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Selectmen approve a series of small budget transfers for street lights, equipment and department operations
Summary
The Board of Selectmen approved multiple in-series and out-of-series transfers covering street-light repairs ($20,000), loader tires ($4,000), library and senior services shortfalls, planning and building payouts, and multiple recreation and parks needs totaling about $41,000; Eversource connection costs and pond-treatment questions were discussed.
The Board of Selectmen approved a slate of budget transfers requested by department heads to cover near-term operating and maintenance needs.
Public works requested a $20,000 in-series transfer for street-light repairs to cover charges billed by Eversource for connecting and disconnecting street lights. Public works director Gary Schneider said those charges vary and are incurred when the utility must send crews to make connections; lead times for scheduling can range from a couple of days to several months. "I don't have the number, but you are right. This is a moving target," Schneider said in response to a request for a year-to-date figure on Eversource charges.
Other approved transfers included $4,000 for two loader tires in public works; $2,500 for anticipated part-time substitute wages in the library; $3,070 for unanticipated seniors-program and facility expenses; and a $600 appropriation to cover required advertising expenses for the town clerk. Planning requested $13,500 to cover two employee retirement payouts, and the building department requested $5,828 to cover increased administration expenses, including an increase for the building official.
Recreation and parks received three approvals: $16,000 to address increased vehicle and equipment maintenance, overtime tied to an unprecedented winter and added aquatic-program costs; $5,000 for vehicle maintenance; and $20,000 for property maintenance and beach/event operations. Recreation director Ryan McNamara said hiring delays left some budgeted positions unfilled and that some funds were available in the ledger, reducing the need for future requests. The discussion also touched on pond and lake aquatic treatments; staff noted an annual applicator license costs about $700 in case treatment is needed and agreed to provide more information about the specific herbicide and documentation beyond the vendor, noting that all treatments require DEP recognition.
Each transfer was approved by the board and will be forwarded to the Board of Finance where required.
