THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 5 Annual Town Meeting 2021 Members approve a new fiscal year budget over some contentious questions By Mark E. Vogler s the Saugus Public Schools system getting its fair share of public money? How does the town miniI mize the financial impact of the declining enrollment as more students decide to go to charter schools and other options outside the district? And should the town consider reducing its generous contributions to pay for the health insurance benefits of current and retired town employees? Discussion of Article 2 – the proposed budget for the 2021 fiscal year that begins July 1 – ignited some spirited and sometimes contentious debate during the fourth and final session of this year’s Annual Town Meeting. In the end, Town Meeting members voted 38-2 in support of the $97.3 million package – which includes $67.4 million for the municipal department operating budgets and $29.9 million for the School Department operating budget. Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member William R. Moore and Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Steven C. DiVirgilio cast the lone votes opposing the budget. DiVirgilio, a member of the Finance Committee, drew some criticism from fellow Town Meeting members when he suggested that “nobody has [the intestinal fortitude] to deal with” the costs of the town paying 85 to 90 percent of health insurance costs for current and retired town employees. That triggered an immediate response from Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member William E. Cross III, who is a Saugus Fire Department lieutenant. Cross said the suggestion raised by DiVirgilio was an “us vs. them argument” that was getting “a little tiresome.” Cross said the rich health benefits package compensated employees earning far less than those of surrounding communities. He suggested that Saugus firefighters were 15 percent behind in pay compared to other departments. DiVirgilio said the town’s tax base just doesn’t support the health benefits which employees and retirees are receiving from the town. Several School Committee members who participated in Monday night’s Town Meeting discussion argued that the amount of money being budgeted for the schools for the coming fiscal year – a $300,000 increase over the current fiscal year – comes a year after the School Department had previously been level-funded. “Last year, we were the only department that got level-funded,” School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould said. “I’m angry …. I think the schools ought to get a break,” he said. Gould said the School Department was about $2.1 million under level-funded. Gould and other committee members said the School Department needed $425,674 more to offset its budget deficit. School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge said the School Department is facing a situation where it would be cutting 18 positions next year. The cuts would mean a reduced number of counselors to deal with social and psychological issues students are facing in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said School Committee members are overlooking the actual amount of funds the schools receive. He noted that the amount of Schedule 19 chargebacks for the schools (for certain fixed costs and employee health insurance) in the 2021 fiscal year budget was $27.2 million – an increase of $3 million over the previous fiscal year. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian, a former School Committee member, said the town needs to take a closer look at the magnitude of funds being lost with the growing trend of would-be Saugus Public Schools students choosing to go to charter schools, vocational schools and private schools. Saugus school-aged residents who have chosen other options instead of attending Saugus Public Schools have cost the town $3.3 million (fiscal year 2019), $3.5 million (fiscal year 2020), $4.1 million (fiscal year 2021) and an anticipated $4.2 million for the 2022 fiscal year, which begins July 1, according to Manoogian. “We’re losing revenue as a result of the student flight,” Manoogian told Town Meeting members. “I’m optimistic that this new superintendent will get her arms around this thing,” Manoogian said, referring to Erin McMahon, who takes over the superintendent’s job on July 1. “I’m going to wait for this new superintendent to put together a plan,” Manoogian said. Manoogian and several other Town Meeting members complained that the School Department didn’t provide Town Meeting with a reasonable financial briefing in advance of this year’s meeting. Saugus Public Schools ranks about 49 percent over net school spending, which means it is getting adequate funding to run the school system. “The only thing that seems to go up in Saugus Public Schools is the salaries,” Manoogian said. He added that he is Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 confident that the new superintendent will be able to provide a better explanation of MEETING | SEE PAGE 14 A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 OPEN DOOR SPECIALS FOR FATHER’S DAY! Or any other day! Same Location * Same Service for over 49 Years... 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