5 Things You Missed at the Selectmen's Meeting

Here are the highlights from the Board of Selectmen's meeting from last night:

The selectmen heard a report from the Finance Committee about the 2011-2012 fiscal budget:

What's up: 

• Health insurance costs for town and school employees are up 7 percent, though it was anticipated the increase would be 10 percent.
• Special education costs are increasing at double digit rates.

What's down:

• New growth in development in town is down, though the town is encouraging commercial development in town.
• State aid is down by 39.2 percent, representing a $1.4 million budget shortfall.
• The town plans to cut four positions at the fire department, resulting in three firefighters to be laid off and one open position not to be filled. This represents about $150,000 of the town's budget.

The Bottom Line:

• "We are not alone with these budget pressures and structural deficits," said John Campbell of the Finance Committee. "We will continue to work closely with the administration and various boards to protect the quality of life in Shrewsbury we have enjoyed."

The final budget numbers will be coming from the state later this week.

The selectmen also voted to appoint the town manager to the West SuburbanHealth Group Board.

Then, the selectmen went into executive session and did not return into open session.

The next meeting of the selectmen is scheduled for Monday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at the town hall.