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Town of Sterling WARRANT

Attention – Voters and Taxpayers Please bring this WARRANT to Town Meeting

2020 Annual Town Meeting Monday June 22, 2020

At the Sterling Airport 121 Greenland Rd. Enter at the I 190 end of the airport

Gates open at 5:30. Meeting starts at 6:30 PM ** See note on page 36

Online copies of the warrant are available at: https://www.sterling-ma.gov/board-of-selectmen

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Finance Committee Report 1 To the Citizens of Sterling, 2 3 Your Finance Committee respectfully submits our report and our town’s budget recommendation 4 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021. We have reviewed each town 5 department’s budget request which we present at the back portion of this warrant, including 6 further explanations for any significant department budget increases. 7 Each year, the Finance Committee begins its meetings in November to begin to formulate its 8 budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. We met with each individual department 9 head in late February and during our meetings beginning in March we deliberated to put together 10 our final omnibus budget. Joint meetings with the Capital Planning Committee were also held in 11 March to discuss and approve our capital expenditure recommendations for the upcoming year. 12 The coronavirus pandemic which took hold in mid-March dramatically changed the course of our 13 deliberations. At that time, the Finance Committee voted to support a budget of $24.6 million 14 and capital requests of $1.4 million. Several scenarios for the omnibus budget and capital 15 expenditures were subsequently considered in later March and during the month of April, 16 including level funding of each department budget. These efforts, as of this writing, result in an 17 overall omnibus budget of $24,322,887 and a capital budget of $657,151. The recommended 18 omnibus budget represents a 2.19% increase over this year’s budget. The Committee feels 19 strongly in its support of a 2% cost of living increase for our municipal employees. 20 Items of note in the recommended budget are the Committee’s support for Article 24, Article 25 21 and Article 26 of the warrant. Article 24 provides for a part-time administrative assistant for the 22 Board of Health, Article 25 requests the creation of a full-time assistant town administrator 23 position, and Article 26 would establish a full-time daytime firefighter/paramedic position. The 24 Committee feels strongly in its support of the assistant town administrator position as it provides 25 management continuity in that office as the current town administrator begins to reduce his 26 work hours and gradually phases toward retirement. 27 Other budget areas to draw your attention to are the following: 28 29

• School District Assessments 30

The Wachusett Regional School District increased their overall assessment by 3.83% to 31 $12,144,494 while the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District increased their 32 assessment by 10.18% to $905,635. Details of both district budgets are shown in lines 208-216 of 33 the proposed budget. 34 35

• Capital Requests 36

After careful consideration and review of capital requests from all departments, the Finance 37 Committee is recommending approval of a capital budget expenditure of $657,151 to be funded 38 from a combination and our Capital Investment Fund and certified free cash. As mentioned 39 earlier, should voters approved Article 41 for the Houghton School playground structure, the 40 capital budget would increase by $130,000. This recommendation is consistent with our stated 41 “pay as you go” strategy and goal of minimizing year to year tax bill increases. It is also reflective 42 of our commitment to maintain municipal services, protect town assets, and support capital 43

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needs while guarding the town’s financial position. Funding the town’s capital needs is a 44 challenge each year and the Finance Committee and Capital Committee work collaboratively to 45 meet these needs now and into the future. It is important once again to note that initially capital 46 expenditures were budgeted to be $1,439,501 pre-coronavirus pandemic. 47 48

• Capital Fund 49

It is recommended that in order to fund the town’s capital budget for FY 2021, a portion of these 50 funds come from the Capital Investment Fund. As noted in warrant Article 7, that amount is 51 $419,151. The Capital Committee made its approval recommendations to the Finance 52 Committee. 53 The Committees jointly agreed to break tradition by not appropriating any funding to the Capital 54 Investment Fund in this fiscal budget. However, warrant Article 5 would restore $77,725 to the 55 Fund by “recapturing” unused warrant articles and inactive accounts from prior years. 56 The Capital Investment Fund had a balance of $3,550.443 as of May, 2020. 57 58

• Other Post-Employee Benefits (OPEB) 59

The Town of Sterling provides postemployment medical benefits to town retirees and their 60 covered dependents commonly referred to as OPEB. As such, the liability to fund these benefits 61 in the future is estimated using an actuarial valuation. Based on these calculations, Sterling has a 62 substantial unfunded liability which requires a fundamental change in how we confront this issue. 63 Migrating from a “pay as you go” to a pre-funded approach has been our first step in this process. 64 The Finance Committee has taken this liability seriously and continues to address this matter in 65 its budget deliberations, giving it its own line item 219 in the omnibus budget. Initially, the 66 Committee voted to recommend $172,500 for this expense in the original budget, however, given 67 the uncertain financial situation we find ourselves in, the recommendation has been reduced to 68 $25,000. These funds would be added to an investment account already established to fund this 69 liability. It is our hope and expectation to restore this funding in future years as improved 70 circumstances dictate. As of June 2019, the balance in this account was $9,663,826. 71 72 Our Committees would also like to acknowledge the unexpected passing of Steve Staudaher in 73 March. Steve was a valued member of both Committees providing keen insight and knowledge of 74 our town. He was a committed member of our community and always deliberated with its best 75 interest in mind. He is sorely missed. 76 77 Lastly, we would like to thank the voters, departments, boards and committees for their 78 contributions and continued support of our efforts to provide a balanced budget to meet the 79 needs of the town. 80 81 Respectfully Submitted; 82 The Town of Sterling Finance Committee 83 Joseph G. Sova, Chairman Mary Cliett, Clerk 84 Everett Heller, Vice Chairman Todd Chapman 85

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TOWN OF STERLING 2020 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 87 88 Index of Articles: 89

ARTICLE 1. FY21 Town Operating Budget ....................................................................................................................... 6 90

ARTICLE 2. Fund Deficit due to Snow and Ice ................................................................................................................. 6 91

ARTICLE 3. Transfer Certified Free Cash to Capital Fund ................................................................................................ 6 92

ARTICLE 4. Transfer Certified Free Cash to Stabilization Fund ....................................................................................... 7 93

ARTICLE 5. Transfer Balances from Old Warrant Articles to the Capital Fund ............................................................... 7 94

ARTICLE 6. Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Plan – Free Cash ..................................................................................................... 7 95

ARTICLE 7. Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Plan – Capital Investment Fund ............................................................................. 8 96

ARTICLE 8. Water Dept. Operation Enterprise Fund ....................................................................................................... 9 97

ARTICLE 9. Compensation for Elected Officers (Consent Calendar) ............................................................................. 10 98

ARTICLE 10. Set Salary of Municipal Light Board (Consent Calendar) .......................................................................... 10 99

ARTICLE 11. Reserve Fund for FY21 (Consent Calendar) ............................................................................................. 11 100

ARTICLE 12. Chapter 90 Funding (Consent Calendar) .............................................................................................. 11 101

ARTICLE 13. East Lake Waushacum Treatment (Consent Calendar) .......................................................................... 11 102

ARTICLE 14. Authorize Treasurer to Borrow Money (Consent Calendar) ................................................................... 12 103

ARTICLE 15. Compensating Balance Agreements (Consent Calendar) ....................................................................... 12 104

ARTICLE 16. Tax Title Payments Agreements for Properties in Tax Title (Consent Calendar) ...................................... 12 105

ARTICLE 17. Fund Wachusett Greenways Expenses (Consent Calendar) .................................................................... 14 106

ARTICLE 18. Fund Sterling Land Trust Expenses (Consent Calendar) ........................................................................ 14 107

ARTICLE 19. FY 2021 Revolving Funds Spending Limits (Consent Calendar) ................................................................ 14 108

ARTICLE 20. Building Rental Revolving Fund (Consent Calendar) .............................................................................. 15 109

ARTICLE 21. Amendments to Personnel Bylaw Compensation Matrices ..................................................................... 17 110

ARTICLE 22. Transfer from Water Enterprise Fund....................................................................................................... 20 111

ARTICLE 23. Transfer from Water Enterprise Fund - Retained Earnings ...................................................................... 21 112

ARTICLE 24. Board of Health Administrative Assistant ................................................................................................ 21 113

ARTICLE 25. Assistant Town Administrator for FY 2021 ............................................................................................... 21 114

ARTICLE 26. Full time Firefighter / Paramedic Positions................................................................................................ 22 115

ARTICLE 27. Amend the Personnel Bylaws ................................................................................................................... 22 116

ARTICLE 28. Join the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project ...................................................................... 31 117

ARTICLE 29. Road Acceptance – Chad Lane .................................................................................................................. 31 118

ARTICLE 30. Bylaws and Regulations amendment to change the Board of Selectmen Name - Citizens Petition ........ 32 119

ARTICLE 31. Veterans Ceremony – Citizens petition .................................................................................................... 32 120

ARTICLE 32. Transfer Portion of 7 Sunset Drive for Purposes of Conveyance .............................................................. 33 121

ARTICLE 33. Apply Stabilization Fund to Stabilize the Tax Rate .................................................................................... 33 122

ARTICLE 34. Annual Town Election ............................................................................................................................... 34 123

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ARTICLE 1. FY21 Town Operating Budget 125 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds, the sum 126 of $24,323,887 as shown on page 8 line 225 of the Omnibus Budget or any other sum, and to 127 further appropriate, from the Ambulance Receipts Account, the sum of $500,000.00 or any 128 other sum, and to further appropriate, from the Cemetery Perpetual Care Account, the sum of 129 $5,000.00 or any other sum; for a total appropriation of $24,828,887 for the payment of salaries 130 and compensation, payment of debt and interest and for charges, expenses and outlays of the 131 Town Departments, for the ensuing fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, 132 as shown in the municipal operating budget printed at the back of this Warrant; or take any 133 action in relation thereto. 134 135 Submitted by: Finance Committee 136 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends the passage of this article. 137 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends the passage of this article. 138 Summary: This is the general budget article that funds the Town Departments for the coming 139 fiscal year. A breakdown of the Town Department budgets can be viewed on the spreadsheet 140 at the end of the warrant. 141 142

ARTICLE 2. Fund Deficit due to Snow and Ice 143 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from Free Cash, or from 144 Stabilization or from other available funds, $103,712 or any other sum, to the Snow and Ice 145 Account to cover any deficit in the snow and ice budget for the current fiscal year; or take any 146 action in relation thereto. 147 148 Submitted by: DPW Board / Town Administrator 149 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen supports this article 150 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 151 Summary: This article transfers money into the DPW Snow and Ice Account to cover the deficit 152 in the account caused by the snow and ice storms of this past winter and spring. The actual 153 amount required will be identified prior to Town Meeting. 154 155

ARTICLE 3. Transfer Certified Free Cash to Capital Fund 156 To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Certified Free Cash to the Capital 157 Investment Fund, as allowed by the bylaws of Sterling; or take any action in relation thereto. 158 159 Submitted by: Finance Committee 160 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen will report at Town Meeting. 161 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 162 Summary: This article transfers money from existing funds, Certified Free Cash, into the Capital 163 Fund as part of the Town’s long-term capital plan. The reduced amount this year reflects the 164 potential uncertain economy and decision to retain more free cash. 165

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ARTICLE 4. Transfer Certified Free Cash to Stabilization Fund 166 To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Certified Free Cash to the 167 Stabilization Fund, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 5B of the General 168 Laws [MGL Ch. 40 §5B], as amended; or take any action in relation thereto. 169 170 Submitted by: Finance Committee 171 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen supports this article. 172 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 173 Summary: This article transfers funds from existing funds, Certified Free Cash, into the 174 Stabilization Fund as part of the Town’s long-term savings plan. The reduced amount this year 175 reflects the potential uncertain economy and decision to retain more free cash. 176 177

ARTICLE 5. Transfer Balances from Old Warrant Articles to the Capital Fund 178 To see if the Town will vote to transfer remaining funds from previous Town Meeting warrant 179 articles or other inactive accounts as listed below, to the Capital Investment Fund; 180 181 Account # Description Recapture Dollars 182 01999-58020 FY 20 ATM Art#7A: Butterick Electric door locks $1,506.81 183 01999-58038 FY 20 ATM Art#8E: Repair Tennis Courts $71,349.53 184 01999-58106 FY 18 ATM Art#36: Medical Waste Kiosk $1.10 185 01999-58107 FY 18 STM Art#4: 1835 Town Hall Septic Design $0.35 186 01999- 58115 FY 19 ATM Art#12F: Server Upgrade $1.84 187 01999-58091 FY 18 ATM Art#9B: Replace Radio Equipment $4,206.00 188 01999-58128 FY 20 ATM Art#7F: Replace Radios $659.00 189 190

Total $77,724.63 191 Or take any action in relation thereto. 192 193 Submitted by: Town Administrator 194 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 195 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 196 Summary: This article authorizes the Town to capture funds remaining from previous town 197 meeting warrant articles, to close these accounts and to transfer these sums into the Capital 198 Investment Fund. The projects listed are complete and these sums represent money not spent 199 to complete these projects. The transfer into the capital fund allows the funding of new projects 200 without increasing the tax rate. 201 202

ARTICLE 6. Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Plan – Free Cash 203 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow 204 the sum of $238,000, or any other sum, to be used to fund the Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Plan for 205 the Town of Sterling, as recommended by the Finance Committee. This plan consists of the 206 following items: 207 208

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Item Department AMOUNT 209

210 TOTAL $238,000 211 212 Said amounts shall be for the purposes stated and all costs incidental or related thereto, 213 including but not limited to where applicable, purchasing and installing equipment, software, 214 installations, site-work and disposal. Appropriated funds to be administered under the 215 direction of the requesting department; or take any action in relation thereto. 216 217 Submitted by: Finance Committee 218 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 219 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends the passage of this article. 220 Recommendation: The Capital Committee recommends each item individually and the 221

passage of this article as a group. 222 Summary: This article would provide funding for a portion of the Town Capital Plan for Fiscal 223 Year 2021. The Finance Committee has elected to combine all capital items into two articles, 224 based on funding sources, to provide Town Meeting with a more complete picture of the Town’s 225 capital expenditures. The Moderator will address each item in turn during the presentation of 226 the article. The Finance Committee recommends funding these capital items with a transfer 227 from certified free cash. 228 229

ARTICLE 7. Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Plan – Capital Investment Fund 230 To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Capital Investment Fund or to raise and 231 appropriate, or transfer from available funds, or borrow the sum of $419,151 or any other sum, 232 to be expended for the items listed below, as recommended by the Finance Committee and the 233 Capital Planning Committee. This plan consists of the following items: 234 235 Item Department Amount 236 1. Radio Replacement Fire Dept. $ 118,000 2. Utilities Placed underground Selectmen $ 121,151 3. Athletic Field Complex Design Recreation $ 70,000 4. 1 1/2 Ford 550 Plow truck with wing DPW $ 60,000 5. Engineering for new entrance and lift design Library $ 50,000

237 TOTAL $419,151 238

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1. Animal Control Vehicle Police $ 45,000 2. 1835 Building cleaning 1835 Com $ 3,000 3. Multiple IT projects Operations $ 61,000 4. Mulch for Muddy Pond Playground Recreation $ 9,000 5. Beach Project, environmental evaluation Selectmen, Cons Com $ 20,000 6. Master Plan Selectmen $ 100,000

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Said amounts shall be for the purposes stated and all costs incidental or related thereto, 240 including but not limited to where applicable, purchasing and installing equipment, software, 241 installations, site-work and disposal. Appropriated funds to be administered under the 242 direction of the requesting department; or take any action in relation thereto. 243 244 Submitted by: Finance Committee 245 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends passage of this article. 246 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 247 Recommendation: The Capital Committee recommends each item individually and the 248

passage of this article as a group. 249 Summary: This article would provide funding for the Town Capital Plan for Fiscal Year 2021. 250 The Finance Committee has elected to combine all capital items funded from the Capital 251 Investment Fund into a single article to provide Town Meeting with a more complete picture of 252 the Town’s capital expenditures. The Moderator will address each item in turn during the 253 presentation of the article. 254 255

ARTICLE 8. Water Dept. Operation Enterprise Fund 256 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $949,226.70, or any other sum, from 257 water department revenue, and further to appropriate $40,000 from Water Enterprise 258 Retained Earnings, for extraordinary or unforeseen expense as determined by the DPW Board 259 and approved by the Finance Committee, for a total appropriation of $989,226.70 to operate 260 the Water Department Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2021 under the provisions of Chapter 44, 261 Section 5F1/2 of the General Laws [MGL Ch. 44 §53F1/2], as amended, as follows: 262

263 Salaries/Wages $255,290.70 264 Expenses $350,727.00 265 Principle & Interest $235,209.00 266 Indirect Costs $108,000.00 267 268 Subtotal $949,226.70 from FY21 water charges and fees 269 270 Reserve Fund $40,000 from Retained Earnings 271 272 Total Appropriation $989,226.70 273 274 Or take any action in relation thereto. 275 276

Submitted by: Department of Public Works Board 277 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 278 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 279 Summary: This article funds the Water Department budget solely from water revenue including 280 charges, fees, and retained earnings; none is from taxation. This article includes a Reserve Fund 281 for extraordinary or unforeseen expense. This reserve fund will only be used upon the 282

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recommendation of the DPW Board and the approval by the Finance Committee. The Water 283 Enterprise will raise an additional $108,000 from the ratepayers to reimburse the General Fund 284 for indirect costs such as insurance. Total FY21 water revenue needed is $949,226.70 plus 285 $40,000 from Retained Earnings, for a total of $989,226.70 286

287 Beginning of Consent Calendar 288 289

ARTICLE 9. Compensation for Elected Officers (Consent Calendar) 290 To see if the Town will vote to fix the salaries and compensation of all elected officers of the 291 Town as provided by Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws [MGL Ch. 41 §108], as 292 amended, as follows and as presented in Article 1 of this Warrant; or take any action in relation 293 thereto. 294 295

FY 20 Stipends Assessor 1500.00 yr. Selectman 1500.00 yr. Health Board 103.00 yr. Planning Board 300.00 yr. DPW Board 600.00 yr. Town Moderator 500.00 yr.

296 Submitted by: Selectmen 297 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends passage of this article. 298 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 299 Summary: The article fixes the salaries and compensation for all elected officials, except the 300 Sterling Municipal Light Board, as presented in the general budget. 301

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ARTICLE 10. Set Salary of Municipal Light Board (Consent Calendar) 303 To see if the Town will vote to set the salary of the Sterling Municipal Light Board members as 304 provided by Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws [MGL Ch. 41 §108], as amended, as 305 follows: Chairman $1,500; Clerk $1,500; Third member $1,500; said sum to be an expense of 306 the Sterling Municipal Light Department; or take any action in relation thereto. 307 308 Submitted by: Sterling Municipal Light Board 309 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends passage of this article. 310 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 311 Summary: Per MGL Ch. 41, §108 which requires Town Meeting to annually set the salaries of 312 elected officials, at the annual town meeting; this Article funds the salaries of the elected 313 members of the Municipal Light Board. It is funded by Light Department revenues and has no 314 impact on the tax rate. 315 316

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ARTICLE 11. Reserve Fund for FY21 (Consent Calendar) 317 To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of $300,000 for the Reserve 318 Fund for Fiscal Year 2021 in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 6 of the 319 General Laws [MGL Ch. 40 §6] as amended; or take any action in relation thereto. 320 321 Submitted by: Finance Committee 322 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends the passage of this article. 323 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 324 Summary: This article proposes an appropriation to fund the Reserve Fund, which is used by 325 the Finance Committee to cover unexpected shortfalls in departmental budgets. 326 327

ARTICLE 12. Chapter 90 Funding (Consent Calendar) 328 To see if the Town will vote to accept Chapter 90 funds in the amount of $410,022 or any other 329 sum, as funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for highway resurfacing and/or other 330 related work or expenditures as allowed by the State Chapter 90 regulations, said sum to be 331 expended by the Department of Public Works, with approval of the Board of Selectmen, and in 332 accordance with the DPW’s 5-year Capital Plan reviewed annually by the Capital Plan 333 Committee; or take any action in relation thereto. 334 335 Submitted by: Department of Public Works 336 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 337 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 338 Summary: This article allows the Town to expend money under the guidelines of Chapter 90 339 for road maintenance, equipment purchases, and other Public Works projects which are then 340 reimbursed by the Commonwealth. The House has approved a Chapter 90 bond authorization 341 calling for Sterling to receive $410,022 in this program during FY21. Funding will be finalized 342 once it is approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Baker. 343 344

ARTICLE 13. East Lake Waushacum Treatment (Consent Calendar) 345 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $12,000, to account 01999-346 58050, the East Lake Waushacum Treatment Account, said sum to be used for the study and 347 treatment of the Lake, which is projected to cost $24,000 during FY21. Remaining costs are to 348 be financed by the East Lake Waushacum Association; or take any action in relation thereto. 349 350 Submitted by: The Conservation Commission 351 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends passage of this article. 352 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 353 Summary: The Conservation Commission and the East Lake Waushacum Association have 354 worked for many years implementing the lake management program designed to address lake 355 quality issues. While there has been much improvement documented, there is still work to be 356 performed. Last year, monies were spent on herbicide treatments, which helped to keep the 357 town beach clear and open. This year the Commission is requesting $12,000 towards total costs 358 estimated at $24,000 for the study and treatment of the lake. A portion of these funds will be 359

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used to implement the results of the lake the modeling study of the lake and the entire 360 watershed based upon the many years of water quality monitoring. This study was completed 361 in 2018 and is undergoing review by the Conservation Commission and the Lake Association. 362 The purpose was to analyze current conditions and to update the lake study from the 1980’s. 363 The remaining funds will be provided by the Lake Association. The Town will benefit from 364 continued protection of water quality at the town beach and continue to enjoy the programs 365 organized by the town. These funds will also treat emergent vegetation for safety and lake 366 quality. 367 368

ARTICLE 14. Authorize Treasurer to Borrow Money (Consent Calendar) 369 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of 370 Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the fiscal year 371 beginning July 1, 2020, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 4, of the 372 General Laws [MGL Ch. 44 §4], as amended, and to renew any note or notes as may be given 373 for a period of less than one year, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 17 374 of the General Laws [MGL Ch. 44 §17], as amended; or take any action in relation thereto. 375 376 Submitted by: Treasurer/Collector 377 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends the passage of this article. 378 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 379 Summary: This article allows the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen to 380 borrow money as needed. 381 382

ARTICLE 15. Compensating Balance Agreements (Consent Calendar) 383 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53F of the General Laws [MGL Ch. 384 44, §53F], as amended, to authorize the Town Treasurer to enter into compensating balance 385 agreements, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020; or take any action in relation thereto. 386 387 Submitted by: Treasurer/Collector 388 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends the passage of this article. 389 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 390 Summary: This article allows the Treasurer/Collector to enter into compensating balance 391 agreements with banking institutions, as needed, for the operation of the department. A 392 compensating balance is a way of paying for the services the bank provides by maintaining a 393 specified, minimum balance in a non-interest or low interest-bearing account. 394 395

ARTICLE 16. Tax Title Payments Agreements for Properties in Tax Title (Consent 396 Calendar) 397

To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Chapter 60, Section 62A of the General Laws [MGL 398 Ch. 60, §62A], as amended, to enact a bylaw to authorize the Town Treasurer/Collector to 399 pursue and establish a written payment agreement with any person(s) entitled to redeem 400 ownership of parcel taken by the Town for nonpayment of real estate taxes; and further, 401 to authorize the Town Clerk to assign such numbering as is appropriate to bring said 402

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bylaw into conformance with the existing codification; said bylaw to take the following 403 form: 404 405 Redemption of tax title real estate. 406

A. Pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, Section 62A, 407 the Treasurer/Collector of the Town of Sterling (“Town”) may enter into a written 408 payment agreement (“agreement”) with any person(s) entitled to redeem 409 ownership of parcels of real estate (“redeemer”) which have been taken by the 410 Town as a result of nonpayment of real estate taxes. The agreement shall be 411 executed by the Town and redeemer and shall set forth the terms and conditions 412 for payment of the delinquent taxes, interest and any other costs, fees or charges 413 associated with the same. 414

B. The redeemer of the following assessment categories of real property shall be 415 eligible to enter into an agreement provided for in the preceding paragraph: 416

1. Commercial property; 417 2. Residential property; 418 3. Industrial; and 419 4. Open space. 420

C. The following conditions must be met prior to the Town and redeemer entering 421 into an agreement. 422

1. The Town has not filed a petition to foreclose the rights of redemption with 423 the Land Court, and the recording date of the Instrument of Taking 424 recorded in the Worcester County Registry of Deeds or Worcester Registry 425 District of the Land Court must be no more than 10 years from the date of 426 the proposed agreement; and 427

2. All real estate taxes due for the current fiscal year assessed against the 428 parcel must be paid to date; 429

D. All payment agreements shall comply with the following minimum requirements: 430 1. The payment agreement shall have a term of five (5) years; provided, 431

however, that nothing herein shall preclude the taxpayer from completing 432 payments of the amount owed in a shorter period of time; 433

2. The payment agreement shall include a waiver of fifty percent (50%) of the 434 interest that has accrued in the tax title account, but only if the taxpayer 435 complies with the terms of the agreement (no taxes or collections costs 436 may be waived); and 437

3. The payment agreement shall state the amount of the payment due from 438 the taxpayer at the time of execution of the agreement, which must be at 439 least twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount needed to redeem the 440 parcel at the inception of the agreement. The taxpayer must then agree to 441 pay the remaining balance due to the Town in equal monthly installments. 442

E. After the Town has received seventy-five percent (75%) of the total amount due, 443 the taxpayer shall be entitled to a credit equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the 444

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accrued interest on the tax title account. This credit shall be applied against the 445 final installment payment(s) due under the payment agreement. 446

F. During the term of the agreement, the Town may not bring an action to foreclose 447 the tax title of the redeemer unless payments are not made in accordance with 448 the schedule provided in the agreement or timely payments are not made on 449 other amounts due to the municipality that constitute a lien on the same parcel. 450

Or take any other action in relation thereto. 451

Submitted by: Board of Selectmen 452 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends passage of this article. 453 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 454 Summary: The purpose of this article is to allow the Treasurer/Collector to establish 455 payment agreements for any property owner that has a property in Tax Title by using the 456 above requirements. This will enable the property owner to pay off their back taxes and 457 reduce the Town’s tax liability. 458 459

ARTICLE 17. Fund Wachusett Greenways Expenses (Consent Calendar) 460 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,400 be used for expenses 461 for Wachusett Greenways, an eight-town collaborative, said funds to be administered and 462 expended by Wachusett Greenways, or take any action in relation thereto. 463 464 Submitted by: Board of Selectmen 465 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 466 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 467 Summary: Wachusett Greenways is an eight Town collaborative. The organization’s volunteers 468 preserve and maintain the Rail Trail in Sterling. 469 470

ARTICLE 18. Fund Sterling Land Trust Expenses (Consent Calendar) 471 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,300 to be used toward the 472 payment of expenses incurred by the Sterling Land Trust, Inc. to preserve and manage various 473 parcels of land within the Town, said funds to be administered and expended by the Trust; or 474 take any action in relation thereto. 475 476 Submitted by: Board of Selectmen 477 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 478 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 479 Summary: This article would provide financial assistance to the Sterling Land Trust which 480 maintains various parcels of preserved open space land within the Town for passive recreational 481 use and enjoyment by residents. 482 483

ARTICLE 19. FY 2021 Revolving Funds Spending Limits (Consent Calendar) 484 To see if the Town will vote to set FY 2021 spending limits for the revolving funds identified in 485 Chapter 143 of the Town’s General Bylaws as follows: 486 487

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488 489

Program or Purpose FY 2021 Spending Limit Recycling $5,000 Fuel $60,000 Deputy Collector $18,000 Planning Board Expenses $25,000 Council on Aging Expenses $50,000 Sterling Fair $135,000 Hazardous Materials $55,000 Radio Master Box Fees $38,000 Agricultural Commission Expenses $5,000 Recreation Committee Programs $155,000 Wiring Inspector $20,000

with such expenditure limits to be applicable for each fiscal year until such time as Town 490 Meeting votes, prior to July 1 for the ensuing fiscal year, to increase the same; provided, 491 however, that in accordance with state law, the Board of Selectmen, with the approval of the 492 Finance Committee, may increase the limit for that fiscal year only; 493 494 or take any action in relation thereto. 495 496 Submitted by: Town Accountant 497 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 498 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 499 Summary: The Municipal Modernization Act of 2016 required that revolving funds must be 500 established by bylaw or ordinance, and that the expenditure limits must be established annually 501 and prior to July first. The Town has adopted such a bylaw, Chapter 143 of the Town’s General 502 Bylaws. This article sets the annual fiscal year expenditure limits for the Town’s revolving funds 503 and provides that limits voted on at this meeting will remain in effect until changed at a future 504 Town Meeting. 505 506

ARTICLE 20. Building Rental Revolving Fund (Consent Calendar) 507 To see if the Town will vote to continue to provide for any amounts collected for building 508 rentals, other than rental of school buildings, to be credited to a separate account to be 509 expended without further appropriation by the board, committee or department head in 510 control of the building for building-related upkeep and maintenance, and in accordance with 511 the Town’s prior acceptance of the second paragraph of Section 3 of Chapter 40 of the General 512 Laws [MGL Ch. 40 §3], as amended, any balance in such an account at the close of the fiscal 513 year shall remain available for expenditure without appropriation for such purposes in future 514 years; 515 516 or take any action in relation thereto. 517

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518 Submitted by: Town Accountant 519 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 520 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 521 Summary: Amendments to state law in 2016 allow a municipality to segregate revenues from 522 rental of municipal buildings and to spend such funds without further appropriation for 523 building-related maintenance, as well as allowing the monies to be available for such purposes 524 in a future fiscal year. Due to the Town’s prior acceptance of certain provisions of this state 525 law, unexpended revenues maintained in this segregated fund (known as the Building Rental 526 Revolving Fund) do not revert to the general fund at the close of the fiscal year, and remain 527 available for expenditure after the close of the fiscal year. 528 529 Conclusion of Consent Calendar 530

531

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ARTICLE 21. Amendments to Personnel Bylaw Compensation Matrices 532 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Personnel Bylaw of the Town of Sterling, by updating 533 Attachments A, C, E, F, G and H as indicated below, and waive the requirement of prior 534 consideration by the Personnel Board to the extent the same is necessary: 535

536

Attachment A — Classification Plan 537

Regular Non-Union Positions 538

Effective as of July 1, 2020 539

540

Grade Level Position/Title

I Clerk Typist Library Technician (All) Custodian

Van Driver Laborer (DPW) Property Lister

II Admin Assistant Library Associate I Outreach Aide (COA) Meal Site Coordinator (COA)

III Senior Center Operations Coordinator (COA) Assistant Mechanic (DPW)

Assistant Town Collector Assistant Town Treasurer Associate Health Agent Program Assistant (Rec)

Executive Assistant (DPW; Police; Fire) Assistant Town Clerk Animal Control Officer

Library Associate Il Water Technician (DPW) Truck Driver (DPW) Equipment Operator (DPW)

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541 Attachment B - Deleted

Attachment C - Compensation Schedule Non-Union Regular Positions

Effective July 1, 2020

Grade Level Hourly Salary Range

Minimum Hourly Salary Range

Mid-Point Hourly Salary Range Maximum

I $14.40 $17.29 $20.17

II $15.60 $19.49 $21.82

III $17.92 $22.41 $26.00

IV $21.02 $25.77 $30.50

V $24.74 $30.93 $37.11

VI $36.36 $45.44 $54.55

IV Asst. Library Director (Child Services) Working Foreman Facilities Maintenance Technician Conservation Agent

Mechanic (DPW) Senior Executive Assistant (Selectmen/TA) Senior Water Technician (DPW)

V COA Director HR Administrator

Town Clerk Town Accountant Town Treasurer/Collector Assistant Superintendent (DPW)

Town Planner Operations Manager

Recreation Director Health Agent

Building Commissioner

VI DPW Superintendent

Assistant Town Administrator

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Grade Level Salary Range Minimum Salary Range Mid-Point Salary Range Maximum

I $29,952 $35,963 $41,954

II $32,448 $40,539 $45,386

III $37,274 $46,613 $54,080

IV $43,722 $53,602 $63,440

V $51,459 $64,334 $77,189

VI $75,629 $94,515 $113,464

542 Attachment E – Compensation Schedule 543

Call Fire Force Positions 544 Effective as of July 1, 2020 545

Grade Level Hourly Salary Range Minimum

Hourly Salary Range Mid-Point

Hourly Salary Range Maximum

I $14.21 $21.60 $27.97

546 Attachment F — Stipend Positions 547

Effective Jul 1, 2020 548

Position Title Amount

ADA Coordinator $1,500

Animal Inspector $3,400

Emergency Management Director $10,000

Gas Inspector $6,132 Plumbing Inspector $11,149

Sealer of Weights and Measures $1,200

549

Attachment G --- Temporary Positions 550 Effective July 1, 2020 551

Position Title Minimum/Hour Maximum/Hour

Police Special Officer State Minimum $15.00

Constable State Minimum State Minimum + $1.00/hr. Cell Monitor $15.00 $25.00

Election Officer State Minimum State Minimum

Board of Registrars State Minimum State Minimum + $1.00/hr. Assistant Board of Registrars

State Minimum State Minimum

Deputy Election Warden State Minimum State Min + $1.00/hr. Election Warden State Minimum State Minimum + $5.00/hr.

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552 Attachment H --- Miscellaneous Positions 553

Effective July 1, 2020 554

Position Title Minimum/Hour Maximum/Hour

Seasonal Laborer State Minimum $14.50

Seasonal Truck Driver $17.00 $22.50

Lifeguard State Minimum $16.00

Seasonal Recreation Assistant

State Minimum $16.00

Food inspector $40.00 Parking Clerk $25.00

Assistant Building Inspector

$40 per inspection

Assistant Plumbing and Gas Inspector

$40 per inspection

Wiring Inspector $40 per inspection

Assistant Wiring Inspector $40 per inspection Or take any action in relation thereto. 555 556 Submitted by: Board of Selectmen 557 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends passage of this article. 558 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 559 Summary: This article updates the compensation plan with a 2% cost of living increase. 560 561

ARTICLE 22. Transfer from Water Enterprise Fund 562 To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Water Enterprise Account the sum of 563 $93,192.00 or any other sum, to General Fund. 564 565 Or take any action in relation thereto. 566 567 Submitted by: Board of Selectmen 568 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends passage of this article 569 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 570 Summary: The transfer is an accounting adjustment moving funds from FY19 571 Health insurance and Retirement contribution in the Water Enterprise account to the 572 General Fund, a yearly obligation to reflect indirect costs covered by the municipal 573 budget. 574

575

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ARTICLE 23. Transfer from Water Enterprise Fund - Retained Earnings 576 To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Water Enterprise Retained Earnings 577 Account the sum of $180,000.00 or any other sum, for the following: (1) to pay for a new 578 Water Supply Master Plan / Hydraulic Study; (2) to purchase and equip a vehicle for the 579 Water Department; and (3) for the purchase of materials and supplies and for installation 580 of a Flanagan Hill Road to Pratts Junction Road water line loop, and for all costs incidental 581 or related thereto. 582 583 Or take any action in relation thereto. 584 585 Submitted by: DPW 586 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen supports this article 587 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 588 Summary: The purpose of this article is to complete hydraulic study and Water 589 Supply Master Plan for $70,000, $ 60,000 to purchase a truck for plowing and water main 590 repairs, $50,000 for materials to start water main to loop Flanagan Hill to Pratts 591 junction. These expenses will not impact the tax rate as the funds will be transferred from 592 the Water Enterprise Retained Earnings Account. 593

594

ARTICLE 24. Board of Health Administrative Assistant 595 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum 596 of $10,905.00 or any other sum, said sum to be added to Board of Health account number 597 01510-51200, for administrative services, and further to authorize the Board of Health to hire 598 a part-time (less than 20 hours per week) Administrative Assistant, Grade II, between the 599 minimum hourly pay rate of $15.60 per hour and maximum hourly pay rate of $21.82, as shown 600 on the Classification Plan. 601 602 Or take any action in relation thereto. 603 604 Submitted by: The Board of Health 605 Recommendation: The Board of Selectman does not support this article 606 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 607 Summary: Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 111 Section 27, the article 608 proposes that the Town permit the Board of Health to hire a part time Administrative Assistant 609 position at 10 hours per week. This position would allow the BOH office to be open during a 610 fourth day per week and fill in for employee absences during the other three days of office 611 coverage. 612 613

ARTICLE 25. Assistant Town Administrator for FY 2021 614 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum 615 of $80,000, or any other sum, to hire a full time Assistant Town Administrator at Grade Level 616 VI. This is a transitional position and is only authorized for one year through June 30, 2021, 617 unless further appropriation is made to fund the position beyond June 30, 2021. 618

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619 Or take any action in relation thereto. 620 621 Submitted by: The Board of Selectmen 622 Recommendation: The Board of Selectman supports this article 623 Recommendation: The Finance Committee recommends passage of this article. 624 Summary: There are many activities and projects that require more time than can be 625 accomplished with one Administrator. The current Administrator is transitioning towards 626 retirement, cutting back his hours and salary accordingly. The Assistant Town Administrator 627 will also provide smooth transition during this process as well as increase the number of 628 projects completed. 629 630

ARTICLE 26. Full time Firefighter / Paramedic Positions 631 To see if the Town will vote to Transfer from Ambulance Receipts Reserved for Appropriation 632 the sum of $62,000.00. or any other sum, for one (1) additional fulltime daytime Firefighter / 633 Paramedic position currently classified in the Fulltime Firefighters Contract under Appendix “A” 634 – Wages, and will be subject to collective bargaining agreements, said sum to be expended by 635 the Fire Chief, 636 637 Or take any action in relation thereto. 638 639 Submitted by: The Fire Department 640 Recommendation: The Board of Selectman supports this article. 641 Recommendation: The Finance Committee supports this article. 642 Summary: This article will establish one additional fulltime daytime Firefighter / Paramedic 643 position for the fire department, allowing daily staffing of four personnel between the hours of 644 7:00AM and 6:00PM for certain days of the week. During these hours, very few on-call 645 personnel are available due to work commitments, many of whom do not work within town. 646 Additional primary duties will include response to all emergency calls, emergency equipment 647 preparedness and maintenance, assistance with fire prevention and code enforcement and any 648 other fire department activities. Including the Fire Chief, this will bring the number of fulltime 649 fire personnel to seven. 650

651

ARTICLE 27. Amend the Personnel Bylaws 652 To see if the Town will vote to amend certain provisions of Sections 1-13 of the Town’s 653 Personnel Bylaw as follows, with additional language noted in bold, and deleted language 654 shown as stricken through, and, specifically, to dissolve the previously established but 655 currently vacant Personnel Board and vest all powers and authorities previously vested in 656 the Personnel Board in the Town Administrator acting as Human Resources/Personnel 657 Director (unless otherwise specified); and further to authorize the Town Clerk to make 658 any non-substantive, ministerial revisions to ensure internal consistency and to effectuate 659 the purpose and intent of this Article: 660

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661

662 Amend Section 1, as follows: 663

SECTION 1: AUTHORIZATION and DISCLAIMER 664 665 Pursuant to the authority contained in MGL Ch41, Sections 108A and 108C [MGL Ch41:sec 666 108A and 108C], the Town of Sterling establishes a Personnel Bylaw (this bylaw) that 667 consolidates all provisions pertaining to the administration of its personnel including 668 among other things, the compensation plan, and assigns responsibility to the Town 669 Administrator, acting as the Human Resources/Personnel Director, a Personnel Board (“the 670 Board) for the purpose of administering to administer said plans or other provisions of its 671 bylaws pertaining to personnel, determining any questions arising there under, and 672 advising the town in any matters pertaining thereto. 673 674 The Classification Plan and/or Compensation Plan or any other provisions of this Bylaw 675 may be amended by vote of the Town at either an Annual or Special Town Meeting. No 676 amendment shall be considered or voted on by Town Meeting unless the proposed 677 amendment has first been considered by the Personnel Board, unless this requirement is 678 waived by Town Meeting. The Board, of its own motion, may propose an amendment to 679 the plans, policies or other provisions of this Bylaw based on its findings resulting from its 680 investigations. The Personnel Board shall report its recommendations on any proposed 681 amendment to the Board of Selectmen. Any proposed amendments to the Personnel 682 Bylaw that The Board shall submit any amendment to this Bylaw that has will have a 683 financial impact on the Town shall be submitted to the Finance Committee for their 684 review and comment prior to Town Meeting. The Board shall make its recommendations 685 with regard to any amendment at the Town Meeting at which such amendment is 686 considered. 687 688 The Personnel Board hereinafter referred to as the Board may, at its own discretion, or 689 on the advice of the Appointing Authority (as defined herein), or on the advice of the 690 Town’s Administration, draft and adopt procedures that it believes to be required for the 691 purpose of administering this bylaw and the Personnel practices of the Town. Such 692 procedures shall be enacted by the Personnel Board after: 693 694

A. Conducting a public hearing if required under MGL Ch 30A, Section 2 or MGL Ch 41, 695

Section 108A and 108C 696

B. They have been reviewed and approved by a majority of the members of the Personnel 697

Board at an open meeting 698

699

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Nothing in any of the Town of Sterling’s Personnel Rules, Policies, Procedures or other 700 documents relating to employment with the Town of Sterling (“the Town”) creates any 701 express or implied contract or guarantee of continued employment for a specific term. 702 No past practices or procedures, whether oral or written, from any express or implied 703 agreement or contract to continue such practices or procedures. No promises or 704 assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the 705 limitations set forth in this paragraph create any contract of employment unless: 1) the 706 terms are put in writing, 2) the document is labeled “Contract,” 3) the document states 707 the duration of employment, and 4) the document is signed by the Board of Selectmen or 708 Appointing Authority. 709 710 Employees of the Town that are not otherwise covered by a collective bargaining 711 agreement, employment agreement, or State Civil Service statutes or statutory term of 712 employment/appointment are at-will employees. Either party may terminate the 713 employment relationship at any time with good cause as long as it is not based on a 714 discriminatory motive. The Term “Good Cause” shall include but not be limited to the 715 following: incapacity other than temporary illness, inefficiency, incompetence, 716 insubordination and conduct unbecoming the office. 717 718 This Bylaw shall apply to all Town Departments and to all positions of all employees in the 719 service of the Town, whether full or part-time, temporary, seasonal, special, per diem or 720 any other type of employment, other than those positions which are filled by popular 721 election, those under the jurisdiction of the School Committees, those within the 722 Municipal Light Department, and those positions which are covered by separate 723 agreements between any employee or Association of Employees and the Town developed 724 through Collective Bargaining. If any agreement between an employee or Association of 725 Employees and the Town does not address any item addressed in Section 10 6 B, C, and 726 D, then the provisions of Section 10 6 B, C, and D shall apply to those employees. 727 728 Amend Section 2, as follows: 729

SECTION 2: PERSONNEL BOARD 730 A. MEMBERSHIP 731

732 There shall be a Personnel Board consisting of five (5) members appointed by the Board 733 of Selectmen, the Town Moderator and the Finance Committee, each entity having one 734 vote for a total of three (3) votes. The membership of the Board shall be made up of 735 residents of the Town who are neither employees of the Town, nor appointed or elected 736 officials of the Town. Members should have a working knowledge of personnel practices 737 and procedures in a municipal or corporate work setting. All members of said Board shall 738 be residents of the town and shall serve without compensation. Except when an 739 appointment is made to serve the balance of an unexpired term, each member of the 740

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Board shall serve for a term of three years. Appointments shall be made in such a fashion 741 that they will expire on June 30th of a given year. Each member shall continue to hold 742 office until their successor has been appointed, qualified and sworn in by the Town Clerk, 743 but in no instance for a period of greater than sixty (60) days after their term has expired. 744 Members of the Personnel Board serving upon the effective date of this Bylaw shall serve 745 until the expiration of their respective terms. Upon the expiration of such terms members 746 shall be appointed for successive three-year terms by vote of the Board of Selectmen, the 747 Moderator and the Finance Committee as specified above. 748 749 If a member resigns or a member’s office becomes vacant by removal from the Town, or 750

any other cause, their successor shall be appointed for the balance of the unexpired term 751 of such member. The Town Clerk shall have sole authority to determine if a person has 752 fulfilled their oath of office, or moved out of town or a position is otherwise vacant. A 753 member may be removed from the Personnel Board at any time, with or without cause, 754 by vote of the Board of Selectmen, the Moderator and the Finance Committee in the same 755 manner as appointments are made. 756 757

B. ORGANIZATION 758 759 760 The Personnel Board shall organize annually, as soon as possible after July 1st of each year, 761 at the 762 763 call of the then Chairman, or lacking a Chairman any member of the Board, and shall elect 764 a Chairman and appoint a Secretary from among its members. The Chairman shall hold 765 office until his/her successor has been elected. In the event a vacancy occurs in the office 766 of the Chairman, the 767 768

Personnel Board shall elect a successor Chairman from among its members, such 769 successor to serve until the next organizational meeting of the Personnel Board and until 770 his/her successor has been elected. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for 771 the transaction of business. A majority vote of the Board shall determine the action the 772 Board must take in all matters upon which it is authorized or required to pass under this 773 Bylaw. In the event that a bare quorum of the Board only is present, there must be a 774 unanimous vote. A bare quorum of the Board may not enact or amend any existing policy 775 or procedures. 776 777

SECTION 2: GENERAL PROVISIONS 778 779

A. ADMINISTRATION 780 781

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The Board Human Resources/Personnel Director shall be responsible for the review and 782 recommendation of all changes to the Town’s Personnel Bylaw, and the establishment of 783 all policies pertaining to the provision of human resource services to employees covered 784 by the provisions of this Bylaw that it deems necessary for the proper administration 785 thereof. 786 787

B. PERSONNEL RECORDS 788 789 The Human Resources/Personnel Director Administrator, as agent of the Personnel 790 Board, shall be responsible for the maintenance of official personnel files for all employees 791 in the service of the Town, other than those under the jurisdiction of the School 792 Committees, or those within the Municipal Light Department, including therein such 793 information as required by law or as deemed desirable by the Personnel Board. Said 794 records shall be shall be kept in the office of the Town Treasurer/Collector and shall 795 include all original documentation pertaining to each employee in accordance with 796 applicable state and/or federal regulations. Department heads may maintain files 797 supporting departmental actions. Department Heads shall furnish such information as 798 shall be requested by Human Resources/Personnel Director Administrator on behalf of 799 the Personnel Board. 800 801 Current and/or former Town employees have the right to examine their personnel files 802 pursuant to 803 G.L. c. 149, Sec. 52C. No personnel files may be taken out of the Treasurer/Collector’s 804 office without consent of the Human Resources/Personnel Director Administrator. 805 806 The Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resources Administrator, as agent of 807 the Personnel Board, or their designee, shall provide a copy of the Personnel Bylaw to each 808 new employee and Department Head. The employee shall execute an acknowledgement 809 form indicating receipt of the Bylaw. The original signed acknowledgement shall be placed 810 in the employee’s personnel file. 811 812 Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 149, Sec. 52C, the Human Resources/Personnel Director HR 813 Administrator will notify an employee within (10) days of placing information in an 814 employee’s personnel file that is, has been used, or may be used, to negatively or positively 815 affect an employee’s qualification for employment, promotion, transfer, additional 816 compensation or subject to disciplinary action. 817 818

C. AUTHORITY 819 820 The Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resources Administrator, from time to 821 time, will review provisions of this Bylaw and shall recommend any changes or 822 adjustments to the Personnel Bylaw, and the Classification Plan, and/or Compensation 823

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Plan for approval by the Personnel Board Town Meeting. Such reviews shall be made at 824 intervals as the Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resource Administrator or 825 Board deems necessary and, to the extent which the Board considers practicable, shall 826 include all occupational groups in the Classification Plan (Attachment A). 827

828 The Board may employ assistance and incur expenses as it deems necessary, subject to 829 the appropriation of funds therefore. 830 831 Each year, the Human Resources/Personnel Director Personnel Board shall make a 832 recommendation at the Annual Town Meeting for an appropriate compensation 833 adjustment for all employees in the Town through either a “step increase” or a “cost of 834 living adjustment”, or some other means. 835 836 No changes to existing Section 3. 837

SECTION 4: CLASSIFICATION PLAN 838 839

A. ADMINISTRATION 840 841 The Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resource Administrator shall be 842 responsible for the administration of the Classification Plan (the Plan), establishing only 843 such procedures as may be consistent with the policies as established in the Bylaw. 844 845 The Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resource Administrator shall maintain 846 written descriptions of the jobs or positions in the Plan describing the essential 847 characteristics, requirements and general duties. The descriptions shall not be 848 interpreted as either complete or restrictive and employees shall continue to perform any 849 duties assigned by an employee’s superior(s). 850 851

Unless otherwise provided by law, Tthe Human Resources/Personnel Director 852 HR/Personnel Director is responsible for ALL employee matters relating to Merit, Work 853 Hours, Work Location, Discipline, Termination and any other employee related issue. 854 Boards and Committees will have input, however the final determination will be with the 855 Human Resources/Personnel Director HR/Personnel Director. 856 857 The Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resource Administrator shall, from 858 time to time not to exceed three (3) years, review the wage and salary schedules of all 859 positions subject to the Plan in order to keep informed as to pay rates and policies outside 860 the service of the town, and be in a position to recommend to the Town any action 861 deemed desirable to maintain a fair and equitable (competitive) pay level. 862 863

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The Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resource Administrator shall review 864 the duties of all employees subject to the Plan at intervals of not more than three (3) years. 865 The Human Resources/Personnel Director Human Resource Administrator upon receipt 866 of substantiating data may recommend to the Personnel Board for approval approve a 867 new position for addition to the classification schedule, or reclassify an existing position 868 to a different group, subject to the subsequent ratification of this action by formal 869 amendment of the relevant Classification or Compensation Plan this By-Law by vote of 870 the Town Meeting. Any change that requires an additional appropriation of funds is 871 subject to the recommendation of the Finance Committee and approval of Town Meeting. 872 873 The allocation of a position is based on the application of a Position Appraisal Method 874 consisting of a set of universal evaluation criteria or minimum qualifications that are 875 required to successfully perform the essential functions of a position. Each position is 876 assigned a numerical point value based on the application of degree levels within each of 877 the evaluation criteria; the sum point total will determine which grade level a position is 878 to be classified. 879 880 Any changes to The Personnel Board shall vote to retain or change the Classification and 881 Compensation Plan recommended by the Human Resources/Personnel Director for the 882 forthcoming year shall be sent to all appointing authorities as well as the Finance 883 Committee and Department Heads by December 10th of each year in conjunction with 884 the development of the Town’s Annual Budget, subject to the subsequent ratification of 885 its action by formal amendment of that section of this Bylaw at the next Annual Town 886 Meeting. This vote shall be sent to all appointing authorities as well as the Finance 887 Committee and Department Heads 888 889 No changes to the remainder of Section 4. 890 No changes to Section 5. 891 892 Existing Section 10 (renumbered Section 6), is amended as follows: 893 894 SECTION 10 6: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 895 896

C. VACATION PAY 897 898 Employees will accumulate vacation pay on a monthly basis, on the last day of each full 899 month worked in accordance with the provisions of this section listed below. Regular full 900 time employees are eligible for vacation as follows: 901 902

• After completing six (6) months of continuous service, the employee is eligible for six and 903 2/3 hours of paid vacation at a normal day’s pay for each full month of continuous service 904 to the Town from the date of hire. 905

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906 • After one (1) year and up to a maximum of five (5) years’ service, the employee is eligible 907

for six and 2/3 (6 2/3) hours of paid vacation at a normal day’s pay for each full month of 908 continuous service provided to the Town, but not to exceed a maximum of eighty (80) 909 hours. 910 911

• After five (5) and up to a maximum of fifteen (15) years’ service, the employee is eligible 912 for 10 hours of paid vacation at a normal day’s pay for each full month of continuous 913 service provided to the Town, but not to exceed a maximum of 120 hours. 914 915

• After fifteen (15) years and up to twenty (20) years’ service, the employee is eligible for 916 160 hours of paid vacation earned and paid as above. 917 918

• After twenty (20) years’ service, the employee is eligible for 200 hours of paid vacation 919 earned and paid as above. 920 921 Employees who are eligible for 160 or 200 hours of paid vacation may elect to work no 922 more than one (1) vacation week and receive vacation pay plus their regular straight time 923 pay for that week, but only after prior approval has been received from the employee’s 924 Department Head or Board, Committee, Agency or Commission responsible for the 925 employee’s Department. 926 927 Vacation time shall not be cumulative from year to year except for up to 80 hours which 928 may be held over to be used during the next fiscal year at a time that is mutually agreeable 929 to the employee and their department head. 930 931 The choice of vacations shall be on the basis of seniority in the department and approved 932 by the department head. Department heads shall post the vacation schedule annually. 933 934 In case of retirement or termination of employment, the employee shall be paid for all 935 accrued vacation time earned up to the termination date. A negative balance for 936 Vacation must be reimbursed to the town with the last paycheck or arrangements must 937 be made to repay the deficit, unless otherwise prohibited by law. 938

D. SICK LEAVE 939 940 Each regular full time employee shall earn sick leave credit with pay at the rate of 10 hours 941 for each month of continuous employment with the Town, to a maximum of 120 hours per 942 fiscal year. 943 944

The sick leave credit of a regular part-time employee shall be prorated in accordance with 945 the provisions of this section for regular full-time employees. 946

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The maximum number of such days of sick leave credit that may be accumulated is one 947 hundred ninety (190) days. Employees will accumulate sick leave on a monthly basis, on 948 the last day of each full month worked and in accordance with the other provisions of this 949 section. 950 951 The Office of the Treasurer/Collector is responsible for maintaining records of sick leave 952 days accumulated and used for all eligible employees within the Town and reporting same 953 to the Human Resources Administrator. 954 955 The Town at its exclusive discretion, reserves the right to request a written certificate from 956 a Town selected physician, at the cost to the Town, establishing incapacity as a condition 957 of payment of sick leave benefits or for an employee who seeks to return to work after 958 being absent, whether paid or unpaid, to determine the employee’s fitness for work. 959 960 If an employee uses sick leave for purposes other than legitimate illness or non-working 961 injury as well as in an excessive manner, the employee may, at the sole discretion of the 962 Town, be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. 963 964 Payments made under the provisions of this section shall be limited in the case of an 965 employee who is receiving Workers Compensation payments to the difference between 966 the total amount paid to the employee in Workers Compensation and the employee’s 967 regular pay. In the event of such payments, the Town may debit the employee’s 968 accumulated sick leave by such amounts as it determines to be equitable in relation to 969 such payments. 970 971 Only employees who retire in good standing from employment with the Town of Sterling 972 shall be paid ten (10) percent of the value of their unused sick leave, at the time of 973 retirement. It is to be understood that the payment of any amount under this rule will not 974 change the employee’s pension benefit. 975 976 In case of termination and a negative balance for Sick time the amount will be deducted 977 from the employee’s final paycheck or arrangements must be made to repay the deficit, 978 unless otherwise prohibited by law. 979 980 Remainder of Section unchanged. 981 982 Existing Section 12 renumbered as Section 7 983 Existing Section 13 renumbered as Section 8. 984 985 Or take any action in relation thereto. 986 987 Submitted by: The Board of Selectmen 988 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen supports this article 989

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Summary: The current bylaw refers to a Personnel Board that no longer exists. The 990 updated version replaces the Personnel Board with the HR/Personnel Director or in 991 his/her absence the Town Administrator. It clarifies that employees are supervised by the 992 appropriate departmental person while all personnel issues are centralized with the 993 HR/Personnel Director / Town Administrator. 994 995

ARTICLE 28. Join the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project 996 To see if the Town will vote to become a member of and participate in the Central 997 Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project at a cost estimate of $87,000/year pursuant to 998 Chapter 583 of the Acts of 1973, Chapter 40 of the Acts of 1977, and Massachusetts 999 General Laws Chapter 252, Section 5A [MGL Ch252:5A] and other applicable sections of 1000 said law, subject to an assessment through a reduction in Cherry Sheet revenue in an 1001 amount to be determined annually by the District Commissioners, and to authorize the 1002 Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health to enter into all agreements and to execute 1003 any and all instruments as may be necessary to affect this vote; 1004 1005 Or take any action in relation thereto. 1006 1007 Submitted by: Board of Health 1008 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen does not support this article 1009 Recommendation: The Finance Committee does not support this article 1010 Summary: The Central Mass Mosquito Control Project would provide the following 1011 mosquito control services to the Town of Sterling: Laval mosquito control, ditch 1012 maintenance, mosquito surveillance, adult mosquito control (spraying) if adult mosquito 1013 populations have reached established thresholds and is requested by the town or its 1014 residents, source reduction, public education and beaver mitigation. Although a Town 1015 meeting appropriation is not required, a vote to approve this article would cause the 1016 money to be deducted from the Town's state aid as an assessment on the Cherry Sheet. 1017 1018

ARTICLE 29. Road Acceptance – Chad Lane 1019 To see if the Town will vote to accept as a public way the roadway known as Chad Lane, 1020 as heretofore laid out by the Board of Selectmen and shown on a plan entitled “As-Built 1021 Plan, Chad Lane, Sterling, Massachusetts,” dated November 18, 2019, prepared by 1022 Whitman & Bingham Associates, LLC, which plan is on file with the Town Clerk, and to 1023 authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by gift, purchase, and/or eminent domain 1024 the fee to and/or easements in Chad Lane for all purposes for which public ways are used 1025 in the Town of Sterling, and any drainage, utility, access, and/or other easements related 1026 thereto, all as shown on the plan; 1027 1028 Or take any other action in relation thereto. 1029 1030 Submitted by: Board of Selectmen 1031 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen recommends approval. 1032

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Recommendation: The Planning Board recommends approval. 1033 Summary: This article will convert a new subdivision road for care and maintenance as a 1034 public way. 1035 1036

ARTICLE 30. Bylaws and Regulations amendment to change the Board of Selectmen 1037 Name - Citizens Petition 1038

To see if the Town will vote: to amend the Bylaws and Regulations of the Town of Sterling 1039 to change the term "Board of Selectmen" to "Select Board", and to change references to 1040 Chairman to Chair, and the words "selectman, selectmen, selectwoman, or selectwomen" 1041 with the words "select board member(s)" or "member(s) of the select board" in each and 1042 every place they appear in the Town of Sterling General Bylaws and Regulations, 1043 Personnel Bylaws and Regulations, and Protective (Zoning) Bylaws and Regulations. 1044 1045 For purposes of these bylaws and Regulations, and for all official business of the Town, 1046 the board previously referred to as the Board of Selectmen shall hereinafter be referred 1047 to as the Select Board, with individual members to be referred to as "select board 1048 member(s)" or "members of the select board(s)", and said Select Board shall have all the 1049 powers and duties of a board of selectmen as set forth in the General Laws or any special 1050 act applicable to the Town including but not limited to the power to prosecute, 1051 compromise or defend suits for or against the Town and employ counsel at any time if, in 1052 its judgment, the interest of the Town so require 1053 1054 Submitted by: Citizens’ petition 1055 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen supports this article 1056 Summary: The adoption of gender-neutral pronouns has become prevalent 1057 over the past 50 years. We use neutral pronouns more and more in our everyday life. The 1058 word “man” is no longer synonymous with “person,” and the use of gender-neutral 1059 language is standard practice. Over 30% of Massachusetts municipal boards are using 1060 gender-neutral designations with many new towns voting for change this year. The 1061 impact is big and the cost is miniscule! 1062 1063

ARTICLE 31. Veterans Ceremony – Citizens petition 1064 To see if Town will vote to require all organizations discharging rifle volleys on 1065 Veterans Day or Memorial Day, shall only include veterans as defined under 1066 Massachusetts Law, M.G.L. c4, sec. 7, cl 42, for the purpose of discharging rifle fire. 1067 1068 Organizations wishing to include non-veterans in a group or firing detail, for the 1069 purpose of discharging weapons on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, shall reimburse 1070 the Town of Sterling for all expenses associated or incurred with either event in which 1071 non-veterans are included. 1072 1073 Submitted by: Citizens’ petition 1074

33

Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen does not support this article 1075 Summary: Sterling veterans must not be excluded in any of the firing parties on 1076 Memorial Day or on Veterans Day or any ceremony that renders rifle fire in symbolic 1077 respect for our fallen comrades. This is one of the few honors available for veterans to 1078 participate in. 1079 1080 Omitting veterans, and placing members of the "Sons of the American Legion', OR S.A.L. 1081 in their stead for this honor, lessens the visibility and importance of veterans. It does 1082 nothing to benefit the veteran and only promotes the continuing practice of nepotism 1083 and sexual discrimination. 1084 1085 Although service in the military is required for membership in the American Legion, 1086 service in the Armed Forces is not required for membership in the S.A.L. 1087 To be a member of S.A.L. one must only be, a male, a son or stepson, adopted son, or 1088 grandson of a veteran. Membership can be conferred at birth. 1089 1090

ARTICLE 32. Transfer Portion of 7 Sunset Drive for Purposes of Conveyance 1091 To see if the Town will vote to transfer the care, custody and control of a portion of that 1092 property located at 7 Sunset Drive, being Assessor’s Parcel 157-51, described in a deed 1093 recorded with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds in Book 13525, Page 306, 1094 as shown on the sketch plan filed with the Town Clerk, from the Board of Selectmen for 1095 drainage purposes, and authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey said property on 1096 such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Board of Selectmen deems 1097 appropriate, including reserving such easements as the Town may require, and to 1098 execute such documents as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this article, or 1099 take any action in relation thereto. 1100

1101 Submitted by: Board of Selectmen 1102 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen supports this article 1103 Recommendation: The Finance Committee defers to the Select Board 1104 Summary: An abutting property is interest in obtaining a portion of this Town owned 1105 property. It is a vacant lot that includes a detention basin for the subdivision and a town 1106 water line. Subject to agreement with the purchaser relative to preparation of 1107 engineering indicating the drainage system and water line won’t be impacted and 1108 survey work to verify new lots, to Town’s satisfaction, at sole cost and expense, and 1109 payment of Town’s attorneys’ fees. 1110

1111

ARTICLE 33. Apply Stabilization Fund to Stabilize the Tax Rate 1112 To see if the Town will vote to transfer $300,000 or any other sum from the Stabilization 1113 Fund, to stabilize the tax rate; or take any action in relation thereto. 1114 1115 Submitted by: Finance Committee 1116 Recommendation: The Board of Selectmen will report at Town Meeting. 1117

34

Recommendation: The Finance Committee will report at Town Meeting. 1118 Summary: This article appropriates stabilization funds to reduce the FY21 tax levy. The 1119 Finance Committee will submit an amount at Town Meeting after consideration of the 1120 spending on previously approved articles. 1121

1122

ARTICLE 34. Annual Town Election 1123 To elect by ballot on Monday, June 29, 2020 from 12:00pm to 7:00pm at the Houghton 1124 Elementary School Gym on 32 Boutelle Road, the following officers: 1125 1126

(1) Board of Assessors for 3 year term 1127 (1) Board of Health for 3 year term 1128 (1) Board of Selectmen for 3 year term 1129 (1) Constable for 3 year term 1130 (1) Department of Public Works Board for 3 year term 1131 (2) Library Trustees each for 3 year terms 1132 (1) Planning Board for 5 year term 1133 (1) Planning Board for 3 year term 1134 (1) Planning Board for 1 year term 1135 (1) Sterling Housing Authority for 5 year term 1136 (1) Sterling Municipal Light Board for 3 year term 1137 (1) Town Moderator for 1 year term 1138 (2) Wachusett Regional School Committee each for 3 year terms 1139

1140 Also, to choose by ballot or otherwise, such other officers as may be necessary. 1141 1142 Given under our hands this day of June , 2020. 1143

1144

Sterling Board of Selectmen 1145 1146 ___________________________ ___________________________ ________________________ 1147 John Kilcoyne Maureen Cranson Arden Sonnenberg 1148

1149 1150

To the Town Constable: and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting on the 1151 Town Website and posting attested copies at the following 6 municipal locations and one 1152 in each precinct at least twenty (20) days before the holding said meeting: 1153 1154 Butterick Municipal Building (Precinct 1) Police Station (Precinct 2) 1155 Conant Free Library Post Office 1156 Sterling Municipal Light Building Sterling Senior Center 1157 1158 Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereto to the Town 1159 Clerk at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid. 1160

35

1161 ** Note: 1162 1163 New meeting location arrangements 1164 1165 With the intent of providing a safe meeting, where everyone will be as comfortable as possible 1166 with the measures taken to address voters’ concerns during the Coronavirus pandemic, the Select 1167 Board voted to hold the Town Meeting at the Sterling Airport. 1168 1169 This location offers the ultimate in social distancing. There is plenty of room for cars to park with 1170 a lot of separation. Everyone will be asked to stay in their cars. Arrangements will enable all to 1171 hear via a local broadcast on AM radio. Tune your car or portable radio to AM channel 1670. 1172 Further instructions will be provided when voters check in regarding the process to ask questions 1173 and vote. 1174 1175 Access to the airport is the same as used for the Sterling Fair at the I 190 South end of the runway. 1176 1177 Gates and voter check in will open at 5:30 PM. The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled to begin 1178 at 6:30 PM. “Rain or shine” 1179 1180 Thank you for your flexibility and patience. 1181

1

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

1 ACCOUNTANT2 01135-51100 ACCOUNTANT SALARY 29,963.00 30,862.00 30,271.00 30,877.00 606.00 2.00%

3 01135-57000 ACCOUNTANT EXPENSE 7,750.00 9,050.00 10,361.00 10,961.00 600.00 5.79%4 Department Total 37,713.00 39,912.00 40,632.00 41,838.00 1,206.00 2.97%5 ADA COORDIINATOR6 01196-51200 ADA COORDINATOR STIPEND 1,500.00 750.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 0.00%7 Department Total 1,500.00 750.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 0.00%8 AGRICULTURAL 9 01177-57000 AGRICULTURAL EXPENSE 100.00 318.74 750.00 750.00 0.00 0.00%10 Department Total 100.00 318.74 750.00 750.00 0.00 0.00%11 ANIMAL INSPECTOR12 01250-51100 ANIMAL INSPECTOR SALARY 1,800.00 2,250.00 3,000.00 3,400.00 400.00 13.33%

13 01250-57000 ANIMAL INSPECTOR EXPENSE 693.74 873.46 900.00 900.00 0.00 0.00%14 Department Total 2,493.74 3,123.46 3,900.00 4,300.00 400.00 10.26%15 ASSESSOR16 01141-51100 ASSESSOR STIPEND 4,500.00 4,500.00 4,500.00 4,500.00 0.00 0.00%

17 01141-51200 ASSESSOR WAGES 44,847.00 46,192.00 49,395.00 50,066.00 671.00 1.36%

18 01141-57000 ASSESSOR EXPENSE 56,700.00 71,700.00 79,580.00 79,580.00 0.00 0.00%

19 01142-57000 ASSESSOR REVAL 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%20 Department Total 106,047.00 122,392.00 133,475.00 134,146.00 671.00 0.50%21 AUDIT 22 01136-57000 AUDIT EXPENSE 21,500.00 21,500.00 21,500.00 21,500.00 0.00 0.00%23 Department Total 21,500.00 21,500.00 21,500.00 21,500.00 0.00 0.00%24 BOARD OF HEALTH25 01510-51100 BOH STIPEND 309.00 309.00 309.00 309.00 0.00 0.00%

26 01510-51110 BOH SALARY 0.00 0.00 66,352.00 69,625.00 3,273.00 4.93%

27 01510-51200 BOH WAGES 0.00 0.00 34,930.00 62,242.00 27,312.00 78.19%

28 01510-53000 BOH WACHUSETT HOME HEALTH CARE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%

29 01510-53001 BOH MONTACHUSETT PUBLIC HEALTH 3,200.00 3,200.00 3,200.00 3,200.00 0.00 0.00%

30 01510-57000 BOH EXPENSE 4,530.00 4,530.00 4,530.00 5,730.00 1,200.00 26.49%

31 01510-57001 BOH KIOSK 0.00 2,900.00 2,900.00 2,900.00 0.00 0.00%

32 01510-57002 BOH PRINTER/COPIER 0.00 2,970.00 655.00 655.00 0.00 0.00%33 Department Total 8,039.00 13,909.00 112,876.00 144,661.00 31,785.00 28.16%

2

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

34 BOARD OF SELECTMEN35 01122-51100 SELECTMAN STIPEND 4,500.00 4,500.00 4,500.00 4,500.00 0.00 0.00%

36 01122-57000 SELECTMAN EXPENSE 2,500.00 2,500.00 8,400.00 7,750.00 (650.00) -7.74%

37 01241-57001 SEALER OF WEIGHT & MEASURES EXPENSE 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 0.00 0.00%38 Department Total 8,200.00 8,200.00 14,100.00 13,450.00 (650.00) -4.61%39 CONSERVATION40 01171-51200 CONSERVATION AGENT WAGES 24,179.00 24,904.00 26,404.00 26,933.00 529.00 2.00%

41 01171-57000 CONSERVATION COMMITTEE EXPENSE 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 0.00%

42 01171-57001 CENTRAL MASS STORMWATER COALITION 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 0.00 0.00%43 Department Total 30,179.00 30,904.00 32,404.00 32,933.00 529.00 1.63%44 COUNCIL ON AGING45 01540-57000 SENIOR CENTER OPERATIONS 15,935.00 15,935.00 21,755.00 19,112.00 (2,643.00) -12.15%

46 01541-51200 COA WAGES 133,800.00 153,330.95 187,464.00 204,969.00 17,505.00 9.34%

47 01541-53000 COA HOME CARE 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 0.00 0.00%

48 01541-53001 COA TITLE VII NUTRITION AND WHEAT 4,300.00 4,300.00 4,300.00 4,300.00 0.00 0.00%

49 01541-57000 COA EXPENSE 16,050.00 16,050.00 16,050.00 16,050.00 0.00 0.00%

50

51 Department Total 170,485.00 190,015.95 229,969.00 244,831.00 14,862.00 6.46%52 CULTURAL COUNCIL53 01542-57000 CULTURAL COUNCIL 50.00 3,550.00 3,550.00 3,550.00 0.00 0.00%54 Department Total 50.00 3,550.00 3,550.00 3,550.00 0.00 0.00%55 DPW56 01422-51100 DPW SALARY 67,959.00 73,227.45 74,692.00 77,440.00 2,748.00 3.68%

57 01422-51110 DPW BOARD STIPEND 1,800.00 1,800.00 1,800.00 1,800.00 0.00 0.00%

58 01422-51200 DPW WAGES 610,847.00 629,172.00 646,465.00 659,394.00 12,929.00 2.00%

59 01422-52000 DPW STREET LIGHTS 30,613.00 19,062.00 16,132.00 16,132.00 0.00 0.00%

3

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

60 01422-52700 DPW HYDRANT RENTAL 26,675.00 26,675.00 26,675.00 0.00 (26,675.00) -100.00%

61 01422-52900 DPW TRASH PICKUP 542,000.00 558,000.00 602,000.00 620,000.00 18,000.00 2.99%

62 01422-52901 REGIONAL RECYCLING 4,186.00 4,181.00 4,181.00 4,809.00 628.00 15.02%

63 01422-52902 LANDFILL MONITORING 16,500.00 16,500.00 16,500.00 16,500.00 0.00 0.00%

64 01422-57000 DPW EXPENSE 319,420.00 319,420.00 322,420.00 322,420.00 0.00 0.00%

65 01422-57001 DPW EQUIPMENT LEASE 29,692.00 29,692.00 29,692.00 29,692.00 0.00 0.00%66 Department Total 1,649,692.00 1,677,729.45 1,740,557.00 1,748,187.00 7,630.00 0.44%67 DPW SNOW & ICE68 01423-57000 SNOW & ICE EXPENSE 116,000.00 116,000.00 181,000.00 211,000.00 30,000.00 16.57%69 Department Total 116,000.00 116,000.00 181,000.00 211,000.00 30,000.00 16.57%70 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT71 01178-57000 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE EXPENSE 13,500.00 26,000.00 27,000.00 27,000.00 0.00 0.00%72 Department Total 13,500.00 26,000.00 27,000.00 27,000.00 0.00 0.00%73 EXTENSION SERVICE74 01690-57000 EXTENSION SERVICE 510.00 510.00 510.00 510.00 0.00 0.00%75 Department Total 510.00 510.00 510.00 510.00 0.00 0.00%76 FACILITIES77 01192-51100 FACILITIES SALARY 0.00 0.00 27,950.00 34,215.00 6,265.00 22.42%

78 01192-51200 FACILITIES WAGES 32,229.96 33,197.00 13,320.00 24,000.00 10,680.00 80.18%

79 01192-57000 FACILITIES EXPENSE 71,576.00 76,576.00 91,981.00 96,981.00 5,000.00 5.44%80 Department Total 103,805.96 109,773.00 133,251.00 155,196.00 21,945.00 16.47%81 FINANCE BOARD82 01131-51100 FINANCE BOARD STIPEND 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%

83 01131-57000 FINANCE BOARD EXPENSE 280.00 280.00 280.00 280.00 0.00 0.00%84 Department Total 280.00 280.00 280.00 280.00 0.00 0.00%85 FIRE-EMT86 01220-51100 FIRE CHIEF SALARY 97,338.00 100,258.00 106,264.00 112,390.00 6,126.00 5.76%

87 01220-51200 FIRE WAGES 544,733.00 598,610.00 644,739.00 691,817.00 47,078.00 7.30%

88 01220-51500 FIRE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STIPEND 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 0.00 0.00%

89 01220-57000 FIRE EXPENSE 132,700.00 133,900.00 176,500.00 176,500.00 0.00 0.00%

90 01220-57001 FIRE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EXPENSE 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 0.00%

91 01220-57002 FIRE EQUIPMENT LEASE 62,148.05 62,148.05 62,148.00 0.00 (62,148.00) -100.00%92 Department Total 848,419.05 906,416.05 1,001,151.00 992,207.00 (8,944.00) -0.89%93

4

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

94 FIRE-AMBULANCE95 01231-51100 AMBULANCE CHIEF SALARY 12,200.00 12,566.00 12,817.00 13,073.00 256.00 2.00%

96 01231-51200 AMBULANCE WAGES 314,427.00 342,387.00 354,796.00 440,810.00 86,014.00 24.24%

97 01231-57000 AMBULANCE EXPENSE 73,000.00 78,500.00 97,700.00 91,500.00 (6,200.00) -6.35%

98 01231-57002 AMBULANCE LEASE 38,867.20 38,867.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%99 Department Total 438,494.20 472,320.20 465,313.00 545,383.00 80,070.00 17.21%100 HISTORICAL COMMISSION101 01670-57000 HISTORICAL EXPENSE 1,250.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 0.00 0.00%102 Department Total 1,250.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 0.00 0.00%103 HUMAN RESOURCES104 01152-57000 HUMAN RESOURCE MERIT 0.00 0.00 67,291.00 5,000.00 (62,291.00) -92.57%105 Department Total 0.00 0.00 67,291.00 5,000.00 (62,291.00) -92.57%106 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY107 01155-57000 IT EXPENSE 57,635.32 34,023.81 145,548.00 145,548.00 0.00 0.00%

108

109 Department Total 57,635.32 34,023.81 145,548.00 145,548.00 0.00 0.00%110 INSPECTIONAL SERVICES111 01241-51100 BUILDING INSPECTOR SALARY 59,992.00 61,792.00 63,041.00 64,541.00 1,500.00 2.38%

112 01241-51101 INSPECTION WIRE INSP SALARY 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%

113 01241-51102 INSPECTION PLUMBING INSP SALARY 10,404.00 10,716.00 10,930.00 11,149.00 219.00 2.00%

114 01241-51103 INSPECTON GAS INSP SALARY 5,723.00 5,895.00 6,012.00 6,132.00 120.00 2.00%

115 01241-51200 BUILDING INSPECTOR WAGES 38,000.00 36,602.00 37,500.00 30,769.00 (6,731.00) -17.95%

116 01241-57000 INSPECTION EXPENSE 5,550.00 5,500.00 5,500.00 5,500.00 0.00 0.00%

117

118 Department Total 119,669.00 120,505.00 122,983.00 118,091.00 (4,892.00) -3.98%119 INSURANCE-BENEFITS120 01910-59020 INSURANCE-BENEFITS 1,485,468.00 1,580,261.79 1,490,875.00 1,492,766.00 1,891.00 0.13%121 Department Total 1,485,468.00 1,580,261.79 1,490,875.00 1,492,766.00 1,891.00 0.13%122 LEGAL SERVICES123 01151-53000 LEGAL SERVICES 60,000.00 62,000.00 62,000.00 61,000.00 (1,000.00) -1.61%124 Department Total 60,000.00 62,000.00 62,000.00 61,000.00 (1,000.00) -1.61%

5

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

125 LIBRARY

126 01610-51100 LIBRARY SALARY 77,189.00 79,505.00 85,099.00 90,797.00 5,698.00 6.70%

127 01610-51200 LIBRARY WAGES 207,341.00 217,659.00 240,754.00 249,974.00 9,220.00 3.83%

128 01610-57000 LIBRARY EXPENSE 119,581.00 131,750.00 133,807.00 133,807.00 0.00 0.00%129 Department Total 404,111.00 428,914.00 459,660.00 474,578.00 14,918.00 3.25%130 MEMORIAL AND VETERANS DAY131 01699-57000 MEMORIAL AND VETERANS DAY 5,600.00 5,600.00 5,600.00 5,600.00 0.00 0.00%132 Department Total 5,600.00 5,600.00 5,600.00 5,600.00 0.00 0.00%133 MODERATOR134 01114-51100 MODERATOR STIPEND 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 0.00 0.00%

135 01114-57000 MODERATOR EXPENSE 0.00 0.00 150.00 150.00 0.00 0.00%136 Department Total 500.00 500.00 650.00 650.00 0.00 0.00%137 OPEN SPACE138 01179-57000 OPEN SPACE EXPENSE 822.64 2,011.11 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 0.00%139 Department Total 822.64 2,011.11 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 0.00%140 PLANNING141 01175-51100 PLANNING STIPEND 500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 0.00%

142 01175-51200 PLANNING WAGES 0.00 0.00 18,098.00 21,116.00 3,018.00 16.68%

143 01175-56310 MRPC EXPENSE 2,772.00 2,772.00 2,850.00 2,850.00 0.00 0.00%

144 01175-57000 PLANNING EXPENSE 17,337.31 17,857.00 1,835.00 1,597.00 (238.00) -12.97%145 Department Total 20,609.31 22,129.00 24,283.00 27,063.00 2,780.00 11.45%146 POLICE147 01210-51100 POLICE SALARY 131,396.00 135,337.00 142,041.00 148,885.00 6,844.00 4.82%

148 01210-51200 POLICE WAGES 1,173,793.00 1,329,426.00 1,356,941.00 1,394,725.00 37,784.00 2.78%

149 01210-57000 POLICE EXPENSE 106,300.00 103,800.00 105,575.00 105,575.00 0.00 0.00%

150 01210-58500 POLICE CRUISER 40,000.00 40,000.00 41,000.00 52,000.00 11,000.00 26.83%151 Department Total 1,451,489.00 1,608,563.00 1,645,557.00 1,701,185.00 55,628.00 3.38%

6

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

152 POLICE-ANIMAL CONTROL153 01249-51200 ANIMAL CONTROL WAGES 21,163.00 21,798.00 24,398.00 25,119.00 721.00 2.96%

154 01249-57000 ANIMAL CONTROL EXPENSE 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 0.00 0.00%155 Department Total 25,163.00 25,798.00 28,398.00 29,119.00 721.00 2.54%156 POLICE-DISPATCH157 01215-51200 COMMUNICATION WAGES 258,775.85 270,427.00 275,836.00 281,353.00 5,517.00 2.00%

158 01215-57000 COMMUNICATION EXPENSE 91,500.38 93,958.00 103,397.00 103,397.00 0.00 0.00%159 Department Total 350,276.23 364,385.00 379,233.00 384,750.00 5,517.00 1.45%160 RECREATION161 01630-51100 RECREATION SALARY 50,138.10 51,642.00 55,330.00 57,877.00 2,547.00 4.60%

162 01630-51200 RECREATION WAGES 40,242.17 41,449.00 44,119.00 45,469.00 1,350.00 3.06%

163 01630-57000 RECREATION EXPENSE 7,800.00 7,956.00 28,100.00 28,100.00 0.00 0.00%164 Department Total 98,180.27 101,047.00 127,549.00 131,446.00 3,897.00 3.06%165 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR166 01129-51203 ASSISTANT TOWN ADMINISTRATOR SALARY 0.00 0.00 0.00 80,000.00 80,000.00 100.00%

167 01129-51100 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR SALARY 97,410.00 100,332.00 104,385.00 85,680.00 (18,705.00) -17.92%

168 01129-51200 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR WAGES 79,264.00 81,642.00 68,572.00 58,220.00 (10,352.00) -15.10%

169 01129-51201 OPERATIONS MANAGER WAGES 0.00 44,040.00 45,405.00 46,314.00 909.00 2.00%

170 01129-51202 TOWN PLANNER SALARY 0.00 0.00 74,970.00 76,470.00 1,500.00 2.00%

171 01129-57000 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EXPENSE 72,000.00 55,347.00 60,898.00 50,475.00 (10,423.00) -17.12%

172 01129-57001 COA SENIOR WORKOFF PROGRAM 15,217.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 0.00 0.00%

173 01129-57002 TOWN PLANNER EXPENSE 0.00 0.00 7,750.00 7,600.00 (150.00) -1.94%174 Department Total 263,891.00 296,361.00 376,980.00 419,759.00 42,779.00 11.35%175 TOWN CLERK176 01161-51100 TOWN CLERK SALARY 67,093.00 65,920.00 67,238.00 64,260.00 (2,978.00) -4.43%

177 01161-51200 TOWN CLERK WAGES 44,026.00 45,347.00 46,254.00 44,342.00 (1,912.00) -4.13%

178 01161-52000 TOWN CLERK TRAINING 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 2,300.00 (1,200.00) -34.29%

179 01161-57000 TOWN CLERK EXPENSE 10,975.00 11,000.00 11,000.00 11,000.00 0.00 0.00%

180 01162-51200 ELECTION WAGES 4,700.00 11,149.00 6,660.00 15,480.00 8,820.00 132.43%

181 01162-57000 ELECTION EXPENSE 12,500.00 8,900.00 10,700.00 14,765.00 4,065.00 37.99%182 Department Total 142,794.00 145,816.00 145,352.00 152,147.00 6,795.00 4.67%

7

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

183 TREASURER/COLLECTOR184 01145-51100 TREASURER/COLLECTOR SALARY 61,158.00 73,885.00 75,363.00 77,188.00 1,825.00 2.42%

185 01145-51200 TREASURER/COLLECTOR WAGES 94,539.00 105,102.40 96,803.00 102,068.00 5,265.00 5.44%

186 01145-57000 TREASURER/COLLECTOR EXPENSE 47,566.00 43,500.00 51,800.00 62,166.00 10,366.00 20.01%187 Department Total 203,263.00 222,487.40 223,966.00 241,422.00 17,456.00 7.79%188 VETERANS189 01543-57000 VETERANS EXPENSE 22,200.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 0.00 0.00%

190 01543-57700 VETERANS BENEFITS 30,000.00 30,000.00 25,000.00 36,000.00 11,000.00 44.00%191 Department Total 52,200.00 50,000.00 45,000.00 56,000.00 11,000.00 24.44%192 WORC COUNTY RETIREMENT193 01910-59060 WORCESTER COUNTY RETIREMENT 668,846.00 883,175.00 855,519.00 933,159.00 77,640.00 9.08%194 Department Total 668,846.00 883,175.00 855,519.00 933,159.00 77,640.00 9.08%195 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS196 01176-51200 BOARD OF APPEALS WAGES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

197 01176-57000 BOARD OF APPEALS EXPENSE 7,000.00 7,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 0.00 0.00%198 Department Total 7,000.00 7,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 0.00 0.00%199 Municipal Operating Budget 10,359,162.00 10,711,505.00 352,343.00 3.40%200

201 DEBT SERVICE202 01710-59000 DEBT - LONG TERM PRINCIPAL 1,606,000.00 1,581,000.00 1,545,000.00 420,000.00 (1,125,000.00) -72.82%

203 01750-59010 DEBT - LONG TERM INTEREST 278,025.00 216,255.00 155,435.00 93,935.00 (61,500.00) -39.57%

204 SBAB REIMBURSEMENT 0.00 0.00 (1,034,230.00) 0.00 1,034,230.00 -100.00%

205 01751-59010 DEBT - SHORT TERM INTEREST 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%206 Department Total 1,884,025.00 1,797,255.00 666,205.00 513,935.00 (152,270.00) -22.86%207 Article WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DIST208 01300-57000 WACHUSETT RSD MINIMUN CONTRIBUTION 11,352,428.00 11,343,738.00 11,696,595.00 12,089,494.00 392,899.00 3.36%

209 01300-57001 WACHUSETT RSD ABOVE NET MIN CONTRIBUTION 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%

210 WRSD VOCATIONAL SCHOOL OUTPLACEMENT (Trans & 0.00 0.00 0.00 78,318.00 78,318.00 100.00%

211 WACHUSETT RSD TRANSPORTATION 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%

212 WACHUSETT RSD DEBT SERVICE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%213 Department Total 11,352,428.00 11,343,738.00 11,696,595.00 12,167,812.00 471,217.00 4.03%214 Article MONTACHUSETT REG. SCH00L DIST215 01301-57000 SCHOOL MONTACHUSETT REGIONAL VOC TECH 854,409.00 847,677.00 821,969.00 905,635.00 83,666.00 10.18%

216 DEBT AND INTEREST - BUILDING PROJECT ** 0.00 0.00 0.00%217 Department Total 854,409.00 847,677.00 821,969.00 905,635.00 83,666.00 10.18%218 Article OPEB219 01910-59060 OPEB 150,000.00 150,000.00 159,000.00 25,000.00 (134,000.00) -84.28%

8

FY21 OMNIBUS BUDGET Monday, June 1, 2020

Level Funded Expenses 10:10 AM

Account 2018 2019 2020 FY21 Dept FY21 $ FY21 %Number Description Budget Budget Budget Request Change Change

220 Department Total 150,000.00 150,000.00 159,000.00 25,000.00 (134,000.00) -84.28%221 Article Reserve Fund222 01132-56900 RESERVE FUND 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 0.00 (100,000.00) -100.00%223 Department Total 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 0.00 (100,000.00) -100.00%224

225 Total Including Schools / OPEB /Resv Fund 23,802,931.00 24,323,887.00 520,956.00 2.19%Proofs 23,802,931.00 24,323,887.00 520,956.00

DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET INCREASES - EXPLANATIONNote: Budget items with increases over 10% were selected for this summary

Account Line % Total Dept $ 6/1/2020Description # Increase Increase FY20 FY21 Amount Increase 11:35

Animal Inspector Salary 12 13.33% 10.26% 3,000.00 3,400.00 400.00

BOH Wages 27 58.64% 23.45% 39,235.00 62,242.00 23,007.00BOH Expense 30 26.49% 4,530.00 5,730.00 1,200.00

Explanation:

Facilities Salary 77 22.42% 16.47% 27,950.00 34,215.00 6,265.00Facilities Wages 78 80.18% 10,680.00 24,000.00 10,680.00

Hiring of new Facilities Technician after the retirement of the former Technician. Increase in hours and COLAHiring of 2 new part time custodians. This will allow facilities to address issues in house rather than having

DPW Regional Recyclying 62 15.00% 0.61% 4,181.00 4,808.00 627.00Explanation:

DPW Snow and Ice Expense 68 16.57% 16.57% 181,000.00 211,000.00 30,000.00Explanation:

Police Cruiser 150 26.83% 3.38% 41,000.00 52,000.00 11,000.00Explanation:

Election Wages 180 132.43% 6,660.00 15,480.00 8,820.00Election Expense 181 37.99% 10,700.00 14,765.00 4,065.00

Explanation:

Treasurer Expense 186 20.01% 6.70% 51,800.00 62,166.00 10,366.00

Veterans Benefits 190 44.00% 11.35% 25,000.00 36,000.00 11,000.00

Monty Tech 215 10.18% 10.18% 821,969.00 905,635.00 83,666.00

Asst Town Administrator 166 100.00% 11.35% 0.00 80,000.00 80,000.00

Line items with a negative increase….........Senior center operations 45 -12.15% Town Admin Wages 168 -15.10%Selectmen Expense 36 -7.74% Town Admin Exp 171 -17.11%DPW Hydryant Rental 60 -100.00% Town Planner Expense 173 -1.94%Fire equipment Lease 91 -100.00% Town Clerk Salary 176 -4.43%Ambulance Expense 97 -6.35% Town Clerk Wages 177 -4.13%Human Resource Merit 104 -92.57% Town Clerk Training 178 -34.29%Legal Services 123 -1.61% Debt 206 -22.86%Planning Expense 144 -12.97% OPEB 219 -84.28%Town Admin Salary 167 -17.92% Reserve Fund 222 -100.00%

upon the Town Administrator's retirement. Provides for more work from Administration and a smoother transistion

Explanation:Amount deemed necessary for the operation and maintenance of the District,. Based upon estimated Cheery Sheet

increase in fees.

Explanation:Increase in # of Veterans to receive benefits

Explanation:Town Administator will decrease to a 3/5th week as a phase out to retirement. Assistant will assume duties

Election wages and expense: 3 scheduled elections in FY21 with early voting. Town Clerk Expense:

Time and Attendance Software, new postage machine, increase financial software licensing, registry of deeds

Explanation:Merit and COLA Increase

Explanation:

to hire outside vendors.

Wages - Adding another part time employee: /Expense - Additional Funds to pay for Portable Devices for the new E-Permitting system.

Increase in recycling fees

Past years have required a transfer of some sort to cover overages.

New vehicle purchase

for town reports, maintenance for 2 add'l poll pads.

Explanation: