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1 <br /> 5 <br /> IRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET REVIEW: <br /> Chief Baker stated that the Fire Salary/Wage portion of the budget shows some differences <br /> between the Department Request and the Selectmen's Recommendation. He noted the Fire <br /> Vacation Buy-Back. Chief Baker stated that this is still a new item and when he put the <br /> numbers in,he put in assuming that there would be 100%buy-back rather than be <br /> conservative and run short. He said now they have come up with an assumption that it would <br /> be approximately %. <br /> Chief Baker also noted that Mr. Whritenour trimmed off on the line item for Fire Overtime <br /> wages with the understanding haat if it is not enough,the Chief will have to coc back for the <br /> money. <br /> The Chief noted that where he does run into a challenge with the recorurnendation of the <br /> Selectmen is the Expense line item for Fire Repairs and Maintenance. He noted that they <br /> have requested$34,680 and Mr. whritenour is recommending$26,000. He noted that he had <br /> to come back halfway through this year for a major repair. He said their fleet is getting older <br /> and they have a fairly decent record of tracking their expenses in that line. He said his <br /> original assumption was that he would have to do service on a 30 year old fire true;however, <br /> that truck is being replaced this year. He said for him to be comfortable with the Fire Repairs <br /> and Maintenance amount,he would need an additional$4,000 from the Selectmen which <br /> would be a total of$30,000. <br /> Chief Baker commented on the authorization by the Selden to have the Police Chief and <br /> himself do the final arrangements to have the Fire Dispatching contracted to the Sheriff's <br /> Department. He noted that part of the presentation to the Selectmen is that there is planned <br /> savings in the Dispatch line;however,there will be a cost in the amount of$38,000. This <br /> amount will need to be worked into the Fire Department's budget. <br /> Mrs. Goulan-t questioned the Chief when this will become effective. Chief Baker responded <br /> that in the contract they have,they will be ready to take over 45 days from execution. He said <br /> there is a prorated fee for this fiscal year which will be in the amount of$6,000. He stated <br /> that he has no money for that type of communication service in his budget. He said <br /> something will have to be done at Special Town Meeting to transfer from Police Salary or <br /> from Dispatch to cover that Expense Line because it is in the Police Salary and wage line. <br /> He stated that next year,they will need the$38,000 in Communication Expense. Chief Baker � <br /> noted that it is a reasonable assumption that the Police Chief's Communication Salary/Wage <br /> line can decrease because he is not going to replace one of his positions and there is a savings <br /> in overtime. <br /> Chairman watt stated that Chief Baker needs to identify specifically which line items have to <br /> o up and by how much. <br /> Chief Baker stated that the Communications Expense line needs to increase. The budget <br /> request was$11,800 and the Selectmen recommended$6,300. I Ie stated that he vVill need <br /> approximately$3 , 0 additionally. This$38,000 will be for service of the Dispatching. Of <br /> the$6,000 needed for this year,$1,000 is for a one-time equipment fee and the$5,000 is for <br /> thein to provide the service prorated for this fiscal year. <br /> Chief Baker discussed his need to increase his staffing of fire fighters. He noted that the <br /> budget docs not include any additional positions in the Fire Department. Chief Baker <br /> discussed his future needs to add fire fighters with the addition of a new fire substation. He <br /> stated that he presently has six fire fighters per shift. In the fixture,to not have a constant <br />