DPW Budget Tight, But Needs Continue

DPW Director Bruce Berry has has a grim outlook for his department if funding continues to be low.

Berry presented his proposed budget for FY13 at last week’s Board of Selectmen meeting, which included a $10,498.55 increase (.27 percent).

He said the department still has many needs that have to be addressed in order to continue providing service to the town.

“We just get so thin, it is difficult to meet expectations that everybody has,” said Berry.

As the vehicles in the DPW are rusting and costing more to maintain as time goes on. Berry said that he usually needs two employees in the shop to work on the vehicles, taking away valuable resources for other projects.

Not only that, but Berry said that many more roads are in danger of needing costly repairs in the near future. For example, a culvert is needed on Nathan Lord Road or else it could collapse.

Large storms like Irene and Snowtober have also put financial stress on the department.

“These surprise storms takes money out of what we want to do,” said Berry. “It is money that is not going into the roads.”

Six town buildings are also in need of some sort of renovation, including floor damage repair and handicap ramp reconstruction.

The department is continually burdened by these issues and a need for more staff in the department, according to Berry.

Town Administrator Jim O’Mara said that although the economy is tough, the budget cannot remain flat if the town wants to have the same level of service.

“The FY13 budget as presented is an act of pain for dept heads,” said O’Mara. “It does not advance the community one step

Selectmen on the board agreed that funding for the Amherst DPW needs to be a priority.

“I look at the DPW equip and the work those guys do with the junk and we need to do something” said Selectman George Infanti. “The citizens expect better, deserve better.”