Newton Aldermen Pass FY '13 Budget, Five Year Capital Plan

Five weeks , the Newton Board of Aldermen last night approved the city's fiscal 2013 budget in addition to the five year, fiscal 2013-fiscal 2017 Capital Improvement Plan.

The bottom line approved by the board totaled roughly $375.8 million, which includes $313 million in general funds for all the city departments as well as all of the water/sewer utility funds, community preservation funds, gift and grants as well as other revolving accounts. 

The final vote was 22-0; Aldermen Carleton Merrill and Marc Laredo were absent.

"Thank you for your leadership and your incredible work," Mayor Warren said in a brief address to the board last night. "I look forward to the work we have to come."

Following the vote, Warren's office released a statement touting the work of the board and the administration in "solidifying Newton's firm financial footing." The statement specifically noted the role of the union contracts and their impact on saving the city $100 million over the next five years.

“This budget really reflects our community priorities, values and vision, and demonstrates that our city is once again on the right financial and operational path,” Warren said in the statement.

Last night's budget vote came in the second night of full board budget discussions, as the aldermen met last week to start the process . During last night's discussion, the board moved through a number of other departments including the Health and Human Services budget, the Parks and Recreation budget and the School Department budget.

Resolution to review

During the School Department budget discussion, Ward 8 Alderman-at-Large David Kalis and Ward 4 Alderman-at-Large Amy Sangiolo proposed a budget resolution that requested the School Department, School Committee, Board of Aldermen and city administration work together to thoroughly review . 

"I feel like the board needs to voice an opinion whether the fees are an acceptable way to get revenue," Kalis said. "I can't help but think the increase in fees has impacted families negatively.

Several aldermen agreed the fees need to be closely reviewed, as the additional cost could be closing doors to some students, rather than offering opportunities.

In the resolution, Kalis and Sangiolo also recommended the formation of a working group that would look into alternative revenue sources for the School Department. 

After some debate on the specific wording and intention of the resolution, the aldermen agreed unanimously to send the request along to the School Department and city administration.

"This is really something the entire city should be involved with," said Ward 3 Alderman-at-Large Ted Hess-Mahan.

The board passed similar budget resolutions last week that requested the city review the fee structure for water/sewer rates as well as the Inspectional Services Department.

Capital Improvement Plan

In addition to passing the budget, the board voted to approve the city's five-year, fiscal 2013-fiscal 2017 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the city's infrastructure and facilities needs. 

Prior to passing the plan, the aldermen voted in favor of amending the CIP to specify the city-wide fiber network installation be completed in two years, rather than the administration's three-year plan.

Last week, the board submitted a resolution to the mayor's office requesting the plan be bumped up from two to three years. However, in his response to the board, the mayor would not commit to a two-year timeline.

Ward 8 Alderman Cheryl Lappin proposed the amendment to the CIP, saying she was "disappointed in the response from the mayor." Lappin's amendment specified the $1 million plan take two years rather than three, with $500,000 spent each year. 

"This should be a priority," Lappin said.