Selectmen Present Budget Policy Statement For Next Year

Keeping with Town Charter requirements, the Board of Selectmen presented their vision for the town's budget next year Monday night after consulting with Town Manager Andrew Maylor.

The statement is meant to establish general goals and limits of growth, not specifics, and can be changed at any time.

"Notwithstanding the financial constraints that have existed during the past several fiscal years, the FY15 spending plan will focus on maintaining the Town's commitment to the "Fundamentals" a set of policy objectives that seek to promote a single, pro-North Andover agenda," the statement reads.

With regard to the town's spending, the statement keeps in line with Maylor in emphasizing the strengthening of reserve funds set aside, for projects and other sudden expenses (and rising retirement benefits costs) as well as a financial buffer in case of economic downturn. The goal is to have an average of up to 15 percent of the general budget in reserves.

It also calls for continued regionalization of services where it makes sense to do so.

To help economic development, the board seeks to begin what they call the "vision" for development along Route 125. Selectmen have pushed for -- and some even ran on -- developing that area near Bradford with water/sewer.

"The Town will also continue to engage state officials and other stakeholders to address needed pedestrian and other improvements along Rte 114," the report reads. "The Town will encourage the appropriate use of the public way by restaurants and other businesses to enhance the ambiance of the Main Street business corridor. Additionally, the Town will commence a study of the current and future parking needs of Main Street."

Other focuses of the statement include improving neighborhoods (cleaning streets and open space, etc.) with an updated Capital Improvement Program and business/corporate outreach.

"The Board will explore hiring a public relations firm to promote the community as a place to live and work and/or complete a survey of the needs of area businesses," the statement reads.