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Board of Selectmen
December 27, 2007
Community Hall Annex
6:00 p.m.
Present: Donald R. D’Auteuil, Douglas C. Briggs, Leroy Clark, Joseph Becker, Sheila Dibb and Nancy Macaruso, Secretary
The Selectmen began discussing the 20 percent budget cut across the board for fiscal year 2009. Several scenarios were suggested: paying off debt, closing some buildings (Community Hall, Annex, Community Center and Wood Studio), debt exclusions, rental property and making some departments self supporting. Lengthy discussion ensued on all suggestions.
DPW Superintendent Carl Christianson began by informing the Board of the recent increases in oil, asphalt, stone, sand, salt and delivery charges, etc. and that the 20 percent cut would eliminate his assistant clerk, summer help, yard waste collection, funding for trees, parks, half the street lights, most highway purchased services, street signs, drainage, gravel, environmental supplies and laying off four employees. He stated that the cuts would significantly impair his department. He further stated that due to equipment breakdowns, repairs, etc., the Machinery Maintenance Account will be running out of money as well as the Overtime Account. Fire Chief Ruchala had the same sentiments regarding his department stating that the cutting of services would also eliminate the income from those
services.
The Board set a meeting for Thursday, January 3, 2008 to discuss this further with the Finance Committee to seek their support with the suggested cuts.
Mr. Christianson respectfully requested the Board vote to authorize overspending on the snow removal budget (Account #423-5400). Mr. Briggs moved the Superintendent’s request. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Christianson informed the Board that he had been contacted by RDIC to sit on a subcommittee which is working on an energy audit grant on Town buildings. A memo will be sent to RDIC asking for the names of the appointees to that subcommittee.
The DPW Superintendent stated that the federal government has held back highway funds for the State so all road projects that were going out to bid in calendar year 2008 are not going out to bid and the Route 68 project was one of them.
Mr. Becker suggested a reminder be sent to Rep. Evangelidis and Senator Brewer on the Recreation Revolving Fund.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Becker moved to adjourn. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso,
Board of Selectmen
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