Hurley board advances RFPs for town projects, reviews $95,533.77 in vouchers and tables Heritage Society donation

Wendy, the town bookkeeper, presented the financial abstract and vouchers for the meeting, telling the board: "The total vouchers we're paying tonight are 95,533.77." She walked the board through fund breakdowns, capital lines and several overspent budget lines including accounting/auditing costs, building maintenance related to two demolitions and a water break, and snow‑removal expenses. Wendy recommended an RFP for a new accounting vendor to control unexpectedly high audit costs.

Following the finance report, the board authorized several procurement steps. Members agreed to reframe the attic/town‑hall cleanup item as a request for bids (RFB) with an explicit scope of work and state variance language. The board also approved issuing an RFP for park improvements to spend roughly $50,000 of grant funds before the county deadline and authorized a separate RFP for professional services related to park/capital projects.

The board considered a proposed $1,000 public‑purpose grant to the Hurley Heritage Society. Several trustees asked the clerk for records showing prior disbursements and recommended developing a clear policy for nonprofit donations. A union representative urged the board to hold off on additional nonprofit donations until town employees’ compensation issues are resolved. The board voted to table the Heritage Society donation until the requested financial records and a policy are provided.

Context and next steps: The board continues to reconcile budget vs. actual figures and will post and issue RFPs as amended; the Heritage Society grant remains on hold pending the records check and policy clarification.

Budget detail highlights: total vouchers presented $95,533.77; some fund lines cited as overspent, including accounting/auditing and building maintenance; bench purchases for the rail trail were paid from a donated revenue line and will be reconciled.