Crabtree updates Saugus FinCom

SAUGUS – Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree presented some developments with the state budget to the Finance Committee Wednesday night, which includes a $256,000 increase in Chapter 70 education aid and $224,000 increase in unrestricted government aid.?I think the state delegation has done an unbelievable job getting that (Ch. 70) number closer to where it should be,” Crabtree said.The news wasn?t all goodDespite some increases in local aid, Crabtree said the town is still “in the red” with local receipts due to increases in money owed to the state.The town projected a total of $7.8 million in local aid for 2013, however the town will actually only receive about $7.7 million, leaving the town with about $55,000 less than it anticipated. This figure takes into account about a $20,000 overestimate in money owed to the state.Saugus is also receiving about $110,000 in charter school reimbursements, which is about $80,000 less than last year.?I don?t know how good of news this is,” said Finance Committee member Louis Rossi.Sam Rippin, executive director of finance and operations for the school district, said he is hoping at least $100,000 will find its way to the schools.Other areas that saw drops in state aid were veterans? benefits, with a decrease of $19,0000, and the library, with a decrease of about $900.?We?re going through that transition now with the veterans? agent ? We?re looking into making sure things are being properly submitted for reimbursement,” Crabtree said. “It?s based on population. If you?re able to form a constituent district, you can share resources. I?m going to look at whether it makes sense to join a district and whether they would allow us to do that.”Saugus also saw a $203,000 increase in tuition assessments.Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian said the best way to keep money coming to the schools is to keep students in the district.In other business, the Finance Committee welcomed its newest member Wednesday night, as Town Meeting member Maureen Dever accepted a spot on the panel.?I am so pleased to have Maureen because she has always been an incredible, outstanding member of the town,” said Finance Committee Chairman Bob Palleschi. “I?m very excited to have Maureen here with her years of experience.”Dever will replace former Finance Committee member John Reed.The committee also re-appointed Palleschi as chairman and Kenneth DePatto as vice-chairman.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].