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Finance Committee <br /> March 29, 1990 <br /> Page 3. <br /> Ed noted that a reclassification for one of her employees had also been removed <br /> from her budget. Anne stated that she wants a step plus 2% increase to her <br /> salary and if she doesn't get it she doesn't want the $1,000 for overtime wages. <br /> Anne challenged the Finance Committee stating that the funds for her budget should <br /> be taken from the Reserve Fund. Ed stated that the reserve was for emergencies <br /> and Vern stated that particularly this year a reserve was needed - departments <br /> are living with such tough conditions, there are bound to be numerous emergency <br /> requests for funds. <br /> Jane LaBute the Town Clerk offered no opposition to her budget figures <br /> noting "What else could she do?" $1,000 had been recommended be put back in <br /> her salaries and $1,464 to the Elections and Registrations budget. <br /> Chief Frye addressed the Police budget. The Chief asked the Finance <br /> Committee to consider moving some of the money around in his budget with the <br /> bottom line figure remaining constant. He requested that $2,000 be added to <br /> police expenses making the figure $119,289 and asked that $2,00 be subtracted <br /> from salaries making the figure $109X683. Carl Heller motioned that the committee <br /> vote in favor of this request, Vern seconded and there was a unanimous vote of <br /> approval. He stated that he felt where there were going to be no new cruisers <br /> he might need the money for the cruiser account and he noted the anticipated <br /> increase in utility costs in February. <br /> The Fire Chief addressed the committee and asked them to reconsider the <br /> recommendation to remove $11,900 from his budget and plance it in a Building and <br /> Grounds account. He noted that he keeps close track on building maintenance <br /> and feels he can better control maintenance if it is under his control. <br /> He feels that if he has autonomy he can do some of his own repair work at a <br /> great savings for the town. He stated that maintenace is critical to an <br /> emergency operation. Vaccaro noted that the money is available to him, however <br /> he must go to the Executive Secretary for it. Jim noted that this is a step <br /> toward a maintenance department which the town at present can not afford. <br /> The Chief still called for a reconsideration and noted the unique situation of <br /> an emergency department. The Chief went on to discuss the Finance Committee's <br /> $29,000 cut to wages and noted that there seemed to be a lack of understanding <br /> about this cut. He stated that the cut would eliminate one man per shift in the <br /> summer months and bring the summer staffing from 5 to 4 - there is no other <br /> alternative. He further noted if you drop men - recall goes up. Ed Dolan <br /> cited a particular week in March where over 200 hours of overtime had been <br /> used. Ed had received the figures from the Town Accountant and discussed them <br /> with committee members at an earlier meeting. The Fire Chief stated that Ed <br /> did not have his facts together and that he had no right to bring up such <br /> information unless he had the proof with him. The Chief stated that Ed should <br /> bring the proof of such a statement and vowed to meet and challenge this <br /> information on the floor. If the wages are cut, he noted that the training <br /> account may have to be cut. He only has 3 EMTs at present and there is a need <br /> for more men and there are men who are willing. The Chief stated that the <br /> money he needs should come from the $32,700 set aside for articles. <br /> The Finance Committee is recommending 0 funding for the Civil Defense. <br /> Selectman Hanson spoke out for the need for Civil Defense and noted he <br /> hoped there would be no emergencies. The Fire Chief is supposed to assume <br /> this function and he emphatically stated that he could not "eat" the expenses <br /> that are required by the Civil Defense. <br />