Town Manager Kevin Mizikar reviewed the approach to pension funding and discussed the updated objectives to ensure the FY22 budget is aligned with the Board’s priorities. The objectives include and incorporate the Board of Selectmen goals and align them strategically with the budget. The Board unanimously voted to adopt the FY22 Financial Objectives.

Mr. Mizikar reviewed a PowerPoint presentation. The timing of this is early given the recent challenges due to COVID-19. The Town is on budget for this year but there is a very limited increase in revenue for next year. There are big challenges ahead with a deficit ranging between $800,000 and $2.3M in the scenarios presented. Mr. Mizikar reviewed the budget timeline and next steps in the process. Mr. Samia asked about local receipts and health insurance and stated that we need to constantly refine this info as more information becomes available to us. Mr. Mizikar stated that this is a bare level service budget and if there is a deficit as we progress through the budget process we may have to reduce services.

For at least the past 15 years, the Town of Shrewsbury has offered to their residents the collection of “One Free Non- PAYT Trash Bag” starting right after the Christmas holiday to encourage the residents to dispose of non-recyclable items such as wrapping paper and Styrofoam, which could represent potential contaminants in our recycling streams. The Board of Selectmen authorized the disposal of "One Non-PAY-T Trash Bag" per household for the period of December 26 through December 31, 2020. Click here for more info.

Town Manager Kevin Mizikar stated that Town staff held a call with Standard & Poor's to reaffirm the Town's AAA bond rating, and should receive results in January. After the rating, bonds will be available to sign for borrowing for the Police Station and Public Radio project. Revised proposals are in and for the Architect and Owners Project Manager. The new Howard J. Beal Elementary School at 214 Lake Street is 60% complete with no budget issues thus far.

A PowerPoint presentation on the current positive case update and other statistics and town operations was reviewed. December has been the worst month thus far with almost 42% of all positive cases occurring. Mr. Mizikar reviewed the process for receiving vaccines for first responders. The Board discussed the possibility of obtaining more refined data on the age demographics and the effect the recent surge may have on town operations.

Mr. Mizikar reviewed a PowerPoint presentation that included an overview of planned use of covid-19 aid, recent updates and additions including a mobile vaccination unit, various funding and allocation, and a summary of COVID-19 aid. The Board discussed COVID-19 related expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year and large COVID-19 related expenses.