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Board agrees to show RAM levy as a separate one‑time offset; seeks final memo at Monday meeting
Summary
Board members reviewed a RAM levy memo showing a $258,876.15 offset and decided to display the RAM figure as a separate one‑time offset line in the budget documents while leaving the 'true levy' figure visible, pending confirmation after a Monday RAM meeting.
Members of the Andover Board of Finance reviewed a newly circulated RAM memo and debated how to reflect the memo’s impacts in the budget book and mill‑rate calculations.
The memo updated the levy and included an offset tied to interest calculations; board staff reported an updated levy of approximately $4,258,178 and an offset of $258,876.15. Members split on whether to net that offset directly into the figure presented on the ballot. The board agreed by consensus to show the 'true levy' as a top‑line number and then include a separate one‑time 'RAM offset' line so voters see both the underlying levy and the one‑time correction.
Rob and Liz walked members through spreadsheet mechanics and the rationale for keeping the offset distinct so the town’s long‑term levy picture remains transparent. "I want to show their true number... and then this everybody has to understand is a one‑shot deal to fix the mistake," a board member said during discussion.
Board staff will attend a RAM meeting on Monday to confirm how that body plans to present the figures; the board agreed to carry the updated RAM numbers into the main budget only after confirming the memo and to add an explanatory line describing the offset as one‑time. Members also asked staff to ensure the presentation materials include homeowner examples translating mills into dollars for typical assessed values.
The board flagged several spreadsheet cells for follow‑up (some totals were off by small amounts) and set a short meeting window to finalize the presentation prior to the public hearing.
