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Malone board to use $130,000 in CHIPS funds to buy new paver
Summary
The Malone Town Board agreed Oct. 18 to withdraw $130,000 from its CHIPS account to purchase a new paver, leaving $4,000 in the account; the move follows budget discussions showing the town over the tax cap and aims to use restricted highway funds for capital replacement.
On Oct. 18, 2024, the Malone Town Board agreed to allocate $130,000 from its CHIPS account to purchase a new road paver, leaving a $4,000 balance in CHIPS, Budget Officer Denice Hudson told the board.
Hudson presented two funding scenarios for the purchase — one that pays the machine outright and another that finances half — and outlined several possible budget lines to cover an outright buy. She reported the CHIPS account balance at $134,000 and noted the town is currently “over $155,118.00 over Tax Cap,” framing the need to identify funding sources.
Deputy Supervisor Terry Maguire argued the town should retain only a small reserve in CHIPS, saying, “I believe $4,000.00 should be left in there,” because leftover balances could affect future state aid levels. Councilor Paul Walbridge supported using $130,000 from CHIPS, saying the withdrawal would show taxpayers the town is not hoarding restricted funds. Supervisor Andrea Stewart agreed, and the board directed staff to allocate $130,000 from CHIPS while leaving $4,000 in the account. Hudson also noted the line labeled “DB” will remain unchanged under the proposal.
Stewart asked whether the town could order the paver before the end of 2024 to lock current pricing; Hudson and the board discussed timing and the possibility of selling the old paver to offset cost. Hudson had earlier listed possible sources for an outright purchase in the transcript (CHIPS, the 2024 budget and Highway Equipment funds), though the board settled on the $130,000 CHIPS withdrawal for immediate use.
The board’s agreement on funding came amid broader budget work-session discussions of capital needs and the town’s compliance with the tax cap. The decision will be implemented through the town’s purchasing and capital accounting procedures, and the board scheduled related budget items for the upcoming regular meeting.
