FYArlington has proven that by working together we can make a difference.  A core group of volunteers has generated a list of issues to follow this fiscal year.  We strive to continue to educate the public, take action to improve government, increase transparency and seek additional funding.  FYArlington organizes our efforts into three broad areas:  state, town, and schools.  Our respective Working Groups will follow these issues.
 
State Issues
Arlington’s revenues from residential taxes cannot keep up with expenses. Therefore, Arlington relies heavily on state aid to fund our public schools and town services. Changes at the state level can have a significant impact on Arlington budgets. 
 
FY12 Objectives

• Follow and share information on the Act to Invest in our Communities, a step toward more progressive taxation in Massachusetts.  We believe that a longer-term conversation about how to better fund education is needed for all of Massachusetts.
• Follow changes to state aid and special education circuit breaker funds as they impact our bottom line.
• The State Secretary of Administration and Finance has formed a taskforce to look at the local aid formula. His staff has promised to keep the Arlington Town Manager's office informed since we have expressed our desire for changes in the formula several times.

Town Issues
The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee (an appointed committee that oversees and makes recommendations on the Town’s finances) meet regularly to discuss the Town’s finances and long-term options.  In addition, there are a few peripheral discussions and issues that could affect our town’s financial situation.
 
FY12 Objectives

• Report results of Board of Selectmen (BoS) and Finance Committee meetings – they will update progress on the following:
  • override plan and long-term plans for delivering services more efficiently
  • efforts to regionalize among towns and consolidate departments or job functions inside the town
  • comparative study of all town (including school) employee salary and benefits.
• Follow ‘Pay as You Throw’ initiative, a usage-based trash program that will be looked at this year as part of on-going efforts to reduce town expenses – in this case the cost to burn unlimited trash.
• Monitor the hiring process for the new Town Manager. The job description includes reference to improving town/union relations, addressing the structural deficit, and investments in public infrastructure, which are areas of interest to many FYArlington members.

School Issues
The school department has experienced very tight (and in some cases decreasing) budgets for the past 7 years.   FYArlington advocates for avoiding further cuts, maintaining our high quality schools and giving our children the best learning environment possible.
 
FY12 Objectives

• Report results of School Committee meetings and Budget Sub-Committee meetings –  promptly post summaries of meetings and remind the School Committee of active public interest in ensuring override funds are spent wisely and our school department is well-managed.
• Ensure robust public participation in the development of the school district’s redistricting plan for the school year 2013-2014
• Follow the school district’s long term facility plan to accommodate the growing student population and capital needs.
• Improve teacher/community relations and research what FYArlington volunteers might specifically contribute to making Arlington an attractive district so we retain teachers despite our lower salaries.

We always welcome more people to get involved and help us with these focus areas.  If you can help (attend meetings, research topics, keep track of initiatives, etc.), please contact Amy.