nadeau said.
Nadeau recommended the School Committee, superintendent, or finance director be “at the table” during the budget process, especially for capital improvement projects and the expected loss of $800,000 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, mainly used for social and emotional needs programs.
Councilor Matthew Lemieux said the school district was informed of the $800,000 as a one-time allocation. “There’s been a clear line of communication between the school and council,” he said.
Lemieux noted that the superintendent transition had caused a lack of communication between the parties. A budget subcommittee requested a detailed school budget but, instead, got “high-detail numbers,” he added.
Nadeau said the six at-risk positions are at Old Mill Pond Elementary and the high school. She explained that some of the positions were tied to enrollment.
Councilor Mark Caci said the council has grown frustrated with the amount of budget requests made. Again, Caci asked for details on the proposed jobs cuts and the ESSER Funds. “It’s not fair to say we’re not helping,” he added.
Council President Barbara Barry said the Chapter 70 increase was related to the district’s overall budget, excluding health insurance and county retirement payments. She said the town examines local and state aid and revenues before formulating the operating budget.
While the Police Department’s budget was $2.9 million or 5.17% over last year, the increase was attributed to state-mandated training. McNutt said the training allows police officers to maintain their certifications.
However, the town froze the Police Department’s overtime pay at $374,312.
The Department of Public Works’ expenses climbed 9.16% overall, primarily for stormwater management. In FY23, the stormwater budget was $20,000. For FY24, the figure is $83,750, a 318.75% increase over the previous fiscal year.
Over $1.9 million was set aside for the Public Works. The County Retirement line item rose by 15.86% or $359,161. Group Health Insurance, about $5.9 million for FY24, saw a 6.5% increase.
On average, department heads received a 3% wage increase, in keeping with most communities in Western Massachusetts.
Later in the session, the council approved a $858,349 Capital Planning request, which included heavy and light equipment and materials for the DPW, a cruiser, a dispatch console, and a computer replacement for the Police Department.