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vehicles. lis. Mason expressed her concern that expenses are being micromanaged, and <br /> that level funding does not adequately address department needs. 1s. Mason stated her <br /> recommendation is realistic for successful operation of department. 1&. Avis suggested <br /> that a 1%increase still amounts to a significant amount of money and a close review of <br /> such does not equal micromanagement. <br /> Ms. Mason noted most of increase is due to contractual salaries. Mr. Dottridge agreed <br /> expense increase is minimal. <br /> Chief Baker argued level funding will have a negative impact for years to cone, and will <br /> eliminate contingency planning. Ifs. Dante suggested that other town departments cannot <br /> keep cutting or level funding budgets while the school department does not have to do so. <br /> Ms. Mason noted many mandatory expenses, such as insurance, are increasing, so cuts have <br /> to be made elsewhere to compensate. <br /> Committee agreed to discuss further with quorum present. Chief Baker excused himself <br /> from the remainder of meeting. <br /> DPW <br /> Mr. fottridge questioned fir. Taylor on vehicle replacement plans, noting he discovered a <br /> better vehicle has a minimally higher cost than the model currently used. W. Taylor <br /> countered that the specific needs for each truck and its crew do not allow for this option. <br /> Mr. Taylor noted he has requested the funds for vehicle replacement from Capital <br /> Improvement. <br /> Ms. Mason indicated the Committee has discussed recommending a purchase of two trucks. <br /> Chairman Umina reiterated the dire need to replace a truck, with repair costs becoming <br /> significant otherwise. Mr. Taylor agreed that vehicle replacement has been behind schedule <br /> for a few years. <br /> Ms. Mason detailed the frequent breakdown of vehicles, limiting their availability when <br /> needed. Ms. Mason noted there is some free cash set aside for purchasing new vehicles. <br /> Mr. fotridge questioned engineering services-in budget. Ms Mason answered that her <br /> recommendation cuts the item and she has made her engineering budget available. <br /> Nk. ottfid e asked Mr. Taylor why town pays for engineering services when he is a <br /> trained engineer. Mr. Taylor noted projects are very specialized. <br /> Mr. Avis asked for further information on the increase in the cost of police details. Vis. <br /> Mason confirmed that the contract for these increased. Mr. Taylor detailed hove the <br /> guidelines established earlier for paying details has begun to affect their cost. <br /> Mr. Avis asked if the request for repaving the transfer station had been eliminated. Mr. <br /> Taylor confirmed that it had been cut. <br /> Committee indicated it had no further questions with department budget. Mr. Taylor <br /> excused himself from the remainder of the meeting. <br /> E a Chairman Umina reviewed the state law allowing the town registrar and clerk to be paid for <br /> both positions. <br /> a his. Iami reviewed her request to have extra summer Delp in the sticker office start work <br /> earlier in the spring to assist with herring permits. Ir. Avis asked how many permits were <br /> sold last year. Mr. Dani stated Selectmen's Office sold permits last year due to conflict <br /> with election work. Ms. Mason observed that per it sales were supposed to be the <br /> responsibility of newly hired part-time clerk. Ms.'Mason and Ills. Rami discussed adjusted <br /> needs of sticker office. <br /> M Mr. Avis asked why the Herring Warden cannot sell permits. Ms. Dami noted he is <br /> maintaining the herring run at that time of year. IIs. Mason and Ms. Dami agreed to speak <br /> with warden to find a way to supplement hours of permit sales, and will report back to <br /> Finance Committee. <br />