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The recommended reduction of Human Resources by $40,000 ignores the fact that medical exams, <br /> psychological exams, written exams and similar expenses cannot be based upon "actuals" from a <br /> preceding fiscal year but rather must be based upon professional standards used to administer a <br /> comprehensive selection or promotional selection process consistent with policies and practices of the <br /> Town and terms and conditions contained within collective bargaining agreements. Such costs may be <br /> related to bi-annual timing,needs from vacancies or other validated criteria. <br /> The recommended reduction of the Department of Public Works by $91,000 pushes various Town <br /> initiatives further down the road that are critical for identified priorities by joint meetings of the Board of <br /> Selectmen and regulatory boards or other committees and commissions. <br /> The recommended reduction of the Fire Department by $125,000 eliminates full staffing that is <br /> desperately needed so that our Town is not subject to criticism by our neighbors for relying on mutual aid <br /> for call demand versus other emergency situations.On my way to work this morning,I drove by Laurentide <br /> and saw an ambulance parked outside. A few years ago, that building wasn't even there. I.don't want <br /> residents or visitors to be waiting for an ambulance in a time of medical emergency.I want the ambulance <br /> to roll.The Fire Chief sat down with me and provided call data.He reviewed the training demands of EMS <br /> and its coordination on a daily basis. From my personal experience at the fire academy that I visited for a <br /> day, I realize that to send an ambulance to a critical call and to transport that patient in a life-saving <br /> situation, it requires adequate staffing.The Fire Department Union has sat down with me to discuss the <br /> need of Paramedics versus EMTs. The additional reduction in expenses is inconsistent with "best <br /> practices"that I will elaborate on shortly. <br /> The recommended reduction of the Police Department by$53,000 eliminates full staffing at a time when <br /> they need it most.The Chief of Police has worked for me for about twenty-five years in one capacity or <br /> another. He is not one to cry wolf. The chief has convinced me the restored positions are measured, <br /> grounded, necessary and prudent given the challenges to preserve safety within our community. His <br /> outreach programs build public trust and he must have the flexibility to coordinate thorough <br /> investigations through the support staff he requires to fulfill his mission. He is not seeking new officers <br /> but merely seeks to restore what he had. <br /> The recommended reduction of Health by $56,000 appears contradictory. If the Finance Committee <br /> supports the rental property bylaw but doesn't support the personnel to implement enforcement, we <br /> have a conflict.The concern is if we don't have the adequate staff to ensure compliance,there will be a <br /> significant loss of revenue that is being counted on for the wastewater funding strategy in the future. <br /> Finally, I can provide various reasons as to why"turn-backs" have occurred for the past three years on my <br /> watch. Turn-backs could be the result of turnover during any fiscal year.Turn-backs are not necessarily a <br /> formula to reduce the bottom line to an operating budget but rather should be complimented as a sound <br /> management practice and fiscal prudence. <br />