Tough Choices Ahead for Town Departments

The Board of Selectmen has called for town departments to present flat budgets, followed by a prioritized list of their needs for FY 13.

Town Administrator Jim O’Mara presented the board the projected increases in the default budget at their meeting on Tuesday.

O’Mara presented different scenarios for the default budget based on how much the town will spend on bridge repair this fiscal year.

The default budget is expected to increase between 6.23 and 6.93 percent over last year, according to documents from the Finance Director. The adopted budget for last year was $10,346,565.

This includes the projected increase in diesel, gas, propane and oil, plus a projected 10 percent rise in healthcare costs. The cost for fuel is projected to increase $60,261 over the last fiscal year, while health insurance costs are expected to cost an additional $99,050.38.

Even without these increases, the default budget is still higher than last year due to mandated costs in retirement and the collective bargaining agreement for police personnel.

The Selectmen agreed that this financially tight budget season needed to be addressed efficiently in order to have a reasonable budget to present to voters.

Selectman Brad Galinson said it is necessary to see what each department’s budget would look like with no increases, and then prioritize each increase and explain its importance.

Chairman Bruce Bowler said that everything is on the table for cuts, including full-time and part-time employees.

“Everything needs to be looked at this year,” said Bowler. “See how creative they can get.”

Selectman George Infanti recognized the need for cuts, but was wary of cutting necessary personnel. For example, he cited the rise in crime as a factor to consider when looking at the police department’s budget.

Bowler said that, contrary to the belief of past board members, the possibility of disapproving step increases in wages could be plausible.

Selectman Dwight Brew also suggested that restructuring personnel between town departments could be another option.

“I would like to force everybody to take a very hard look at what am I doing that may not make sense next year,” said Brew.