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Town board approves FEMA budget amendment, tables $48,000 vehicle purchase
Summary
The town board approved most of a FEMA-driven budget amendment but voted to table a $48,000 appropriation for a zoning/admin vehicle for 30 days while commissioners seek alternatives and cost details.
The town board voted to approve most of a FEMA-related budget amendment on a motion that excluded a proposed $48,000 purchase for a zoning/admin vehicle.
Staff explained that FEMA reimbursements tied to recent projects include pay for local staff time and project management. “FEMA picked up the tab for over $75,000 as a project manager,” staff member (speaker 5) said, describing reimbursements the town received for managing recovery work. The amendment would reallocate funds from previously budgeted projects into the general fund and cover several one-time repairs and reimbursements.
Commissioners raised questions specifically about a $48,000 proposed vehicle for zoning or administrative use. One commissioner said decommissioned police vehicles could meet the town’s needs at lower cost and urged further study of recurring fuel, maintenance and insurance costs associated with adding a town-owned vehicle. Staff responded that decommissioned vehicles in some cases are not road-ready and that the appropriation would allow departments to maintain a stable fleet.
After extended discussion, the board agreed to approve the budget amendment while tabling consideration of the $48,000 vehicle for 30 days to allow staff and commissioners to examine cheaper alternatives and the long-term operating costs. Mayor (speaker 1) put the measure to a vote and the motion carried.
What happens next: The vehicle portion of the amendment will return to the board within 30 days for reconsideration; the rest of the FEMA amendment is in effect pending final clerical actions.
