Purzzling, angst at shortfall

Plan for new hires omitted $500,000

Randolph officials - who just celebrated passage of $6.1 million in tax increases, the town's first operational overrides - are again grappling with financial crisis.

Because of an oversight, money to provide benefits for 60 new positions, made possible by the override, was not factored into the package.

The shortfall: $500,000.

"To tell you the truth, we all missed it," said Finance Committee chairman Arthur Goldstein, who eventually spotted the omission. "When the selectmen did the overrides, they never thought about the health insurance."

After scouring the town's available funds with the help of the town accountant, Finance Committee members believe that by year's end there may be just enough surplus in the insurance account to cover the shortfall, at least for next year.

But it still will have to be dealt with in 2010. "Unless we have new growth or the state gives us more money, it's going to be difficult," Goldstein said. "But at least in 2010, we're going to already know about it."

On April 1, voters approved three overrides that authorized hiring six police officers, four firefighters, and about 60 new employees for the schools.

Health benefits, which are funded through an account separate from department budgets, were not factored into the insurance budget for next year, or into the override amounts.

Some residents expressed concern.

"My biggest concern is how the information came out," said Jodi Rome-Avrus, a parent and override supporter. "The chairman of the Finance Committee, who was aware there would be these new hires, and that the health insurance is covered on the municipal side of the budget, only came out with the information after the fact. . . . This is not how the town departments should be working together, and that's been a concern of the Department of Education."

Randolph's schools are being closely watched by the state, and have been one step away from being placed in receivership.

Christine Legere can be reached at christinelegere@yahoo.com.