Selectmen Review Budget Requests––

More Hours And Computer Equipment Head Department Wish Lists

By Jan Howard

Budget deliberations for the 2004–05 fiscal year budget began in earnest Tuesday night with the Board of Selectmen meeting with various town government department heads to discuss requests.

Such items as new and faster computers, cell phones, carpeting, and Department of Public Works vehicles were among items discussed as well as new or increased hours for some personnel.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal noted there were “many computer requests this year.”

The Board of Selectmen approved some budgets with minimal discussion, noting in some cases, however, that certain budgets might be reviewed again before a final decision is made.

Among proposed increases in hours was an increase for a secretary for the Social Services Department, who has increased duties as caseworker, a receptionist for the Senior Center, and increased hours for a part-time employee in the town clerk’s office, from ten hours a week for 42 weeks, to 20 hours. Additional overtime was requested by Tax Assessor Denise Hames for compiling the grand list and by Tax Collector Carol Mahoney for increased hours in July.

Mr Rosenthal said he would take a close look at requests for additional manpower.

Increased income the town received this year because of a temporary increase the state allowed in the real estate conveyance tax was a “big benefit to municipalities,” Mr Rosenthal said. However, the town will lose that additional revenue next year, he said, unless the legislature acts to keep the increase.

The tax assessor and tax collector offices were among those asking for computer equipment. Ms Hames said her department needs replacement monitors with flat screens to allow staff members more room on their desks. Ms Mahoney also noted the need for new monitors and other computer equipment.

“We are in desperate need for space,” Ms Mahoney said.

Mr Rosenthal questioned whether all the computers need to be purchased at once or could be phased in over a period of time.

“I don’t feel we’re buying efficiently,” Selectman Joe Bojnowski said, questioning whether there would be a discount for buying in volume.

It was decided to have a presentation on computer needs during deliberations next week.

Director of Senior Services Marilyn Place told the selectmen that a 19-hour receptionist is needed during the times she and Debbie Kenyon are running exercise and craft programs at the Senior Center. She is also seeking six hours overtime for the center’s maintenance person so he could drive seniors to community functions in the van that was recently donated by Ashlar of Newtown.

The town is already preparing for funding required for the next revaluation of property slated for the fall of 2006. Ms Hames noted the burden the four-year revaluation is to the town, while First Selectman Herb Rosenthal noted the “turmoil it creates in town.”

It was noted, however, changing revaluations to every six years is being discussed.

The selectmen decided to cut $27,200 from the registrars of voters’ budget for two referendums and two primaries, leaving $7,200 for one referendum. Mr Rosenthal said there would be money in the contingency fund to cover additional referendums and primaries, if it became necessary.

The selectmen also discussed with coordinator Scott Sharlow the status of and funding for the town’s Geographical Information System, a computerized database based on high resolution aerial photography that was completed in 2002. Selectmen questioned the possibility of access to the system by the public and developers as a means of eventually producing revenue for the town in return for its investment.

Under the highway budget, the selectmen decided to cut a proposed capital road improvement request from $2 million to $1.85 million, agreeing that the increase from last year’s $1.75 million would be too much.

The selectmen and Department of Public Works Director Fred Hurley also discussed capital needs for trucks and pickups, with selectmen deciding to cut funding for one tandem axle truck.

Mr Hurley explained that the winter maintenance budget was up $25,000 because of a federal mandated program that requires catch basins to be cleaned yearly. 

Budget deliberations continue January 26 and 27 and possibly January 28, if necessary, at 7:30 pm in the community room of the C.H. Booth Library. Once the selectmen approve the budget, it will be forward to the Board of Finance for its review.