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AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston July, 1996 WHERE’S YOUR AFFIDAVIT? FY97 BUDGET GROWS You may have missed it because many Boston taxpayers On June 28th, the City Council gave final approval to have, but by August 1st, property owners in Boston were Boston’s $1,349 billion budget. This budget is $2.9 required to fill out an affidavit ofaddress and telephone million higher than originally submitted in April. The numberandreturn ittothe City. Failure to comply could, additional spending was approved to cover BPS collective after two other steps, result in a $100 lien placed on the bargaining agreements for custodians and bus drivers and property. The intent of this provision is to identify the expansion ofprograms for Community Centers. Also ownershipofpiopciiiesthataic notmaintained 01 comply included hi the revised budget are: additional code withbuildingorlandregulations. enforcementofficers, technicalassistance improvements in the Office of Cultural Affairs, increases in health Initiated as part of the City of Boston’s 1995 legislative insurance due to added firefighters and increased mailing package, the law (Ch 126, Acts 1995) requires that an costs. Fundingwasmadeavailable byrevisedestimates in affidavitofaddress be included with each preliminary tax state aid, increases in some city revenue accounts and a bill forboth real and personal property which was due on decrease in fundingrequirements forcountycorrections. August 1st. Information to be included in the affidavit includes the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Out of state owners must appoint an agent MORE STATE AID located in the Commonwealth to provide the information. On June 30th, Governor Weld signed the FY97 state Failure to comply would result in a warning and then a budget totaling $17.45 billion. This includes almost $3.5 $100 fine being issued before the fine would be placed on billion in state aid to cities, towns and school districts. the property as a lien. Efforts to amend the law by For Boston, state aid is expected to total $417.1 million exempting owners who receive residential exemptions or (net of $9.1 million for charter schools), an increase of personal property owners or by not requiring telephone $24.6 million or 6.3% over FY96. That represents an numbersintheaffidavithavenotbeensuccessful. increase of$2.3 million over the aid projected in the final FY97 citybudget. State aid this year represents 30.9% of Subject to local option, the act must be accepted by a city Boston’stotal operatingrevenues. or town before it can be implemented. Boston did not wasteanytimeandapprovedthe act inDecember, 19 days STATEAIDTOBOSTON afteritbecameeffective. Theaffidavitwas includedatthe FY1996&FY1997 bottom of the City’s FY97 first quarter preliminary tax Cherry bill. Making the process cumbersome is the fact that the Sheets property owner must send the first quarter tax bill to one FY1996 FY1997 change 'Achange addressandtheaffidavit to anotheraddress. Owners who did not submit the affidavit will be sent a warning letter ADD ASSISTANCE $206,638 $206,638 0 00% bythe City around September 1st. The City’s operational CHAPTER70 86,016 106,410 20,394 237% costs to implement this act will be significant as it must SLCOHTLTECROYNSTRUCTION 3173,,409265 4113.,170286 3,760110 9564%% process and follow-up on approximately 135,000 real and PUPILTRANSPORT 9,757 9,670 (87) -09% personalpropertytaxbills. TEACHERPENSIONS 35,500 35,000 (500) -1.4% MISCELLANEOUS 4,053 4,588 535 13.2% The intent to identifyproperty owners who do not maintain their property is worthy STATEREVENUES $392,486 $417,139 $24,653 63% but the affidavit is the wrong approach. This isan onerous and unnecessaryburden on allproperty owners at great expense of timeandmoney to the City. At less cost, a BMC TRUSTEES NAMED different program could more effectively targetthe much smallernumberofproblem On July 3rd, die names ofthe 30 Trustees of the Boston Medical Center (BMC) were announced. Ten individuals owners. were designated by Mayor Menmo and ten were designatedbytheBoardofTrustees ofBostonUniversity ^ recycledpaper /< Medical Center Hospital. Six Trustees serve Ex Officio Superintendent will be in a stronger because of the positions they hold such as Physician-in- position to make principal changes next Chief or President of the Medical Staff of BMC. The April. The Superintendent must be sure remaining four Trustees represent Boston HealthNet that his evaluation process is fair and community health centers. The Mayor selected Manuel thorough in orderforhisdecisions tostick. M. Ferris, President & CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Center, to be Chairman of BMC and Jack Valentine, Director for Health Care Entrepreneurship, Health Policy STADIUM PROJECT FUNDING Institute, Boston University will serve as Vice Chairman. Given the on-going debate in Boston about the funding of Elaine Ullian has been named President & CEO ofBMC stadium and other major projects, we thought the table andwill serveonthe BoardExOfficio. TheTrusteeswill prepared by our fellow Governmental Research serve for fiveyearstaggered terms. A complete list ofthe AssociationmemberinMichiganwouldbeofinterest. BoardofTrusteesisavailableuponrequestoftheBureau. CONSTRUCTION FUNDING FORARENA ANDSTADIUM PROJECTS SINCE 1992 PAYZANT APPOINTS NEW PRINCIPALS FUNDING FACILITY On July 31st, Superintendent Thomas Payzant announced Public Private tahnedatphepotirnatnsmfeenrtofofonseixprniencwipaplr.incSiipxalosfathnedseheianddimvaisdtuearlss KFileeletCeCnetnetrer SBto.stLoounis 11999954 00 % 110000 % will replace the administrators whose contracts were not United Center Chicago 1994 7 93 roeneneowfetdheinsiAxprvialc.ancOiense, cprreiantciinpgalaissevbeenitnhgvtarcaannscfye.rreTdwtoo CTGhhaaterelBowataltylepSaCrtokaldiisuemum CACrhllaeirvnlegolttaotnne,d tx 111999999554 224478 775632 of the seven individuals come from outside the BPS, SanJoseArena SanJose 1993 82 18 although one is returning to Boston having spent the last CoorsField Denver 1995 85 15 tSwchoooylesartshaatswiallprhianvceipanlewinprtihneciMpiallstoonr phuebaldimcasstcehrosolsi.n ATCrlaaamnmdsoeWnDoorYmladerdDsome SBStaa.lntLiAomnuoitrsoenio 111999999335 111000000 000 September are Dorchester High, Hyde Park High, Cleveland Middle, King Middle, Hale Elementary, Sources: CitizensResearchCouncilofMichigan8GoverningMagazine Blackstone Elementary and Haley Elementary. The Superintendent appointed these individuals believing that From a general comparative purpose, this table is useful. theywill provide strong school-based leadership which he However, a comparison of construction funding does not has stated is “perhaps the single most important factor in provide the full picture ofpublic support for each project creatingeffectiveschools.” since it does not consider the benefits of any tax agreements or infrastructure support associated with each project. For the Fleet Center, for example, the Garden WHAT ABOUT THE SIX? Corporation and the City of Boston negotiated a 15-year The Superintendent is still in negotiations about next 121A tax agreement which was especially helpful in moves with the six principals and headmasters whose providinganimportanttaxbreak in the construction years. individual one-year contracts were not renewed in April. Numerous benefits were provided by the State as well as Most of the six have hired lawyers and one has filed a theMBTAthroughits infrastructure improvements. court suit. At issue for some is the evaluation process utilizedbytheSuperintendent. FINANCIAL REPORTING KUDOS A superintendent’s authority to dismiss a principal is not Atlanta may have had the Olympics but its Auditing as strong as most people assume. Under the Education Department does not have The Government Finance Reform Act of 1993, a superintendent only has the full Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate ofAchievement authority to remove a principal who has served in that for Excellence in Financial Reporting. That honor was capacity for less than three years and consequently is not awarded to the City of Boston in June. The Certificate tenured. A principal who is tenured may only be was given to Boston in recognition that the Auditing dismissed for“good cause” and mayrequest an arbitration Department’s comprehensive annual financial report hearing. This law has yet to be tested as to the extent of (CAFR) was thorough, understandable, presented in any superintendent’s authority to dismiss a tenured conformity with requirements of generally accepted principal and what constitutes “good cause.” Also not accountingprinciples(GAAP) and provideda wide variety tested is the issue of whether non-renewal equates with ofinformation useful in evaluating the financial condition dismissal. ofa government. The Certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and The outcome ofthese negotiations and any financial reporting. At the GFOA s Annual Meeting in court decisions will directly affect the June, City Auditor, Sally Glora, was recognized as the Superintendent’s efforts to reform the BPS. individual primarily responsible for preparing the award- All principals and headmasters have one- winningCAFR. year contracts for the 1996-1997 school year. With more time for review, the AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston auUMate iJL BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU 24ProvinceStreet Boston,Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 SHATTUCK PLAQUE DEDICATION J a special event will occur prior to the Shattuck Awards Ceremony. On Tuesday, October 15th, Mayor Menino and the Research Bureau will celebrate a commitment to excellence by The Bureau is pleased to announce the six dedicating a plaque in the third floor main entrance of City Hall Shattuck Public Service Award recipients for recognizing the 76 Shattuck Award recipients from 1985 through 1996 The Shattuck Awards are given each year 1996. Invitations arc required. For mere information about this to a few special, dedicated employees ofthe City celebration, call usat227-1900. of Boston who have committed themselves to excellence in public service. They are role models for others to emulate and honoring them VOTE "NO" ON QUESTION shows that excellence in public service is 2) recognized and appreciated. The recipients for 1996 are. The 1991 Act creating the appointed School Committee required that a binding question be placed on the November 5, 1996 ballot Frank A. Altieri asking voters whether the appointed Committee should continue in Boston beyond 1997 or be replaced by a 13-member elected SupervisorofDataProcessing Committee. A NO vote on Question 2 will keep the appointed BostonPublicLibrary' Committee and a YES vote will bring back the elected Committee made up ofnine members elected by District and four elected At- Minnie M. Dixon, Director Large. EastZoneParentInformationCenter School Department On October 1st, Mayor Menino submitted to the City Council a homerule petitionwhich wouldprovide voters theopportunitytore- Frank N. Frattaroli examine the structure of the Boston School Committee every six DeputyCommissioner years beginning in the year 2002. This action was taken to respond Inspectional ServicesDepartment to voters who believe that now is not the right time to change the school structure but who want the right to vote a change, if Luis Garcia, Director warranted, after the appointed Board structure has had more time to prove itself. The question stated in the petition, ifapproved, would OfficeofResearchandAnalysis enable the voters to repeal the appointed Board and substitute it PoliceDepartment with “a new school governance structure.” That structure, could be an elected Committee or another structure such as the Mayor William W. Henderson, Jr. directly appointing the Superintendent. Through the home rule Principal petition process, any substitute would require approval of tire PatrickO’HeamElementarySchool Mayor, CityCouncil, LegislatureandGovernor. Richard A. Serino The Bureau believes that the appointed School Superintendent inChief Committee is unquestionably the best choicefor the EmergencyMedical Services future ofthe City ofBoston. Under this structure, final accountability rests with the Mayor who is The six employees will be recognized for their more invested in school performance. The exceptional service to the City of Boston at the fundamentalflawoftheelectedstructure vim that it AwardsCeremonyonOctober23rdat6:00 P.M. at did not insure accountability in any one person or theSheratonBostonHotel &Towersin the Grand board. The voters ofBoston can have more ofan Ballroom. The Chair of tire Awards Committee impact on educational improvement by holding the this year is Ira A. Jackson, Senior Vice President, Mayor accountable for school petfotmance every BankBoston. Ifyou would like tojoin tire Bureau fouryears. That seems to us more preferable than inhonoringthe 1996recipients,call usat anelectionaboutstructureeverysixyears. ,227-1900. v; recycledpaper AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE) contracts. This budget projection model can also be used tocostout initiativesbeingconsidered fornextyear sbudget. The School Committee Nominating Panel is looking for Boston The Menino Administration should not agree to any residents interested in serving on the School Committee. John employee contract unless it contains agreementsfor Gould’s term will expire at the end ofDecember. The Panel must productivity improvements, work nde changes and submit 3-5 names to the Mayor no later than December 6, 1996. reforms that will enable the City to deliver services The deadline for applications is Tuesday, November 12th at 12 more efficiently and effectively. The Administration Noon. Applications are available by calling 635-4408 or writing to. hadthisopportunityin itsfirstsetofnegotiations but School Committee Nominating Panel, JFK Station, P.O. Box 8943, spent too much of its political capital negotiating Boston, MA 02114. The person selected by the Mayor will begin residency requirements. A performance evaluation office on Monday, January 6, 1997 and serve a four-year term. system tied to goals and objectives should be However, ifQuestion 2 is approved, the term would be for one year included in contracts to determine merit pay. The only as the elected Committee members would begin their terms in Boston Water and Sever Commission negotiated January, 1998. Serving on the appointed School Committee merit pay into three ofitsfour employee contracts providesanopportunitytomakea differenceatanexcitingtime. several years ago. Once negotiated, these contracts BMC MOVES FORWARD must be managedcarefullyto insurefull execution of ) theimprovementsandreforms. TheBostonMedical Centerhasbeen inoperationsinceJuly 1st. and BOSTON RANKS 68TH j has succeeded in meeting its tirst tests but the challenges are still BMC great. As required in the merger agreement, the did close The Boston Retirement Board’s portfolio investments produced a BaonsdtotnranSspfeecriraeldtyit&s cRleihnaibciallitsaetrivoinceHsosapnidtaplr(ogBrSaRmHs)toonBOMcCt.oberTh1isst rtoeturnthjuest bCeolmowmotnhweesatlatthe’wisde avPeurbalgice in cEamlpelnodyaree1995Reatcicroermdeinntg move was necessary to provide services more efficiently. In April, Administration (PERA). Boston’s return was 23.14% compared 1996, this hospital cost the City about $700,000 a month to operate with the average rate ofreturn for all 107 Massachusetts retirement and was staffed at 210 employees for 70 patients. TBoMfaCcilitate the systemsw'hich was 23.49%. Boston’s return wasbasicallythe same move, in September admissions were referred to or other as the 23.13% return earned by the Pension Reserve Investment facilities sothat byOctober 1st only six patients were transferred to Management (PRIM) Board, which invests for municipal clients BMC. Through attrition, the number of BSRH employees in Bostonranked68thoutofthe 107 systems. Overthepastfive years, September dropped to 185. To ease the impact ot personnel Boston’s investment return has been 12.57% compared wath the cbhya6n5geesm,plaonyeatetsr.actOifvethseev1e2r0anecmeplpoacykeaegsemwovaisngofftoerBedMCa,ndsaocmceepwtieldl srtaantkeeadve1rsatgewiotfh11a.9r7et%urrnankoifng30it.8172%t,h ofveorlallolw.edInby199W5e,llFeasllmeoyutaht fill positions inthenewrehabilitation unit, others wall fill vacaBncMieCs 27.74% and Arlington at 27.61%. Wellesley has the best five year and the remaining employees will bump into positions at record at 15.06%, followed by Winthrop at 13.64%. Boston’s bdiassreudptioonn joonbthcelasmsaifiincatciaomnpuasn.d sTehneioriBtRy,Awihsicrhespwoinlsliblcereaftoer a8c.t0u%a.riaIlnfvuensdtimnegntscrheetdurunleinasesxucmesessoafn8a.n0nu%alheilpnsversetdmuecnettghreowCtihtyofs preparingaplanforthe futureuseoftheMattapancampus. future pension payments. The City’s pension budget for fiscal 1997 is $98.7 million. Boston’stotal pension asset value as ofDecember BurenMpiroCensseanltsesoxctsehuepctcneuertdsheeesdfiMonarsnmesegarolctyhiuaestmeiptnltgosy1e5Nd-umbroysnetUshnicvoAensrtssroiactciytasHtoiwsoipnti,thalawl.'lhtiOhcneh tB3h1o,ear1dC.9o9m5mBowonaswtsoen$a1l,st7phe7n6tbbei$hl4il.ni9odnmtimhlaelkiioSnntgatienitmTtaeheancafhgoeeurmrste,hntlS,atragtceeussttaonsddyisatPneRmaIniMdn September25th, BMC announcedthat it must cut its budget by 10% consultant fees in 1995. w'hich representsabout $40 million. The Center is in the process of identifying cuts using industry standards as a guide. That level of REGIONALIZATION AT WORK reduction cannot be achieved without reduciBnMgCworkforce expenses. j j Overall, 300-350 positionshavebeencutat since July 1st. The Regionalization Commission,jointly supported by the State and AT THE BARGAINING TABLE) City, has been meeting to explore ways in which collaborative regional efforts could provide municipal services more efficiently. It has been quiet but the City is in the process ofnegotiating new Twohreki1n3g cmoemmmbitetreses:(Se(el)MEacyo/noJmuinceDUepvdealtoep)mehnatveandestEanbvliirsohnmtehnrte,e eTemapclhoeyreseUcnoinotnr.actsThweitchonatlrlactthse fmoarjAorFSuCniMoEn,s eCxocuenpctilth9e3,BSoEsItUo,n (C2o)mmBiasssiiconSerwvalilcesbeanodrga(n3i)zinPgublaicsePrrieoscesosf faonrdumLsegoancy.ongoJinigc Local 285, the police patrolmen, firefighters and many others all experimentswathregional cooperation. The Economic Development expired in June, 1996. These contracts remain in force until and Environment Committee has initiated a research study of replacedwithsuccessorcontracts. property tax growth over the last several years and how future growth might be pooled and distributed in the future. The Basic A critical factor in the final outcome of these negotiations will be Services Committee will be issuing RFPs to study how public the financial impact ofthe salary and benefit proposals. The City services can be delivered more effectively in the areas of public has developed a sophisticated budget projection model that wall safety, human services, public works and facilities and allow it to plug in the cost ofany contract proposal to determine its administration and finance. The Public Process and Legacy financial impact on the City over a five year period. Prudent Committee will develop surveys and establish focus groups in the utilization ofthis management tool should insure that the City does late fall todeterminepublicopinionaboutregional servicedeliver, not agree to contracts that are not affordable over the life of the AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston Update BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU October, 1996 Boston,Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 AWARD THANKS ) OnOctober23rd, six Boston employees received the Bureau’sHenryL. ShattuckPublicServiceAward BUREAU in recognition of their exceptional service to the City of Boston. The Bureau salutes the dedicated | NEWS service of Frank Altieri—Library, Minnie Dixon-BPS, Frank Frattaroli—Inspectional Services, Luis I Garcia-Police, WilliamHenderson, Jr.~BPS, andRichardSerino~EMS. TheBureauispleased towelcome Tim McTnnis to the full-time The Bureau is grateful for the sponsorship and m-kind contributions of the following businesses research staff. Jim graduated this institutionsandperformerswhichmade the 12thannual ShattuckAwards suchasuccess past June, from Northeastern UniversitywithaB.A. in Political SHATTUCK SPONSORS MellonTrust/The Boston PoliceGaelicGuard Science and will be our Research BankBoston BostonCompany CablerisionofBoston Associate. In the past, he worked Beacon PropertiesCorporation NorthAmericanManagement FidelityInvestments for the Bureau for six months Beal CompaniesLLP NYNEX GaryLaPierre through Northeastern’s Co-op Boston Edison Palmer& Dodge, LLP Houghton MifflinCompany program. Jim is a great addition BostonGas Ropes&Gray IBEWLocal 103 to the staffand will definitely be Boston University State StreetBank&.Trust Le MeridienHotel keptvery'busy. CitizensBank Company MassachusettsLodging Connell Limited Partnership TheDrukerCompany Association Dell MitchellArchitects TheGilletteCompany MellonTrust/The SHATTUCK Ernst& Young, LLP TheNewEngland BostonCompany FleetBank TrigenBoston MuseumofFine.ArtsBoston PLAQUE Goodwin,Procter&Hoar, LLP NewEnglandAquarium NYNEX DEDICATED HaleandDorr HarvardUniversity IN-KIND SheratonBoston Hotel & Towers As you enter the third Poor main JohnHancock CONTRIBUTIONS Swissotel eanhloaonkceatoftChietySHhaaltlt,ucsktopAwtaortda’kse KMcPDMerGmoPteta/tO’MNaeriwlilck&, LLP AcmePrintingCompany, Inc. TThheeBChoisltdornenH’esraMludseum Plaque on the brick wall. With Associates All CityDanceCompany TheColonnadeHotel BankBoston the strong support of Mayor TheRitzCarlton BostonHarborHotel Menino, this plaque will honor permanently the 77 Shattuck Award recipients and those who follow for their exceptional SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY WINS initiative and commitment to i | serving the public. The plaque commemorates that one person The No vote for an appointed Committee structure The large margin of victory for the can make a difference and that won a resounding victory on November 5th. By a appointed Committee should end the ppruobfleiscsiosne.rviWcee ecxatnenbdeoura tnhoabnlkes mstaarbgiliinty oafnd7c0o%n-t3i0nu%e,d stchheoolvotiemrpsrodveecmiednetd wtehraet doevbeartwehelmaibnogutvotgeovsehronualndcep.rovideThtihse mtoakIrianJgactkhseopnlaanqdueBapnosksBioblset.onWfoer malolroewicnegrthaiinmbtyohaoplpdoiinngttthheeSMcahyooorl aCcocmomuintttabeleetahnadn srteatbuirlnittyonmaetetdeerdstoofsaclhlooowl tihmeprfoovceumsentto are grateful to Michael Galvin, returning to an elected structure of 13 members such as teaching, learning, curriculum, the City’s ChiefofBasic Services which did not insure direct accountability in either staffdevelopment, resource allocation, and his staff for all their the Mayor or School Committee. The appointed facilities, student assignment and assistance, as well as Susan Committee won by a plurality of59,459 votes and individual school reform plans. The Meyers, the City’s carried all oftheCity’s22 Wards except two. The Committee members should heed the Architect. overall voter turnout for this election was 72% and concernsaboutaccessraisedduringthe about 55% ofall registered voters pulled the lever campaign. Even so, the parents first onQuestion2. call should be to the Administration. w recycledpaper 5 SURPLUS IN THE CITY... That amount is larger than the $75 million projected in the latest ) capital budget. The Police Department will receivethe largestshareof 1 thebondproceedsat $26.9 millionor 30%ofthe total for finishing the The City ofBoston ended FY96 with a $2.2 million surplus according building of the Police Department Fleadquarters and other projects. toa preliminary' financial statementreleasedbytheCity. This surplus, The building and remodeling ofschools for $25.3 million or 28% is a based on expenditures of $1,530 billion represents the 11th close second Public worksprojectsinvolvingtheconstructionofroads consecutive surplus in Boston. Revenue collections from hospital and bridges and installation of lights total $13.9 million or 16% and erexcceeispsts,expiennvdeisttumreenstinintchoemea,realsicoefnsheoss,piptaelr,miptusbliacndwofriknsesanedxcpeuebdleidc parksandrecreation work addsupto $11.8 million or 13%. safety. The City collected revenues of $1,532 billion of which 71% ACCREDITATION WATCHJ came from the property tax and state aid. This year (FY97), without tBhoestroenveMneudeiscaolfCaenptuebrl,icprohopseprittyaltaxaessaanrdessutlatteofaitdherepcrreeasteinotn8o3f%thoef Since January, 1996, the New England Association of Schools anme theCity’stotal general fundestimatedrevenues. CBoosltloeng:esMa(dNiEsAoSnC)Parhka,sBfruilglhytoanc,crSedoiuttehdBfoosutronmoarned hLiagthinsAcchoaodlesmy. f ..AND IN THE SCHOOLS j MscahdoioslosnwePraerkr’estuarcncreeddittoatfuilolnawccarsedciotnattiionnueadftaerndbetihnegroenmapirnoibnagtitohnreoer Contributingto the overall $2.2 million surplus, the School Committee ohinghwasrcnhionoglsstfaatcues.accArsediotfatOicotnobperrob1l5etmhs,.eiTgohtaodfdrtehsesCtihteysesp1r5obpluebmlsi,c finished FY96 with an operating surplusof$16,325 based on a budget $3.0 million has been allocated in the FY97 BPS budget and $4 3 of $456.2 million. This represents the 6th consecutive year that the million in The capital budget FY97 marks the second year of the BPS aciiieved a budget surplus. Additional spending nuc to increased City’s three-year plan to address accreditation needs in Boston’s high esnurpoplllemmeenntt,arys'chaopoplrooppreinaitniognaonfd$c1o1l.l9ectmiivlelibonargianinFiYn9g6.resuTlhteedIiYn97a sscuhcoholass.teMcohsnotloogfythaendaclcirberdariiteast.ionThneeemdasjocreinttyerofartoheunpderfsaocinlnietly iissssuueess BPSbudget is $471.8 million, 35%oftheCity’stotal budget. were satisfied in year one of the accreditation plan. Accreditation BIG DOGS EAT FIRST | pcreinotreirtsi,eswiirnicnlgudebuitlhdeincgosnstforrucntieown coromrpeuntoevrastiaonndofthe10adldiibtriaorny/omtedi1a new'mediacenterspecialiststoreplacehigh school libraryaides The Massachusetts Department ofPublic Utilities is moving forward with plans to deregulate the electric power industry by January 1, The table below' lists the accreditation status ofthe eight high schools 1998, with expectations that it will lead to competitive pricing and experiencingproblems. improved service. When deregulation is implemented, utility companieswill nolongerberegulatedonacost-plus basis with respect SCHOOL STATUS to creating and selling powrer. Local electric utility companies wall Boston > Probation have to allow electricity from other suppliers to run over then lines. BostonLatin > Warning The new, open market system will potentially permit every utility Burke > NotAccredited customer in Massachusetts to purchase power from any supplier of Charlestown > Probation electiic energy DPU’s ability toreach a timely agreementon industry Dorchester > Warning issues and involvement ofthe Legislature in the deregulation process EastBoston > Probation maydelaytheactual implementationdate. English > Warning HydePark > Probation Deregulationraisesseveral important strategic issues forBoston. As a major user of electric power, $24.6 million spent in FY96, the City All of the schools listed in the table above have plans in place to should be able to use its purchasing powerto negotiate more favorable address accreditation issues so that all high schools in Boston are fully pricing agreements. It can alsojoin other municipalities orbusinesses accredited For example, plans are underway to construct a new to form a larger purchasing group (big dog) *o negotiate lower rates library/media center at Boston Latin following me warning status This isbasedonthebeliefthatmajor power generating companies will received by NEASC last April because of inadequate library space. be willing to offer discounts to develop a stable customer base. The new Headmasters assigned to Dorchester High and Hyde Park Boston, on the other hand, must be concerned about how deregulation High will oversee extensive facility improvements starting by January' might change the property value ofBoston Edison, the single largest to address issues related to their continued warning and probationary piayerofpropertytaxes in theCity. That w'ould, in part, be determined statusrespectively. Completionofanewscience lab and library/media by decisions about howutilities would be able to recover sunk capital center at Boston High School along with submission of a special costs inthisnewopenmarketplace. Nowisalsothetime for Boston to progress report should lead to full accreditation in 1997. In June, establish a comprehensive energy policy and to pursue energy Burke High began a 16-month application process to regamm conservation. accreditationstatus. By January, newcomputers shouldbe installed BOSTON RATES AN "Al" BurkeandCharlestown High Schools. ) Obt1ho9ne8n8dNC.iortvayteTimfhnrbgeoefmrrreMo6aomtsoho“,dnAysM”’osfto.oodr“yBAt’ohlsse”t,aornantnthoihenuaghndicgcbehhedeaesnttnghbaertoatnwietiddlhlr“aaAdtbi”enignbecyexrvpeMelaorasoierdndeeycBd’eoissvitensodinntb’chysee Atcehdoxidnpsisettcirtsouspncrattilionlngbyg,e,sEfcaunfilgtelelnyricasechccaorHnmeiddpgilhlteeatednixgnfpugoealcgltefosawclitiaonlbigsbt.yeitsrSiednmtepoucrerwnnodenvedienamtleoInanfcttuceslrrlendaaaitcsticaortnewiadeolilntlaHtiigoahns November Update. The new Moody’s rating is applied to the $90 visitthis schoolyear. million bond issue expected to be sold competitively on Nov. 13th. . AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU November, 1996 Street Boston, Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 THE REST OF THE BOND RATING \ Bureau News A s reported in last month’s Update Moody’s noted the City’s “healthy” general fund balances and ^ ^-upgraded Boston’s bonds from “A” t,o “Al” on the newly created Boston Medical Center which Mark yourcalendars November 6th. Standard & Poor’s had increased its allowed the City to cap its annual operating and fortheBureau’s rating for Boston’s bonds from “A” to “A+” last year. capital subsidies to BMC. One report also noted the Annual Meetingof The credit reports from both agencies last month voters’ decisiontocontinue with the appointed School Directorsand indicated that the ratings were in response to three Committee and that under the appointed Committee Members. Mayor main factors: (1) continued improvement in the five consecutive operating surpluses were achieved Meninowill bethe greater-Boston economy, (2) a well-managed capital which “provides stability to the City’s finances.” keynote speakeratthis plan which adheres to conservative debt management Concern was raised about the City’s “highly event. Hewill policies and (3) continued strong fiscal management. constrained revenue structure” which relies on the continuehisStateof Boston’s lower unemploymentrate and lower vacancy property tax, constrained by Proposition 2'/2’s annual theCityaddressatthis rate forclassAoffice spacewere citedas examplesof growth limit, and state aid, which the City does not meeting. Itwill be the area’s economic recovery. Debt retirement is control, for 83% ofits operating revenues. This lack heldonJanuary30, fairlyrapid with 45% ofdebt retired in five years and of revenue flexibility continues to “require tight 1997 at 12 Noon 74% retired in ten years. The City’s effort to reduce control over expenditures.” Both reports noted that I Informationwill be its head count through attrition and an early theCity’spropertytax levy is near the Proposition 2'A retirement incentive program for non-teaching and primary limit of2.5% ofassessed value but felt that ^nailed shortly. non-public safetyemployeeswas feltto beappropriate continued modest tax base growth should enable to control future expenditure growth. The reports Boston’slevyto staybelowtheceiling. THREE NEW PILOT SCHOOLS APPROVED) On November 20th, the School Committee approved three new Pilot Schools to open in September 1997: the Boston New School BPS PILOT SCHOOLS (K-8) under the direction of nationally known school reformer, Approved Grade Program Enrollment Deborah Meier. Quincy Upper School (6-12) and Harbor Point Schools Level Specialization Fall1996 School (6-8). This will bring the total number of Pilots to 11 1995-96 There are currently 125 schools in the BPS. In fiscal 1997, Pilot BostonArtsAcademy 9-12 PerformingandVisualArts 164 Schools represent 1.8% oftotal enrollment and less than 1.0% of DowntownEveningAcademyHS 9-12 At-riskStudents 125 total BPS spending. FenwayMiddleCollegeHS 6-12 School-to-Career 258 Pilot Schools operate independent ofunion and School Committee HealthCareersAcademy 9-12 School-to-Career 180 regulations. TheBostonNewSchool will be located in the former LyndonElementarySchool KII-5 ThematicLearning 289 Mission High School. Approval of the remaining two new Pilot YoungAchieversElementary K-8 Extendedday, Math&Science 184 Schools is conditional upon securing facilities byApril 1997. The 1996-97 combined first year enrollment of the three schools is limited to GreaterEglestonCommunityHS 9-12 At-riskStudents 71 n31ew1 sgtruaddeentlse.veAlfstaerretahdatd,edenartolelamcehntschwoaloll.beThailsloyweeadr,ttohienBcrPeSasewialls MulticulturalMiddleCollegeHS 9-12 InternationalStudies 81 1997-98HI fimd a $25,000 planning grant for each school to cover start-up BostonNewSchool K-8 ProgressiveEducation 100 costs. QuincyUpperSchool 6-12 Pavilions,ExtendedDay 151 At the close of their three year contract, Pilot Schools will be HarborPointSchool 6-8 ThematicLearning 60 evaluated based on multiple criteria including demonstration of innovativelearningtechniquesandtheabilitytoreplicateprograms [1]Enrollmentreflectsmaximumfirstyearenrollmentfor1997-98schoolyear intraditional settings. recycledpaper 1 the maximum allowed Ilus is an increase based on the growth TECHNOLOGY IN THE CITY ) in the consumer price index For those eligible, the previous abatement was $175. The revised abatement increased by The City is exploring an upgrade of it s financial and management 2.39% to $179. Mayor Menino signed both provisions on information systems. The impetus for this technology upgrade is the November25th. planningnowcompletedbythe School Committeeto improve its own Quarterly issuing of tax bills makes a discount an financial and management information systems. The City is looking administrative nightmare and not practical to toadopta comprehensive systems package thatwill allow itto move implement. The legislation was clearly written for forward with a citywide system that can be integrated with the communities with semi-annualtaxcollections. systemplanned forthe School Department. school committee [the .7^ Over the last month, key city employees have been presented with productdemonstrations from various vendors TheCityis looking for systems that are user friendly, fully integrated and connected to all received the Exam School Task Force report that recommended departments. an option that combines performance rankings and measures to The upgradeofthe City'sfinancialandmanagementsystems maintain diversity. The first 50% wouldbe filled in rank order, micTsoohsrevteiltycaeulbfrfurtiteocnitteihnmetpslryyeosxavtpnieemndngseciostshwtei-tleolCfoifbetceydt’iissovjfefoalsibyeni.tltiebtdTyvhaftenuotduudperglleiravcaeekfdrsfeicsiaweerinvfUciuicelbesl.esy bFrgaoeuisrmdeaeditlnhioionnnsegesreessqsueltuatuatsdsleotnwfotosttuhhleesdecpoxebrraiecmnegnfsitclaahlgboeedooslvbeitynestttrhhaaeennqkdu5a0gwltriihatfdhieiepdnepropcrioeanonctltiiaallve/e,ertahtnghiees integrated personnel payroll system. That is unacceptable modifiedthe StudentAssignmentPlan toexpand parental choice since over 60% of city spending is for personnel. and reduce race-related assignments. The changes will reduce Decentralizing the City's systems presents problems in administrative assignments, improve access to neighborhood providingsecurityandensuring thatdata is usedcorrectly. schoolsandchangeracial grouppercentages. (the city council. reexcceeievdedthea$b4u7d1g.e7tmiulpldiaotneBPthSatbupdrgoejtecbtyed$2F.0Y9m7illsiponendiSncghootlo officials believe this to be a manageable problem that will be resolvedoverthe next few months. sent back to the Council’s Committee on School Matters the Mayor’s special law which would require a vote on school governance every 6 years. The Committee had redrafted the THE MAYOR... ) proposal to require an election every 4 years coterminous with the mayoral election. Not supported by the Mayor or several Councillors, thedocketwasreferredbacktotheCommittee received from the School Committee Nominating Committee, 5 nominations for the School Committee position that will be The appointed structure allows the voters to hold vacant when John Gould steps down on January 6, 1997. The the Mayor accountable for school performance Mayor will interview the 5 candidates on December 19th and every4years. Thereisnoneedfora separate vote ontVi and makehis selection soon thereafter. ongovernancee\’ery 4or6years. s expected to set the FY97 tax rate in December. The under suspension of the Council rules, passed a total of $6 6 npreciation of value should mean that tax rates will dropFVan%d million in grants for various public safety programs. All ofthese min iA1 in''ropjr TVu» grantsw'erepassedwithoutcommentorpublichearing. esidential rate of$13.78 is expected to decrease by a few cents passed a resolution to support the United Farm Workers of vhile the commercial rate of $42.59 will decrease more America’s California strawberryorganizing campaign. The only discussion involved Councillor Saunders questioning the released his legislative package for 1997. The package consists relevance ofthe resolutiontoBoston ofover 50 proposed acts and the re-file of9 home rule petitions This resolution got past President Kelly who has Someenihtaemnsceinetcheonpoamcikcagedewvoeullodp.ment incentives in economic worked hard to keep resolutions not related to 1) opportunity areas (EOAs). One proposal would authorize Boston out ofCity Council debate. The Council exemption from sales taxes for construction materials and should pay more attention to approval ofgrants equipment for renovating abandoned buildings in EOAs ratherthan issuesnotdirectlyaffectingBoston. Another would authorizing tax credit for corporations that EOAs awefonaapthocrhtpitlercycrohtlvaheceaanaotrddumtmatahfsuhuolnelrtlioioctzppwaeiral'soeyhvsmoyimpesuoBtninnoiotisoncantsoiopqflnauctalaaawnrinx,ettneieboCredithlslslyasbtpt.teootaexoTgirfihplmvieap1esryl8m1esaweumacnoe3shtfn%tpatseahnydsdesisitsAenbeccdcymoet.undsnBtetiosoIvptsfeift.iotos1re9naT9ttl5hhhos,eeero 243))) dp“cdpobirrosroonmthovamriwiteibndebrifeuctnititeeeeaalxwxlldeoscctmp,rtorp”eemotrdppiyieuaotrftbntufeaionrfnerdossdsrbotwupbnoiseaetirpsdhsnueoebdenlsnoiasovrclenissrppucrotohnohnioapdmntoeeetlrrncsto-tlyfuaelslaosuenacspldaeerutdseop.dibinlanidennupmdsrstorddieuavcletliooopnr law also increases real estate tax abatements for the elderly to ofpower AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston Bureau Update BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU December, 1996 4ProvinceStreet Boston,Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 TAX RATE SET FY97 ) HAPPY HOLIDAYS . of property values has allowed Boston’s tax rates to decline, although Best wishes from all ofus at the Bureau for a most tax bills will increase. Boston set its tax rates on December 16th, one day later than happy holiday season and a very healthy, happy last year. The business tax rate is $41.50 per thousand of assessed valuation and the andprosperousnewyear. residential rate is $13.73. Thatrepresentsa decrease in thebusiness rate of$1.09 or 2.6% and a decrease in the residential rate of$0.05 or .36%. The average tax bill for an owner ANNUAL MEETING occupied home in Boston this year is $1,586, an increase oi $55 or 3.6/0 ^»cr last \ear. Mayor Menino will be the featured speaker at Total taxable property is assessed at $31 billion in FY97, an increase of $1.6 billion or tohneTBhuurresadua’ys,AJnannuuaalryMe3e0ttihngatth1a2t wNiololn.be hTehled 5in.c5r%eaosveedrbFyY49.66.%.ToTtahlesbeusvianleusessparroepearstyofvaJlauneusariync1r,ea1s9e9d6bayn6d.r8e%fleacntdcraelseinddeanrtia1l99v5alauneds MCiatyyo”radwdirlelsshoanveJadneulairvyer1e4dthhiasnd“Switlaltecoonftintuhee tpheercefinrtstoqfuvaarltueer,1i9s926.4m2a%r,kedtowacntivfirtoy.m 2T.h4e5%Ciltayst’syeoavre.ralTlheeffCeicttyi’vselteavxyrmaatey, ntoatxeesxcaeseda thataddresson issuesofinteresttothebusiness 2.5%ofitsvalue. canodmmpulnaicetyofatthethAennAunanluaMleeMteientginagre.: The time Tthheepprrioopreryteyart.ax TlehviysmyeaFrY’9s7leivsy$7is49$2m5il.l8iomni,llainonmcbreelaoswe otfhe$2l9e.v5ymcielilliiongn,orth4e.1pr%imoavreyr Date: Thursday, January 30, 1997 limitation ofProposition 2'A. The property tax levy represents 56% of the City’s total Time: 12Noon general fundrevenues inFY97. Place: MeridienHotel AsaresultoftheCity’s implementationoffull classification, businesspropertyaccounts for Invitationswillbemailedshortly. 4bu0s%meosfsteafxfaebcltieveprtoapxerrattyevisal4u.e15i%n,Boonsetoonf,thyeethipgahyesst7i0n%theofretghieont.axOtbhilelricnomFmYu9ni7tieTshien thearea thatcompete with Boston for busmess location offernoticeably lower business tax rates. BARGAINING CHALLENGE EARLY RETIREMENTS } ) AneSfceseixosaEcrgpnrhIeoltioUft1yrroi,ia9eglanchd9Lttetu6ioexomeroctsnxncoa.psloynieJmra2wTuceer8ionhs.s5ntee;thotroNn3oataen0chlgA,etealosuntepg1twixou9hhealc9esnitie6tcdipc.me,oth2ani5pjseot,aTonhxtharep1riran9seotMe9elte7midmhi.npneenilincpnBonlTroyaSuoohsendegoteedrpAsosetdensseumAusnminTpFinbeeefoigeSraonsorircCttsohirMrm1eaa9owErtto9shsi,fi6toofo.UnisncsComeeofriwoussitcnnlhocalsenitnwtilbdrhloelatog9cths3ithiee;snenr IpRubnptEnaeaenhrmsstteioaptiivflsrriostoeedtrawwysmevmwioepedileo,oennldnatsgsrysnpweweeuhtIaeabiaitnrdrlrfcocsdieteeh,itecnetruhrtivenestioeaqdhpvnirfueeeeaneirnlctrsrymMpetie5aredhoapxionsynetsigeeiromrasnppifroaironiasnmzloynetegoemhAtdrfl(eedh.aEnemanRmitigaIursnenA)wmiibhbsnoooiettreffuecmrorntsrapht$etlorl2iotifnv-s3ooyoic$n0encpir2-eteereyte’oiimodmjsnerriupesemlcctlpalpuitaoilteentyocuodndientoysoe.eemteinrdsoboeitnspoahnaTrnenanohobdtvEedeaeinuREroenFacInfEroteTiRtnhbtoEyIe-ya.f pCpesrsrroeumhoonlrpobdevtluluirolecccaydmtehceaisatbetvneiignmtceeioy.gcsnrooceitNanlmietnupavrdderetaefroicfdrtovteehnecifestmnolieurevicnnesmnotllssnsyae,t,strstmhaahapanceteytdMsriowtfairetloayfhlrlfcoaimtoercaenniplnteaserncabhctoielotlvneyiuis.omldtnadehnyenpaneoTrCgoatohierveatmmisygaeoserrnirteeotoeecn,ahdsttleaohwlwnaiaaogfnvnyreoesykasrr NArMhreepoeexafpdavpinurldeealcoscmegtxtdbietie.ooemdmnrajeutmnwHsie2ttol7liwlttyfRehhyec,evd7toeuhPwm0rceuie,%tbtnilhieoienoencaefdmcmTWhapttaonolhsrpaeokfkogyissleeFlvi,emoattsrciehLoacneinneltbteprwaofapsvhiropiilisyotlni,sciegtihdoitPnobi.ownmoylsouni.usAsctlebth,dMoearuobTreetserentaq2denuasrix0perppo%petoefrircdrootDteeafveemptedcteiadehnoremttntbsbomtyeoeaartbnnra.etadel 3%annualsalaryincrease. Thatisaboutas much as theCity ParksDepartments. can afford and is generally what other public entities are The Citydoes need to reduce its workforce and the ERI providing. TheMayorpossessessufficientpoliticalcapital to is an appropriate approach ifit is cost-effective. The demandrealcontractimprovementsforthedollarsoffered. City will lose many long-time effective employees Thepublicshouldexpectnoless. recycledpaper who will be difficult to replace. In 1997, a city Thefinancial consequences ofeducational election year, caution should be exercised policy initiatives need to be understood regarding thenumberofpositionsfilledand every better before being approved. The BPS’s effort must be made to insure that the selection of spending and position control systems new employees is based on professional should be changed toprevent this situation from re-occurringin thefuture. credentials, notpoliticalconnections. t recommended a revised exam school admissions policy THE MAYOR ... ) reflecting the 50/50 option (see November Update) and ( expansion of several tutorial and academic preparation announcedthe appointment ofBernard A. Margolis as the programs for 5th and 6th grade BPS students. The newPresident ofthe Boston Public Library. Hemade the Committee adopted the recommendations and added announcement with William O. Taylor, President of the preparation programs for 4th grade students. The Library Trustees which made the appointment. Mr. Superintendent predicted these programs would cost at Margolis has served as the Director of the Pikes Peak least $1.5 milliontoimplementstartinginfiscal 1998. Library District in Colorado Springs. Mr. Margolis will oversee the Copley Square Library, the Kirstein Business Library and 25 branch libraries. The Library Department FYI MWRA and BOSTON has an all-funds budget of$31.2 million and employs 574 : J employees(FTE). The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority was established interviewed the five applicants for the School Committee. m 1985 to provide wholesale water and sewer services, in Committee Member John Gould’s term expires at the end whole or in part, to 61 communities primarily in eastern ofthis year. Mr. Gould has opted not to re-apply for the Massachusetts, with Boston being its largest customer. appointment. All five candidatesthisyearareparents. MWRA’s waterworks system dates back to 1652 while its sewer system goesback to 1885. TheAuthority is governed by did not support a football facility in South Boston but an 11-memberBoardchairedbythe SecretaryofEnvironmental suggestedtheSouthBayareaofBoston instead. Affairs for the Commonwealth. Three members are appointed by the Mayor of Boston. The Authority has a net operating the city councilTTT) budget of $365.7 million in FY97 and employs about 1,800 [ people. Labor Committee, chaired by Councillor Roache, held a The MWRA receives about 88% ofits revenues from the rates hearing on employee training and layoff decisions by andchargespaidbythe local communitieswithinthe district in Boston Medical Center. Union activists asked for the FY97. Ofthe total rate revenue, Boston pays 32%. The next hearing claiming that they were being targeted for largest customer is the City ofNewton which pays 5%. The MWRA dismissal. rate revenue requirements for the over the next five years are projected to increase from $321.9 million in FY97 to The Council s interest in this issue is $535.7 million in FY02, for an average annual rate increase of predictable. However, the bottom line is that about 10%. That translates into a four-person household bill BMC is a private hospital that must reduce increasing from $646 to $1,002 over that period. The rate its operating costs to be competitive in order increases are due, in part, to higher debt service requirements tosurvive. Furthercutswillberequired. andaddedcostsforoperatingthenewtreatmentfacility. CPcTorohuemesnpiclCdieoeltunlintoncrgoiGflhatirwhseielttlhChoieSurlandeuccinttlde.eirtrmssCPauarnrnedrnseionidustenncPstreeeedfskoihirdinesg1n9ptal9,a7JnfsoioumntrotKJheraluntnlueyarfmroi.yrs BCitMohnoWrsdmetemReopinemAs’nessdmierbocneehntparrreps(gsuBeebansWlptipScaoC5ri)een4ntt%peiwatdhyioi.bdfcyhtbtThyhehweeatBMshaWeCyoSeoBmsCrtom’.asibstsloAsinstsiohsoteWeandaslstimmoesperengr1toaa9svnt7eidf7rornnSoesaemdswttheabhirnyes 6th. yearbutwill growto 63% inFY00. The BWSC has no taxing THE SUPERINTENDENT power but funds its operations through the collection ofwater ... | andsewerfeesfromapproximately87,100 accounts intheCity. The BWSC estimates that its rates will increase at an average apmnnruonocwobhultnehocmiegaidhdnedcrrtrhebeasuatstsettdahhleletoebSx$ucp3the.oc4$to3alm.ti4ilDolenimpoiianls.lrittohmnaTe.thnesttAegsprsoFpsalYsra9enn7uavfmaobbriueldartgbhelaitets riacannotcdmelmipeonrfrioncvg5ii.adbl6els%oacnstkdohmrrieoanutdreugeshltsirtFeirfYaul0tco0tcu.lurosewtoTewmrhhe-eiricsnBhcpWoaemSynecCtcohuuesertpmaorpgmeleesomrysisc.uomnaHsrieatrgtevehnsa-.tusistoeenpr balance is being developed and will include a freeze on newhiresandotherpersonnel changes.

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AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston July, 1996 WHERE’S YOUR AFFIDAVIT? FY97 BUDGET GROWS You may have missed it because many Boston taxpayers On June 28th, the City Council gave final approval to have, but by August 1st, property owners in Boston were Boston’s $1,349 billion budget. This budget is $2.9 required to fill out an affidavit ofaddress and telephone million higher than originally submitted in April. The numberandreturn ittothe City. Failure to comply could, additional spending was approved to cover BPS collective after two other steps, result in a $100 lien placed on the bargaining agreements for custodians and bus drivers and property. The intent of this provision is to identify the expansion ofprograms for Community Centers. Also ownershipofpiopciiiesthataic notmaintained 01 comply included hi the revised budget are: additional code withbuildingorlandregulations. enforcementofficers, technicalassistance improvements in the Office of Cultural Affairs, increases in health Initiated as part of the City of Boston’s 1995 legislative insurance due to added firefighters and increased mailing package, the law (Ch 126, Acts 1995) requires that an costs. Fundingwasmadeavailable byrevisedestimates in affidavitofaddress be included with each preliminary tax state aid, increases in some city revenue accounts and a bill forboth real and personal property which was due on decrease in fundingrequirements forcountycorrections. August 1st. Information to be included in the affidavit includes the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Out of state owners must appoint an agent MORE STATE AID located in the Commonwealth to provide the information. On June 30th, Governor Weld signed the FY97 state Failure to comply would result in a warning and then a budget totaling $17.45 billion. This includes almost $3.5 $100 fine being issued before the fine would be placed on billion in state aid to cities, towns and school districts. the property as a lien. Efforts to amend the law by For Boston, state aid is expected to total $417.1 million exempting owners who receive residential exemptions or (net of $9.1 million for charter schools), an increase of personal property owners or by not requiring telephone $24.6 million or 6.3% over FY96. That represents an numbersintheaffidavithavenotbeensuccessful. increase of$2.3 million over the aid projected in the final FY97 citybudget. State aid this year represents 30.9% of Subject to local option, the act must be accepted by a city Boston’stotal operatingrevenues. or town before it can be implemented. Boston did not wasteanytimeandapprovedthe act inDecember, 19 days STATEAIDTOBOSTON afteritbecameeffective. Theaffidavitwas includedatthe FY1996&FY1997 bottom of the City’s FY97 first quarter preliminary tax Cherry bill. Making the process cumbersome is the fact that the Sheets property owner must send the first quarter tax bill to one FY1996 FY1997 change 'Achange addressandtheaffidavit to anotheraddress. Owners who did not submit the affidavit will be sent a warning letter ADD ASSISTANCE $206,638 $206,638 0 00% bythe City around September 1st. The City’s operational CHAPTER70 86,016 106,410 20,394 237% costs to implement this act will be significant as it must SLCOHTLTECROYNSTRUCTION 3173,,409265 4113.,170286 3,760110 9564%% process and follow-up on approximately 135,000 real and PUPILTRANSPORT 9,757 9,670 (87) -09% personalpropertytaxbills. TEACHERPENSIONS 35,500 35,000 (500) -1.4% MISCELLANEOUS 4,053 4,588 535 13.2% The intent to identifyproperty owners who do not maintain their property is worthy STATEREVENUES $392,486 $417,139 $24,653 63% but the affidavit is the wrong approach. This isan onerous and unnecessaryburden on allproperty owners at great expense of timeandmoney to the City. At less cost, a BMC TRUSTEES NAMED different program could more effectively targetthe much smallernumberofproblem On July 3rd, die names ofthe 30 Trustees of the Boston Medical Center (BMC) were announced. Ten individuals owners. were designated by Mayor Menmo and ten were designatedbytheBoardofTrustees ofBostonUniversity ^ recycledpaper /< Medical Center Hospital. Six Trustees serve Ex Officio Superintendent will be in a stronger because of the positions they hold such as Physician-in- position to make principal changes next Chief or President of the Medical Staff of BMC. The April. The Superintendent must be sure remaining four Trustees represent Boston HealthNet that his evaluation process is fair and community health centers. The Mayor selected Manuel thorough in orderforhisdecisions tostick. M. Ferris, President & CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Center, to be Chairman of BMC and Jack Valentine, Director for Health Care Entrepreneurship, Health Policy STADIUM PROJECT FUNDING Institute, Boston University will serve as Vice Chairman. Given the on-going debate in Boston about the funding of Elaine Ullian has been named President & CEO ofBMC stadium and other major projects, we thought the table andwill serveonthe BoardExOfficio. TheTrusteeswill prepared by our fellow Governmental Research serve for fiveyearstaggered terms. A complete list ofthe AssociationmemberinMichiganwouldbeofinterest. BoardofTrusteesisavailableuponrequestoftheBureau. CONSTRUCTION FUNDING FORARENA ANDSTADIUM PROJECTS SINCE 1992 PAYZANT APPOINTS NEW PRINCIPALS FUNDING FACILITY On July 31st, Superintendent Thomas Payzant announced Public Private tahnedatphepotirnatnsmfeenrtofofonseixprniencwipaplr.incSiipxalosfathnedseheianddimvaisdtuearlss KFileeletCeCnetnetrer SBto.stLoounis 11999954 00 % 110000 % will replace the administrators whose contracts were not United Center Chicago 1994 7 93 roeneneowfetdheinsiAxprvialc.ancOiense, cprreiantciinpgalaissevbeenitnhgvtarcaannscfye.rreTdwtoo CTGhhaaterelBowataltylepSaCrtokaldiisuemum CACrhllaeirvnlegolttaotnne,d tx 111999999554 224478 775632 of the seven individuals come from outside the BPS, SanJoseArena SanJose 1993 82 18 although one is returning to Boston having spent the last CoorsField Denver 1995 85 15 tSwchoooylesartshaatswiallprhianvceipanlewinprtihneciMpiallstoonr phuebaldimcasstcehrosolsi.n ATCrlaaamnmdsoeWnDoorYmladerdDsome SBStaa.lntLiAomnuoitrsoenio 111999999335 111000000 000 September are Dorchester High, Hyde Park High, Cleveland Middle, King Middle, Hale Elementary, Sources: CitizensResearchCouncilofMichigan8GoverningMagazine Blackstone Elementary and Haley Elementary. The Superintendent appointed these individuals believing that From a general comparative purpose, this table is useful. theywill provide strong school-based leadership which he However, a comparison of construction funding does not has stated is “perhaps the single most important factor in provide the full picture ofpublic support for each project creatingeffectiveschools.” since it does not consider the benefits of any tax agreements or infrastructure support associated with each project. For the Fleet Center, for example, the Garden WHAT ABOUT THE SIX? Corporation and the City of Boston negotiated a 15-year The Superintendent is still in negotiations about next 121A tax agreement which was especially helpful in moves with the six principals and headmasters whose providinganimportanttaxbreak in the construction years. individual one-year contracts were not renewed in April. Numerous benefits were provided by the State as well as Most of the six have hired lawyers and one has filed a theMBTAthroughits infrastructure improvements. court suit. At issue for some is the evaluation process utilizedbytheSuperintendent. FINANCIAL REPORTING KUDOS A superintendent’s authority to dismiss a principal is not Atlanta may have had the Olympics but its Auditing as strong as most people assume. Under the Education Department does not have The Government Finance Reform Act of 1993, a superintendent only has the full Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate ofAchievement authority to remove a principal who has served in that for Excellence in Financial Reporting. That honor was capacity for less than three years and consequently is not awarded to the City of Boston in June. The Certificate tenured. A principal who is tenured may only be was given to Boston in recognition that the Auditing dismissed for“good cause” and mayrequest an arbitration Department’s comprehensive annual financial report hearing. This law has yet to be tested as to the extent of (CAFR) was thorough, understandable, presented in any superintendent’s authority to dismiss a tenured conformity with requirements of generally accepted principal and what constitutes “good cause.” Also not accountingprinciples(GAAP) and provideda wide variety tested is the issue of whether non-renewal equates with ofinformation useful in evaluating the financial condition dismissal. ofa government. The Certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and The outcome ofthese negotiations and any financial reporting. At the GFOA s Annual Meeting in court decisions will directly affect the June, City Auditor, Sally Glora, was recognized as the Superintendent’s efforts to reform the BPS. individual primarily responsible for preparing the award- All principals and headmasters have one- winningCAFR. year contracts for the 1996-1997 school year. With more time for review, the AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston auUMate iJL BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU 24ProvinceStreet Boston,Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 SHATTUCK PLAQUE DEDICATION J a special event will occur prior to the Shattuck Awards Ceremony. On Tuesday, October 15th, Mayor Menino and the Research Bureau will celebrate a commitment to excellence by The Bureau is pleased to announce the six dedicating a plaque in the third floor main entrance of City Hall Shattuck Public Service Award recipients for recognizing the 76 Shattuck Award recipients from 1985 through 1996 The Shattuck Awards are given each year 1996. Invitations arc required. For mere information about this to a few special, dedicated employees ofthe City celebration, call usat227-1900. of Boston who have committed themselves to excellence in public service. They are role models for others to emulate and honoring them VOTE "NO" ON QUESTION shows that excellence in public service is 2) recognized and appreciated. The recipients for 1996 are. The 1991 Act creating the appointed School Committee required that a binding question be placed on the November 5, 1996 ballot Frank A. Altieri asking voters whether the appointed Committee should continue in Boston beyond 1997 or be replaced by a 13-member elected SupervisorofDataProcessing Committee. A NO vote on Question 2 will keep the appointed BostonPublicLibrary' Committee and a YES vote will bring back the elected Committee made up ofnine members elected by District and four elected At- Minnie M. Dixon, Director Large. EastZoneParentInformationCenter School Department On October 1st, Mayor Menino submitted to the City Council a homerule petitionwhich wouldprovide voters theopportunitytore- Frank N. Frattaroli examine the structure of the Boston School Committee every six DeputyCommissioner years beginning in the year 2002. This action was taken to respond Inspectional ServicesDepartment to voters who believe that now is not the right time to change the school structure but who want the right to vote a change, if Luis Garcia, Director warranted, after the appointed Board structure has had more time to prove itself. The question stated in the petition, ifapproved, would OfficeofResearchandAnalysis enable the voters to repeal the appointed Board and substitute it PoliceDepartment with “a new school governance structure.” That structure, could be an elected Committee or another structure such as the Mayor William W. Henderson, Jr. directly appointing the Superintendent. Through the home rule Principal petition process, any substitute would require approval of tire PatrickO’HeamElementarySchool Mayor, CityCouncil, LegislatureandGovernor. Richard A. Serino The Bureau believes that the appointed School Superintendent inChief Committee is unquestionably the best choicefor the EmergencyMedical Services future ofthe City ofBoston. Under this structure, final accountability rests with the Mayor who is The six employees will be recognized for their more invested in school performance. The exceptional service to the City of Boston at the fundamentalflawoftheelectedstructure vim that it AwardsCeremonyonOctober23rdat6:00 P.M. at did not insure accountability in any one person or theSheratonBostonHotel &Towersin the Grand board. The voters ofBoston can have more ofan Ballroom. The Chair of tire Awards Committee impact on educational improvement by holding the this year is Ira A. Jackson, Senior Vice President, Mayor accountable for school petfotmance every BankBoston. Ifyou would like tojoin tire Bureau fouryears. That seems to us more preferable than inhonoringthe 1996recipients,call usat anelectionaboutstructureeverysixyears. ,227-1900. v; recycledpaper AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE) contracts. This budget projection model can also be used tocostout initiativesbeingconsidered fornextyear sbudget. The School Committee Nominating Panel is looking for Boston The Menino Administration should not agree to any residents interested in serving on the School Committee. John employee contract unless it contains agreementsfor Gould’s term will expire at the end ofDecember. The Panel must productivity improvements, work nde changes and submit 3-5 names to the Mayor no later than December 6, 1996. reforms that will enable the City to deliver services The deadline for applications is Tuesday, November 12th at 12 more efficiently and effectively. The Administration Noon. Applications are available by calling 635-4408 or writing to. hadthisopportunityin itsfirstsetofnegotiations but School Committee Nominating Panel, JFK Station, P.O. Box 8943, spent too much of its political capital negotiating Boston, MA 02114. The person selected by the Mayor will begin residency requirements. A performance evaluation office on Monday, January 6, 1997 and serve a four-year term. system tied to goals and objectives should be However, ifQuestion 2 is approved, the term would be for one year included in contracts to determine merit pay. The only as the elected Committee members would begin their terms in Boston Water and Sever Commission negotiated January, 1998. Serving on the appointed School Committee merit pay into three ofitsfour employee contracts providesanopportunitytomakea differenceatanexcitingtime. several years ago. Once negotiated, these contracts BMC MOVES FORWARD must be managedcarefullyto insurefull execution of ) theimprovementsandreforms. TheBostonMedical Centerhasbeen inoperationsinceJuly 1st. and BOSTON RANKS 68TH j has succeeded in meeting its tirst tests but the challenges are still BMC great. As required in the merger agreement, the did close The Boston Retirement Board’s portfolio investments produced a BaonsdtotnranSspfeecriraeldtyit&s cRleihnaibciallitsaetrivoinceHsosapnidtaplr(ogBrSaRmHs)toonBOMcCt.oberTh1isst rtoeturnthjuest bCeolmowmotnhweesatlatthe’wisde avPeurbalgice in cEamlpelnodyaree1995Reatcicroermdeinntg move was necessary to provide services more efficiently. In April, Administration (PERA). Boston’s return was 23.14% compared 1996, this hospital cost the City about $700,000 a month to operate with the average rate ofreturn for all 107 Massachusetts retirement and was staffed at 210 employees for 70 patients. TBoMfaCcilitate the systemsw'hich was 23.49%. Boston’s return wasbasicallythe same move, in September admissions were referred to or other as the 23.13% return earned by the Pension Reserve Investment facilities sothat byOctober 1st only six patients were transferred to Management (PRIM) Board, which invests for municipal clients BMC. Through attrition, the number of BSRH employees in Bostonranked68thoutofthe 107 systems. Overthepastfive years, September dropped to 185. To ease the impact ot personnel Boston’s investment return has been 12.57% compared wath the cbhya6n5geesm,plaonyeatetsr.actOifvethseev1e2r0anecmeplpoacykeaegsemwovaisngofftoerBedMCa,ndsaocmceepwtieldl srtaantkeeadve1rsatgewiotfh11a.9r7et%urrnankoifng30it.8172%t,h ofveorlallolw.edInby199W5e,llFeasllmeoyutaht fill positions inthenewrehabilitation unit, others wall fill vacaBncMieCs 27.74% and Arlington at 27.61%. Wellesley has the best five year and the remaining employees will bump into positions at record at 15.06%, followed by Winthrop at 13.64%. Boston’s bdiassreudptioonn joonbthcelasmsaifiincatciaomnpuasn.d sTehneioriBtRy,Awihsicrhespwoinlsliblcereaftoer a8c.t0u%a.riaIlnfvuensdtimnegntscrheetdurunleinasesxucmesessoafn8a.n0nu%alheilpnsversetdmuecnettghreowCtihtyofs preparingaplanforthe futureuseoftheMattapancampus. future pension payments. The City’s pension budget for fiscal 1997 is $98.7 million. Boston’stotal pension asset value as ofDecember BurenMpiroCensseanltsesoxctsehuepctcneuertdsheeesdfiMonarsnmesegarolctyhiuaestmeiptnltgosy1e5Nd-umbroysnetUshnicvoAensrtssroiactciytasHtoiwsoipnti,thalawl.'lhtiOhcneh tB3h1o,ear1dC.9o9m5mBowonaswtsoen$a1l,st7phe7n6tbbei$hl4il.ni9odnmtimhlaelkiioSnntgatienitmTtaeheancafhgoeeurmrste,hntlS,atragtceeussttaonsddyisatPneRmaIniMdn September25th, BMC announcedthat it must cut its budget by 10% consultant fees in 1995. w'hich representsabout $40 million. The Center is in the process of identifying cuts using industry standards as a guide. That level of REGIONALIZATION AT WORK reduction cannot be achieved without reduciBnMgCworkforce expenses. j j Overall, 300-350 positionshavebeencutat since July 1st. The Regionalization Commission,jointly supported by the State and AT THE BARGAINING TABLE) City, has been meeting to explore ways in which collaborative regional efforts could provide municipal services more efficiently. It has been quiet but the City is in the process ofnegotiating new Twohreki1n3g cmoemmmbitetreses:(Se(el)MEacyo/noJmuinceDUepvdealtoep)mehnatveandestEanbvliirsohnmtehnrte,e eTemapclhoeyreseUcnoinotnr.actsThweitchonatlrlactthse fmoarjAorFSuCniMoEn,s eCxocuenpctilth9e3,BSoEsItUo,n (C2o)mmBiasssiiconSerwvalilcesbeanodrga(n3i)zinPgublaicsePrrieoscesosf faonrdumLsegoancy.ongoJinigc Local 285, the police patrolmen, firefighters and many others all experimentswathregional cooperation. The Economic Development expired in June, 1996. These contracts remain in force until and Environment Committee has initiated a research study of replacedwithsuccessorcontracts. property tax growth over the last several years and how future growth might be pooled and distributed in the future. The Basic A critical factor in the final outcome of these negotiations will be Services Committee will be issuing RFPs to study how public the financial impact ofthe salary and benefit proposals. The City services can be delivered more effectively in the areas of public has developed a sophisticated budget projection model that wall safety, human services, public works and facilities and allow it to plug in the cost ofany contract proposal to determine its administration and finance. The Public Process and Legacy financial impact on the City over a five year period. Prudent Committee will develop surveys and establish focus groups in the utilization ofthis management tool should insure that the City does late fall todeterminepublicopinionaboutregional servicedeliver, not agree to contracts that are not affordable over the life of the AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston Update BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU October, 1996 Boston,Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 AWARD THANKS ) OnOctober23rd, six Boston employees received the Bureau’sHenryL. ShattuckPublicServiceAward BUREAU in recognition of their exceptional service to the City of Boston. The Bureau salutes the dedicated | NEWS service of Frank Altieri—Library, Minnie Dixon-BPS, Frank Frattaroli—Inspectional Services, Luis I Garcia-Police, WilliamHenderson, Jr.~BPS, andRichardSerino~EMS. TheBureauispleased towelcome Tim McTnnis to the full-time The Bureau is grateful for the sponsorship and m-kind contributions of the following businesses research staff. Jim graduated this institutionsandperformerswhichmade the 12thannual ShattuckAwards suchasuccess past June, from Northeastern UniversitywithaB.A. in Political SHATTUCK SPONSORS MellonTrust/The Boston PoliceGaelicGuard Science and will be our Research BankBoston BostonCompany CablerisionofBoston Associate. In the past, he worked Beacon PropertiesCorporation NorthAmericanManagement FidelityInvestments for the Bureau for six months Beal CompaniesLLP NYNEX GaryLaPierre through Northeastern’s Co-op Boston Edison Palmer& Dodge, LLP Houghton MifflinCompany program. Jim is a great addition BostonGas Ropes&Gray IBEWLocal 103 to the staffand will definitely be Boston University State StreetBank&.Trust Le MeridienHotel keptvery'busy. CitizensBank Company MassachusettsLodging Connell Limited Partnership TheDrukerCompany Association Dell MitchellArchitects TheGilletteCompany MellonTrust/The SHATTUCK Ernst& Young, LLP TheNewEngland BostonCompany FleetBank TrigenBoston MuseumofFine.ArtsBoston PLAQUE Goodwin,Procter&Hoar, LLP NewEnglandAquarium NYNEX DEDICATED HaleandDorr HarvardUniversity IN-KIND SheratonBoston Hotel & Towers As you enter the third Poor main JohnHancock CONTRIBUTIONS Swissotel eanhloaonkceatoftChietySHhaaltlt,ucsktopAwtaortda’kse KMcPDMerGmoPteta/tO’MNaeriwlilck&, LLP AcmePrintingCompany, Inc. TThheeBChoisltdornenH’esraMludseum Plaque on the brick wall. With Associates All CityDanceCompany TheColonnadeHotel BankBoston the strong support of Mayor TheRitzCarlton BostonHarborHotel Menino, this plaque will honor permanently the 77 Shattuck Award recipients and those who follow for their exceptional SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY WINS initiative and commitment to i | serving the public. The plaque commemorates that one person The No vote for an appointed Committee structure The large margin of victory for the can make a difference and that won a resounding victory on November 5th. By a appointed Committee should end the ppruobfleiscsiosne.rviWcee ecxatnenbdeoura tnhoabnlkes mstaarbgiliinty oafnd7c0o%n-t3i0nu%e,d stchheoolvotiemrpsrodveecmiednetd wtehraet doevbeartwehelmaibnogutvotgeovsehronualndcep.rovideThtihse mtoakIrianJgactkhseopnlaanqdueBapnosksBioblset.onWfoer malolroewicnegrthaiinmbtyohaoplpdoiinngttthheeSMcahyooorl aCcocmomuintttabeleetahnadn srteatbuirlnittyonmaetetdeerdstoofsaclhlooowl tihmeprfoovceumsentto are grateful to Michael Galvin, returning to an elected structure of 13 members such as teaching, learning, curriculum, the City’s ChiefofBasic Services which did not insure direct accountability in either staffdevelopment, resource allocation, and his staff for all their the Mayor or School Committee. The appointed facilities, student assignment and assistance, as well as Susan Committee won by a plurality of59,459 votes and individual school reform plans. The Meyers, the City’s carried all oftheCity’s22 Wards except two. The Committee members should heed the Architect. overall voter turnout for this election was 72% and concernsaboutaccessraisedduringthe about 55% ofall registered voters pulled the lever campaign. Even so, the parents first onQuestion2. call should be to the Administration. w recycledpaper 5 SURPLUS IN THE CITY... That amount is larger than the $75 million projected in the latest ) capital budget. The Police Department will receivethe largestshareof 1 thebondproceedsat $26.9 millionor 30%ofthe total for finishing the The City ofBoston ended FY96 with a $2.2 million surplus according building of the Police Department Fleadquarters and other projects. toa preliminary' financial statementreleasedbytheCity. This surplus, The building and remodeling ofschools for $25.3 million or 28% is a based on expenditures of $1,530 billion represents the 11th close second Public worksprojectsinvolvingtheconstructionofroads consecutive surplus in Boston. Revenue collections from hospital and bridges and installation of lights total $13.9 million or 16% and erexcceeispsts,expiennvdeisttumreenstinintchoemea,realsicoefnsheoss,piptaelr,miptusbliacndwofriknsesanedxcpeuebdleidc parksandrecreation work addsupto $11.8 million or 13%. safety. The City collected revenues of $1,532 billion of which 71% ACCREDITATION WATCHJ came from the property tax and state aid. This year (FY97), without tBhoestroenveMneudeiscaolfCaenptuebrl,icprohopseprittyaltaxaessaanrdessutlatteofaitdherepcrreeasteinotn8o3f%thoef Since January, 1996, the New England Association of Schools anme theCity’stotal general fundestimatedrevenues. CBoosltloeng:esMa(dNiEsAoSnC)Parhka,sBfruilglhytoanc,crSedoiuttehdBfoosutronmoarned hLiagthinsAcchoaodlesmy. f ..AND IN THE SCHOOLS j MscahdoioslosnwePraerkr’estuarcncreeddittoatfuilolnawccarsedciotnattiionnueadftaerndbetihnegroenmapirnoibnagtitohnreoer Contributingto the overall $2.2 million surplus, the School Committee ohinghwasrcnhionoglsstfaatcues.accArsediotfatOicotnobperrob1l5etmhs,.eiTgohtaodfdrtehsesCtihteysesp1r5obpluebmlsi,c finished FY96 with an operating surplusof$16,325 based on a budget $3.0 million has been allocated in the FY97 BPS budget and $4 3 of $456.2 million. This represents the 6th consecutive year that the million in The capital budget FY97 marks the second year of the BPS aciiieved a budget surplus. Additional spending nuc to increased City’s three-year plan to address accreditation needs in Boston’s high esnurpoplllemmeenntt,arys'chaopoplrooppreinaitniognaonfd$c1o1l.l9ectmiivlelibonargianinFiYn9g6.resuTlhteedIiYn97a sscuhcoholass.teMcohsnotloogfythaendaclcirberdariiteast.ionThneeemdasjocreinttyerofartoheunpderfsaocinlnietly iissssuueess BPSbudget is $471.8 million, 35%oftheCity’stotal budget. were satisfied in year one of the accreditation plan. Accreditation BIG DOGS EAT FIRST | pcreinotreirtsi,eswiirnicnlgudebuitlhdeincgosnstforrucntieown coromrpeuntoevrastiaonndofthe10adldiibtriaorny/omtedi1a new'mediacenterspecialiststoreplacehigh school libraryaides The Massachusetts Department ofPublic Utilities is moving forward with plans to deregulate the electric power industry by January 1, The table below' lists the accreditation status ofthe eight high schools 1998, with expectations that it will lead to competitive pricing and experiencingproblems. improved service. When deregulation is implemented, utility companieswill nolongerberegulatedonacost-plus basis with respect SCHOOL STATUS to creating and selling powrer. Local electric utility companies wall Boston > Probation have to allow electricity from other suppliers to run over then lines. BostonLatin > Warning The new, open market system will potentially permit every utility Burke > NotAccredited customer in Massachusetts to purchase power from any supplier of Charlestown > Probation electiic energy DPU’s ability toreach a timely agreementon industry Dorchester > Warning issues and involvement ofthe Legislature in the deregulation process EastBoston > Probation maydelaytheactual implementationdate. English > Warning HydePark > Probation Deregulationraisesseveral important strategic issues forBoston. As a major user of electric power, $24.6 million spent in FY96, the City All of the schools listed in the table above have plans in place to should be able to use its purchasing powerto negotiate more favorable address accreditation issues so that all high schools in Boston are fully pricing agreements. It can alsojoin other municipalities orbusinesses accredited For example, plans are underway to construct a new to form a larger purchasing group (big dog) *o negotiate lower rates library/media center at Boston Latin following me warning status This isbasedonthebeliefthatmajor power generating companies will received by NEASC last April because of inadequate library space. be willing to offer discounts to develop a stable customer base. The new Headmasters assigned to Dorchester High and Hyde Park Boston, on the other hand, must be concerned about how deregulation High will oversee extensive facility improvements starting by January' might change the property value ofBoston Edison, the single largest to address issues related to their continued warning and probationary piayerofpropertytaxes in theCity. That w'ould, in part, be determined statusrespectively. Completionofanewscience lab and library/media by decisions about howutilities would be able to recover sunk capital center at Boston High School along with submission of a special costs inthisnewopenmarketplace. Nowisalsothetime for Boston to progress report should lead to full accreditation in 1997. In June, establish a comprehensive energy policy and to pursue energy Burke High began a 16-month application process to regamm conservation. accreditationstatus. By January, newcomputers shouldbe installed BOSTON RATES AN "Al" BurkeandCharlestown High Schools. ) Obt1ho9ne8n8dNC.iortvayteTimfhnrbgeoefmrrreMo6aomtsoho“,dnAysM”’osfto.oodr“yBAt’ohlsse”t,aornantnthoihenuaghndicgcbehhedeaesnttnghbaertoatnwietiddlhlr“aaAdtbi”enignbecyexrvpeMelaorasoierdndeeycBd’eoissvitensodinntb’chysee Atcehdoxidnpsisettcirtsouspncrattilionlngbyg,e,sEfcaunfilgtelelnyricasechccaorHnmeiddpgilhlteeatednixgnfpugoealcgltefosawclitiaonlbigsbt.yeitsrSiednmtepoucrerwnnodenvedienamtleoInanfcttuceslrrlendaaaitcsticaortnewiadeolilntlaHtiigoahns November Update. The new Moody’s rating is applied to the $90 visitthis schoolyear. million bond issue expected to be sold competitively on Nov. 13th. . AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU November, 1996 Street Boston, Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 THE REST OF THE BOND RATING \ Bureau News A s reported in last month’s Update Moody’s noted the City’s “healthy” general fund balances and ^ ^-upgraded Boston’s bonds from “A” t,o “Al” on the newly created Boston Medical Center which Mark yourcalendars November 6th. Standard & Poor’s had increased its allowed the City to cap its annual operating and fortheBureau’s rating for Boston’s bonds from “A” to “A+” last year. capital subsidies to BMC. One report also noted the Annual Meetingof The credit reports from both agencies last month voters’ decisiontocontinue with the appointed School Directorsand indicated that the ratings were in response to three Committee and that under the appointed Committee Members. Mayor main factors: (1) continued improvement in the five consecutive operating surpluses were achieved Meninowill bethe greater-Boston economy, (2) a well-managed capital which “provides stability to the City’s finances.” keynote speakeratthis plan which adheres to conservative debt management Concern was raised about the City’s “highly event. Hewill policies and (3) continued strong fiscal management. constrained revenue structure” which relies on the continuehisStateof Boston’s lower unemploymentrate and lower vacancy property tax, constrained by Proposition 2'/2’s annual theCityaddressatthis rate forclassAoffice spacewere citedas examplesof growth limit, and state aid, which the City does not meeting. Itwill be the area’s economic recovery. Debt retirement is control, for 83% ofits operating revenues. This lack heldonJanuary30, fairlyrapid with 45% ofdebt retired in five years and of revenue flexibility continues to “require tight 1997 at 12 Noon 74% retired in ten years. The City’s effort to reduce control over expenditures.” Both reports noted that I Informationwill be its head count through attrition and an early theCity’spropertytax levy is near the Proposition 2'A retirement incentive program for non-teaching and primary limit of2.5% ofassessed value but felt that ^nailed shortly. non-public safetyemployeeswas feltto beappropriate continued modest tax base growth should enable to control future expenditure growth. The reports Boston’slevyto staybelowtheceiling. THREE NEW PILOT SCHOOLS APPROVED) On November 20th, the School Committee approved three new Pilot Schools to open in September 1997: the Boston New School BPS PILOT SCHOOLS (K-8) under the direction of nationally known school reformer, Approved Grade Program Enrollment Deborah Meier. Quincy Upper School (6-12) and Harbor Point Schools Level Specialization Fall1996 School (6-8). This will bring the total number of Pilots to 11 1995-96 There are currently 125 schools in the BPS. In fiscal 1997, Pilot BostonArtsAcademy 9-12 PerformingandVisualArts 164 Schools represent 1.8% oftotal enrollment and less than 1.0% of DowntownEveningAcademyHS 9-12 At-riskStudents 125 total BPS spending. FenwayMiddleCollegeHS 6-12 School-to-Career 258 Pilot Schools operate independent ofunion and School Committee HealthCareersAcademy 9-12 School-to-Career 180 regulations. TheBostonNewSchool will be located in the former LyndonElementarySchool KII-5 ThematicLearning 289 Mission High School. Approval of the remaining two new Pilot YoungAchieversElementary K-8 Extendedday, Math&Science 184 Schools is conditional upon securing facilities byApril 1997. The 1996-97 combined first year enrollment of the three schools is limited to GreaterEglestonCommunityHS 9-12 At-riskStudents 71 n31ew1 sgtruaddeentlse.veAlfstaerretahdatd,edenartolelamcehntschwoaloll.beThailsloyweeadr,ttohienBcrPeSasewialls MulticulturalMiddleCollegeHS 9-12 InternationalStudies 81 1997-98HI fimd a $25,000 planning grant for each school to cover start-up BostonNewSchool K-8 ProgressiveEducation 100 costs. QuincyUpperSchool 6-12 Pavilions,ExtendedDay 151 At the close of their three year contract, Pilot Schools will be HarborPointSchool 6-8 ThematicLearning 60 evaluated based on multiple criteria including demonstration of innovativelearningtechniquesandtheabilitytoreplicateprograms [1]Enrollmentreflectsmaximumfirstyearenrollmentfor1997-98schoolyear intraditional settings. recycledpaper 1 the maximum allowed Ilus is an increase based on the growth TECHNOLOGY IN THE CITY ) in the consumer price index For those eligible, the previous abatement was $175. The revised abatement increased by The City is exploring an upgrade of it s financial and management 2.39% to $179. Mayor Menino signed both provisions on information systems. The impetus for this technology upgrade is the November25th. planningnowcompletedbythe School Committeeto improve its own Quarterly issuing of tax bills makes a discount an financial and management information systems. The City is looking administrative nightmare and not practical to toadopta comprehensive systems package thatwill allow itto move implement. The legislation was clearly written for forward with a citywide system that can be integrated with the communities with semi-annualtaxcollections. systemplanned forthe School Department. school committee [the .7^ Over the last month, key city employees have been presented with productdemonstrations from various vendors TheCityis looking for systems that are user friendly, fully integrated and connected to all received the Exam School Task Force report that recommended departments. an option that combines performance rankings and measures to The upgradeofthe City'sfinancialandmanagementsystems maintain diversity. The first 50% wouldbe filled in rank order, micTsoohsrevteiltycaeulbfrfurtiteocnitteihnmetpslryyeosxavtpnieemndngseciostshwtei-tleolCfoifbetceydt’iissovjfefoalsibyeni.tltiebtdTyvhaftenuotduudperglleiravcaeekfdrsfeicsiaweerinvfUciuicelbesl.esy bFrgaoeuisrmdeaeditlnhioionnnsegesreessqsueltuatuatsdsleotnwfotosttuhhleesdecpoxebrraiecmnegnfsitclaahlgboeedooslvbeitynestttrhhaaeennqkdu5a0gwltriihatfdhieiepdnepropcrioeanonctltiiaallve/e,ertahtnghiees integrated personnel payroll system. That is unacceptable modifiedthe StudentAssignmentPlan toexpand parental choice since over 60% of city spending is for personnel. and reduce race-related assignments. The changes will reduce Decentralizing the City's systems presents problems in administrative assignments, improve access to neighborhood providingsecurityandensuring thatdata is usedcorrectly. schoolsandchangeracial grouppercentages. (the city council. reexcceeievdedthea$b4u7d1g.e7tmiulpldiaotneBPthSatbupdrgoejtecbtyed$2F.0Y9m7illsiponendiSncghootlo officials believe this to be a manageable problem that will be resolvedoverthe next few months. sent back to the Council’s Committee on School Matters the Mayor’s special law which would require a vote on school governance every 6 years. The Committee had redrafted the THE MAYOR... ) proposal to require an election every 4 years coterminous with the mayoral election. Not supported by the Mayor or several Councillors, thedocketwasreferredbacktotheCommittee received from the School Committee Nominating Committee, 5 nominations for the School Committee position that will be The appointed structure allows the voters to hold vacant when John Gould steps down on January 6, 1997. The the Mayor accountable for school performance Mayor will interview the 5 candidates on December 19th and every4years. Thereisnoneedfora separate vote ontVi and makehis selection soon thereafter. ongovernancee\’ery 4or6years. s expected to set the FY97 tax rate in December. The under suspension of the Council rules, passed a total of $6 6 npreciation of value should mean that tax rates will dropFVan%d million in grants for various public safety programs. All ofthese min iA1 in''ropjr TVu» grantsw'erepassedwithoutcommentorpublichearing. esidential rate of$13.78 is expected to decrease by a few cents passed a resolution to support the United Farm Workers of vhile the commercial rate of $42.59 will decrease more America’s California strawberryorganizing campaign. The only discussion involved Councillor Saunders questioning the released his legislative package for 1997. The package consists relevance ofthe resolutiontoBoston ofover 50 proposed acts and the re-file of9 home rule petitions This resolution got past President Kelly who has Someenihtaemnsceinetcheonpoamcikcagedewvoeullodp.ment incentives in economic worked hard to keep resolutions not related to 1) opportunity areas (EOAs). One proposal would authorize Boston out ofCity Council debate. The Council exemption from sales taxes for construction materials and should pay more attention to approval ofgrants equipment for renovating abandoned buildings in EOAs ratherthan issuesnotdirectlyaffectingBoston. Another would authorizing tax credit for corporations that EOAs awefonaapthocrhtpitlercycrohtlvaheceaanaotrddumtmatahfsuhuolnelrtlioioctzppwaeiral'soeyhvsmoyimpesuoBtninnoiotisoncantsoiopqflnauctalaaawnrinx,ettneieboCredithlslslyasbtpt.teootaexoTgirfihplmvieap1esryl8m1esaweumacnoe3shtfn%tpatseahnydsdesisitsAenbeccdcymoet.undsnBtetiosoIvptsfeift.iotos1re9naT9ttl5hhhos,eeero 243))) dp“cdpobirrosroonmthovamriwiteibndebrifeuctnititeeeeaalxwxlldeoscctmp,rtorp”eemotrdppiyieuaotrftbntufeaionrfnerdossdsrbotwupbnoiseaetirpsdhsnueoebdenlsnoiasovrclenissrppucrotohnohnioapdmntoeeetlrrncsto-tlyfuaelslaosuenacspldaeerutdseop.dibinlanidennupmdsrstorddieuavcletliooopnr law also increases real estate tax abatements for the elderly to ofpower AMonthlyReviewofIssuesAffectingtheCityofBoston Bureau Update BOSTON MUNICIPALRESEARCH BUREAU December, 1996 4ProvinceStreet Boston,Massachusetts02108 (617)227-1900 FAX227-2815 TAX RATE SET FY97 ) HAPPY HOLIDAYS . of property values has allowed Boston’s tax rates to decline, although Best wishes from all ofus at the Bureau for a most tax bills will increase. Boston set its tax rates on December 16th, one day later than happy holiday season and a very healthy, happy last year. The business tax rate is $41.50 per thousand of assessed valuation and the andprosperousnewyear. residential rate is $13.73. Thatrepresentsa decrease in thebusiness rate of$1.09 or 2.6% and a decrease in the residential rate of$0.05 or .36%. The average tax bill for an owner ANNUAL MEETING occupied home in Boston this year is $1,586, an increase oi $55 or 3.6/0 ^»cr last \ear. Mayor Menino will be the featured speaker at Total taxable property is assessed at $31 billion in FY97, an increase of $1.6 billion or tohneTBhuurresadua’ys,AJnannuuaalryMe3e0ttihngatth1a2t wNiololn.be hTehled 5in.c5r%eaosveedrbFyY49.66.%.ToTtahlesbeusvianleusessparroepearstyofvaJlauneusariync1r,ea1s9e9d6bayn6d.r8e%fleacntdcraelseinddeanrtia1l99v5alauneds MCiatyyo”radwdirlelsshoanveJadneulairvyer1e4dthhiasnd“Switlaltecoonftintuhee tpheercefinrtstoqfuvaarltueer,1i9s926.4m2a%r,kedtowacntivfirtoy.m 2T.h4e5%Ciltayst’syeoavre.ralTlheeffCeicttyi’vselteavxyrmaatey, ntoatxeesxcaeseda thataddresson issuesofinteresttothebusiness 2.5%ofitsvalue. canodmmpulnaicetyofatthethAennAunanluaMleeMteientginagre.: The time Tthheepprrioopreryteyart.ax TlehviysmyeaFrY’9s7leivsy$7is49$2m5il.l8iomni,llainonmcbreelaoswe otfhe$2l9e.v5ymcielilliiongn,orth4e.1pr%imoavreyr Date: Thursday, January 30, 1997 limitation ofProposition 2'A. The property tax levy represents 56% of the City’s total Time: 12Noon general fundrevenues inFY97. Place: MeridienHotel AsaresultoftheCity’s implementationoffull classification, businesspropertyaccounts for Invitationswillbemailedshortly. 4bu0s%meosfsteafxfaebcltieveprtoapxerrattyevisal4u.e15i%n,Boonsetoonf,thyeethipgahyesst7i0n%theofretghieont.axOtbhilelricnomFmYu9ni7tieTshien thearea thatcompete with Boston for busmess location offernoticeably lower business tax rates. BARGAINING CHALLENGE EARLY RETIREMENTS } ) AneSfceseixosaEcrgpnrhIeoltioUft1yrroi,ia9eglanchd9Lttetu6ioexomeroctsnxncoa.psloynieJmra2wTuceer8ionhs.s5ntee;thotroNn3oataen0chlgA,etealosuntepg1twixou9hhealc9esnitie6tcdipc.me,oth2ani5pjseot,aTonhxtharep1riran9seotMe9elte7midmhi.npneenilincpnBonlTroyaSuoohsendegoteedrpAsosetdensseumAusnminTpFinbeeefoigeSraonsorircCttsohirMrm1eaa9owErtto9shsi,fi6toofo.UnisncsComeeofriwoussitcnnlhocalsenitnwtilbdrhloelatog9cths3ithiee;snenr IpRubnptEnaeaenhrmsstteioaptiivflsrriostoeedtrawwysmevmwioepedileo,oennldnatsgsrysnpweweeuhtIaeabiaitnrdrlrfcocsdieteeh,itecnetruhrtivenestioeaqdhpvnirfueeeeaneirnlctrsrymMpetie5aredhoapxionsynetsigeeiromrasnppifroaironiasnmzloynetegoemhAtdrfl(eedh.aEnemanRmitigaIursnenA)wmiibhbsnoooiettreffuecmrorntsrapht$etlorl2iotifnv-s3ooyoic$n0encpir2-eteereyte’oiimodmjsnerriupesemlcctlpalpuitaoilteentyocuodndientoysoe.eemteinrdsoboeitnspoahnaTrnenanohobdtvEedeaeinuREroenFacInfEroteTiRtnhbtoEyIe-ya.f pCpesrsrroeumhoonlrpobdevtluluirolecccaydmtehceaisatbetvneiignmtceeioy.gcsnrooceitNanlmietnupavrdderetaefroicfdrtovteehnecifestmnolieurevicnnesmnotllssnsyae,t,strstmhaahapanceteytdMsriowtfairetloayfhlrlfcoaimtoercaenniplnteaserncabhctoielotlvneyiuis.omldtnadehnyenpaneoTrCgoatohierveatmmisygaeoserrnirteeotoeecn,ahdsttleaohwlwnaiaaogfnvnyreoesykasrr NArMhreepoeexafpdavpinurldeealcoscmegtxtdbietie.ooemdmnrajeutmnwHsie2ttol7liwlttyfRehhyec,evd7toeuhPwm0rceuie,%tbtnilhieoienoencaefdmcmTWhapttaonolhsrpaeokfkogyissleeFlvi,emoattsrciehLoacneinneltbteprwaofapsvhiropiilisyotlni,sciegtihdoitPnobi.ownmoylsouni.usAsctlebth,dMoearuobTreetserentaq2denuasrix0perppo%petoefrircdrootDteeafveemptedcteiadehnoremttntbsbomtyeoeaartbnnra.etadel 3%annualsalaryincrease. Thatisaboutas much as theCity ParksDepartments. can afford and is generally what other public entities are The Citydoes need to reduce its workforce and the ERI providing. TheMayorpossessessufficientpoliticalcapital to is an appropriate approach ifit is cost-effective. The demandrealcontractimprovementsforthedollarsoffered. City will lose many long-time effective employees Thepublicshouldexpectnoless. recycledpaper who will be difficult to replace. In 1997, a city Thefinancial consequences ofeducational election year, caution should be exercised policy initiatives need to be understood regarding thenumberofpositionsfilledand every better before being approved. The BPS’s effort must be made to insure that the selection of spending and position control systems new employees is based on professional should be changed toprevent this situation from re-occurringin thefuture. credentials, notpoliticalconnections. t recommended a revised exam school admissions policy THE MAYOR ... ) reflecting the 50/50 option (see November Update) and ( expansion of several tutorial and academic preparation announcedthe appointment ofBernard A. Margolis as the programs for 5th and 6th grade BPS students. The newPresident ofthe Boston Public Library. Hemade the Committee adopted the recommendations and added announcement with William O. Taylor, President of the preparation programs for 4th grade students. The Library Trustees which made the appointment. Mr. Superintendent predicted these programs would cost at Margolis has served as the Director of the Pikes Peak least $1.5 milliontoimplementstartinginfiscal 1998. Library District in Colorado Springs. Mr. Margolis will oversee the Copley Square Library, the Kirstein Business Library and 25 branch libraries. The Library Department FYI MWRA and BOSTON has an all-funds budget of$31.2 million and employs 574 : J employees(FTE). The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority was established interviewed the five applicants for the School Committee. m 1985 to provide wholesale water and sewer services, in Committee Member John Gould’s term expires at the end whole or in part, to 61 communities primarily in eastern ofthis year. Mr. Gould has opted not to re-apply for the Massachusetts, with Boston being its largest customer. appointment. All five candidatesthisyearareparents. MWRA’s waterworks system dates back to 1652 while its sewer system goesback to 1885. TheAuthority is governed by did not support a football facility in South Boston but an 11-memberBoardchairedbythe SecretaryofEnvironmental suggestedtheSouthBayareaofBoston instead. Affairs for the Commonwealth. Three members are appointed by the Mayor of Boston. The Authority has a net operating the city councilTTT) budget of $365.7 million in FY97 and employs about 1,800 [ people. Labor Committee, chaired by Councillor Roache, held a The MWRA receives about 88% ofits revenues from the rates hearing on employee training and layoff decisions by andchargespaidbythe local communitieswithinthe district in Boston Medical Center. Union activists asked for the FY97. Ofthe total rate revenue, Boston pays 32%. The next hearing claiming that they were being targeted for largest customer is the City ofNewton which pays 5%. The MWRA dismissal. rate revenue requirements for the over the next five years are projected to increase from $321.9 million in FY97 to The Council s interest in this issue is $535.7 million in FY02, for an average annual rate increase of predictable. However, the bottom line is that about 10%. That translates into a four-person household bill BMC is a private hospital that must reduce increasing from $646 to $1,002 over that period. The rate its operating costs to be competitive in order increases are due, in part, to higher debt service requirements tosurvive. Furthercutswillberequired. andaddedcostsforoperatingthenewtreatmentfacility. CPcTorohuemesnpiclCdieoeltunlintoncrgoiGflhatirwhseielttlhChoieSurlandeuccinttlde.eirtrmssCPauarnrnedrnseionidustenncPstreeeedfskoihirdinesg1n9ptal9,a7JnfsoioumntrotKJheraluntnlueyarfmroi.yrs BCitMohnoWrsdmetemReopinemAs’nessdmierbocneehntparrreps(gsuBeebansWlptipScaoC5ri)een4ntt%peiwatdhyioi.bdfcyhtbtThyhehweeatBMshaWeCyoSeoBmsCrtom’.asibstsloAsinstsiohsoteWeandaslstimmoesperengr1toaa9svnt7eidf7rornnSoesaemdswttheabhirnyes 6th. yearbutwill growto 63% inFY00. The BWSC has no taxing THE SUPERINTENDENT power but funds its operations through the collection ofwater ... | andsewerfeesfromapproximately87,100 accounts intheCity. The BWSC estimates that its rates will increase at an average apmnnruonocwobhultnehocmiegaidhdnedcrrtrhebeasuatstsettdahhleletoebSx$ucp3the.oc4$to3alm.ti4ilDolenimpoiianls.lrittohmnaTe.thnesttAegsprsoFpsalYsra9enn7uavfmaobbriueldartgbhelaitets riacannotcdmelmipeonrfrioncvg5ii.adbl6els%oacnstkdohmrrieoanutdreugeshltsirtFeirfYaul0tco0tcu.lurosewtoTewmrhhe-eiricsnBhcpWoaemSynecCtcohuuesertpmaorpgmeleesomrysisc.uomnaHsrieatrgtevehnsa-.tusistoeenpr balance is being developed and will include a freeze on newhiresandotherpersonnel changes.

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