MINUTES

HAMPDEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SEPT 9, 2002

Present: Kathy Pessolano, Beth deSousa, Michael Crowley, Judy Mikkola, Peter Nossal

Guests: Board of Assessors, Cliff Bombard, Duane Mosier, Mark Barba, Ellen Bump

Minutes:

The minutes of the August 12^th meeting were approved as written.

Discussion:

The Board of Assessors and Selectmen met with the committee to discuss FY 2003 revenues. The new growth figure was conservatively estimated at $150,000 and Free Cash has been certified at approximately $100,000 by the DOR. The question remains as to whether the revaluation is included in the new growth amount or not. The Assessors have paperwork from the DLS saying it is not, and Accountant Cliff Bombard discussed the matter with Dennis Mountain of the DOR who said that it is part of new growth. This will need clarification before the Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 12, 2002.

The Assessors estimate property values have increased an average of 20% due to the revaluation.

Special Town Meeting:

Date is set for October 12th and the Advisory hearing will be held on October 7th.

Articles tentatively on the warrant:

GMS No $$

EPA Water/Sewer $24,000

Quinn Bill $16,000

Weights & Measures $1,000

YA Librarian $4302

Council On Aging Clerk $8644

Treasurer’s Salary $2539

Employee COL Raises +/- $5,000

The next meeting will be held on September 23, 2002 at 6:30 pm at the Town House.

The STM Hearing will be held on October 7, 2002 at 7:00 pm with the Advisory Committee having its regular meeting at 6:00 pm prior to that.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Rauscher