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Waverly board weighs program cuts, beach-hour reductions and seasonal staffing changes
Summary
Board members reviewed budget-cut options including eliminating a student waiver-review program (estimated cost roughly $1,374 per student), shortening beach hours and season, and a potential layoff affecting campground/housekeeping attendants. The board also approved season wage increases budgeted at 50¢ per hour for seasonal staff.
Waverly ' The Waverly Town Board discussed a set of possible budget reductions and personnel changes to reduce operating costs during the coming fiscal year.
The Chair described three main options: eliminate a waiver-review/student employment program that cost about $1,374 per student (four students participated last year, a total cost around $5,496), shorten daily beach hours (proposed reduction from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. to a shorter schedule) and shorten the beach season, and reduce campground reservation and housekeeping attendant days to save payroll. The Chair said these actions could reduce costs but might leave service gaps.
Members asked about unemployment insurance impacts if a seasonal employee is laid off and whether the program supplies useful labor and training. One member emphasized the youth program produces some tangible work (cleaning cabins, park tasks) while others said supervision requirements had reduced program effectiveness. The Chair proposed tabling some youth-program decisions until more usage and cost numbers are available.
Separately, the board approved budgeted 50¢ hourly raises across lifeguards and campsite staff as previously planned. The Chair moved the wage change, and members voted to increase John Dufresne's hourly pay to $20 and another staffer to $18.50; the Chair announced "Motion passes."
Why it matters: The town is balancing service delivery (lifeguards, campground maintenance, youth work opportunities) with the need to reduce operating costs. Changes to hours or program staffing could affect recreation access and summer staffing availability.
What comes next: Staff will provide exact savings estimates and unemployment-insurance implications for any layoffs; the board will revisit youth-program decisions with more detailed numbers.
