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Residents press town on Land Use staffing, senior transport costs and Marine Patrol increase
Summary
At the reconvened budget meeting, residents questioned staffing in Land Use, rising senior transportation costs and a higher Marine Patrol line; Town Administrator Mark Walter and Finance Director Beverly Ciurylo explained staffing and cost drivers.
Residents at the June 23 meeting asked town officials how the Board of Selectmen’s proposed budget could be trimmed, specifically calling out Land Use staffing, the Senior Center transportation line, and an increase in the Marine Patrol budget. Town Administrator Mark Walter said the Land Use department ‘‘only has 1 full-time employee, the remaining are either part-time or contracted’’ and explained that senior transportation costs have increased because the town’s van is aging and needs replacement; seniors are billed for rides.
Finance Director Beverly Ciurylo told attendees that the Marine Patrol line was raised because the town exceeded that budget in the prior year and anticipates similar costs. "Last year the town went over budget on Marine Patrol, so they have increased that line to reflect the anticipated costs," Ciurylo said. First Selectman Steven M. Everett framed the broader approach to containing costs by noting the town’s reliance on a volunteer fire department and part-time workers.
