Town of Templeton board member questions vest replacement budget, disposal plan

A member of the board at a Town of Templeton meeting said the March budget hearings included an estimate of about $11,100 for replacement equipment and urged caution about approving the item without clearer oversight. "In March, when we had our day long budget hearings, I believe the number presented was in the $11,100 price range. I understand prices do indeed go up. 1 of the challenges and concerns, the chief was asked directly by this board and the advisory committee in our joint session. Can you live within this budget? The answer we were given is I can make it work," the board member said.

The board member went on to say the current discussion suggested staff were aware the vests were expiring and expressed concern about the chief's handling of equipment and the budget. "That was a direct quote. What I'm hearing now, they knew these were expiring. I see a problem in managing his equipment. I see a problem in managing his budget. I just wanna go on record saying that because that is concerning to me," the board member said.

The board member also asked that, if the replacement is approved, the town ensure the old vests are disposed of through formal procurement channels rather than being repurposed for target practice. "Okay. If we do approve this in any stretch, is that the old vests be dealt with, properly through the procurement, rather than used as target practice?" the board member asked.

The transcript excerpt contains discussion and questions but does not record a motion, a staff response to the disposal request, or a formal vote on the vest-replacement item. The remarks focus on budget oversight, equipment management, and proper disposal procedures for expired protective gear.