By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Finance Committee descended into some fiery language including name-calling and shouting at its meeting on 4/27/23.
During discussion of the Town Meeting article 7A, which is the budget article, FinCom members expressed concern about the format, which is different than in previous years.
There are three budget columns in the main article in the front of the book: 1) actual budget from last Fiscal Year (FY); 2) the Select Board/Town Administrator’s contingent budget (the one that would require a Proposition 2 1/2 override); and 3) the SB/TA non-contingent budget. In Appendix A, the columns are 1) the budget with amounts as requested by individual departments; 2) the non-contingent budget that includes cuts to those requested budgets; 3) the SB recommended budget (requires override); 4) the FinCom budget, which includes different cuts to the departments’ requested budgets and does not require an override.
In recent years, there were three columns only because the Select Board and FinCom presented the same budget.
The actual motion will ask TM to approve both the contingent and non-contingent budgets. That way, if the town-wide vote for the override passes, or does not pass, the town has a budget and does not have to hold a special Town Meeting.
Under each department budget in the front of the book, the FinCom recommended cut is included in the traditional spot where they make their recommendation.
FinCom chairperson Pat Elliott said he would have preferred to see the FinCom budget in a column at the beginning of the book, so TM had a third option for their budget, although he can ask for a motion or amended motion on each department. Mr. Elliott took a practical approach, saying maybe next year they can talk about the format.
FinCom member Terry Szala, however, took a harsher approach, insisting the numbers were not there and saying that Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison was not truthful with the committee.
Ms. Ellison said the numbers were there in detail in the appendix.
“I hope at this point you guys understand that I’m open and transparent,” said Ms. Ellison.
“You are not,” said Ms. Szala raising her voice significantly. “I asked you direct questions and you lied.”
The two spoke over each other for a bit.
“I don’t like to be berated and talked down to in that way,” said Ms. Ellison forcefully.
“Well, then you shouldn’t lie,” countered Ms. Szala.
Mr. Elliott tried to interject, saying something about not making accusations.
“I’m not kidding,” said Ms. Szala, adding it was all “on tape.”
“You and I, our conversations are done, because you are being disrespectful,” said Ms. Ellison. “Anything you need to say to me you can manage it through the chair. We’re done talking.”
FinCom member Lisa Plante said that she felt the FinCom was not as well respected as it was before the Town Administrator act was passed. She said they do a lot of work going over the budget and it seems to be disregarded.
Ms. Ellison said she was not going back decades.
“I am doing it based on the legislative acts that are in place,” said Ms. Ellison. “And my authority as well as the Select Board’s authority.”
She said she hoped that new and seasoned members could work in collaboration to get a budget.
Ms. Ellison also said she was taking into consideration the different cuts that FinCom recommended for their non-contingent budget and would recommend them if the override does not pass.
“I don’t want to minimize the work the Finance Committee has done,” said Me. Ellison, noting that she implemented the cuts to capital projects that they recommended to save the town from a debt exclusion to use that money to fix the middle school roof, a “full million dollar burden” will not be on the taxpayers.
“So, I’m listening,” said Ms. Ellison, adding it should be a partnership.
“But I’m telling you I will not sit in a public meeting and be attacked personally at all,” she said. “There’s not a community that would pay me enough to be able to do that. And I don’t expect that disrespect in any forum that I sit it.”
“I agree with you, Angie,” said Ms. Szala, adding but “we have the columns, right?” and she held up a sheet of paper.
“Terry, you’re point is made, your point is understood. I already made my point on it,” said Mr. Elliott. “I think next year is the year. I think what we have to deal with is this year.
Eleanor Chew, who joined the meeting by Zoom, said she was “appalled and embarrassed for this town,” because of the behavior of “one member” of the committee.
“This is ridiculous,” said Ms. Chew, adding it has been going in “every meeting” and is not acceptable, adding she is appalled at the accusations. “And there should be respect in this meeting. Maybe that’s why you’re having less authority, less input, because of behavior like this.”
Select Board Chairperson Leon Correy also joined by Zoom, saying he got messages from residents about the “behavior tonight.”
“You can disagree, you can have debate, you can have discussion, but to do it in a way that has been done thus far….is not okay,” said Mr. Correy. “So, please, I’m just asking everybody to be respectful, and you, as the chair, you have control over the conversation flow there. So, we are better than that.”
The meeting is available at FairhavenTV.com
•••
Click here to download the 5/4/23 issue: 05-04-23 ArborDay
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
