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City manager outlines legal backlog, sewer grant match and need for an animal‑control vehicle
Summary
City Manager Brian reported a newly approved sewer generator grant with a $47,000 match, said the legal workload (notably foreclosure cases) is creating a backlog that will push legal spending above this year's $10,000 budget, and requested authority to pursue a low‑cost ACO vehicle (estimated under $5,000) or reassign an existing cruiser.
City Manager Brian told the council the town received approval for a sewer generator grant but will need to provide a 25% match, currently estimated at $47,000, and that the city may need to draw from the general fund because the sewer reserve is small.
Brian also described a backlog of legal work, chiefly municipal foreclosure and purchase‑agreement matters that have accumulated over several administrations. "We do not employ two lawyers. We have two lawyers who work for us," he said, clarifying the staffing model, and added that the city's legal budget for the current year was set at $10,000 and is expected to be exceeded; he said he will likely request $10,000 for next year to continue work on backlog items and policy review.
On municipal vehicles, the animal control officer (Reed) said frequent transport and court travel make the position difficult without a reliable municipal vehicle. Reed and the manager discussed options including buying a decommissioned cruiser from a neighboring department (Pleasant Point Police Department) for under $5,000 or repurposing an existing patrol vehicle; the manager said he would pursue options and return if the cost exceeded his purchasing discretion.
Brian said the finance picture is generally stable — auditors report an unassigned fund balance of about $1.18 million and capital projects are in better shape than previously thought — but he warned there are line‑item overages in administration, auditing and legal costs and that staff will bring detailed funding proposals in coming meetings.
Councilors asked for follow up on exact legal expenditures and potential sources for the sewer grant match; the manager agreed to provide the requested documentation.
