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Date: 12/9/2020
EASTHAMPTON – City departments will have to tighten their belts in fiscal year 2022 (FY22).
In a letter sent to all department heads on Dec. 2, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle directed department heads to submit a budget at funding levels 2.5 percent below those of FY21. However, she also indicated her desire to maintain staffing at its current levels, at least for now.
“Due to several fiscal unknowns, I am cutting the budget now proactively instead of in a reactionary manner,” she wrote. “With this directive, every effort must be made to preserve jobs – no budget should include furloughs, layoffs, or staff reduction at this time.”
As part of the FY22 budgeting process, LaChapelle stated the city would utilize an electronic format “for clarity” with a template that allows for a “clearer ‘apples-to-apples’ spending comparison.”
The digital format includes capital improvement plan sheets, a budget narrative form, an organizational chart template, a budget worksheet and full time equivalent analysis, and a spreadsheet containing a personnel service tab and program expense form.
“The information entered into these forms must provide a clear description of your department’s responsibilities and a detailed written explanation for each line item requested in the budget,” LaChapelle wrote. “All funding requests and justifications need to be on these forms to be included in the [FY22] budget.”
Capital improvement plans are due to the Mayor’s Office and the city auditor by Dec. 23.
“Capital spending continues to be frozen, excluding expenditures relating to state and federal mandates,” LaChapelle stated in her letter.
Department heads were also directed to specify what coronavirus-related FY21 expenditures are covered by CARES Act funds, COVID19 related grants, or FEMA reimbursements.
Departmental budget proposals for FY22 are due for electronic submission to the Mayor’s Office and the city auditor by Feb. 1, 2021. Initial budget meetings for departments will take place between Feb. 4 and 20.
Budget presentations must be finalized by March 1 for proofreading and all departmental budgets will be finalized by March 14, according to the letter.
“I will deliver a balanced budget to the City Council at their second meeting in April,” LaChapelle wrote.