Selectmen review FY14 capital requests

The town’s financial planners will need to be creative with capital budget funding options for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2013. As of this week debt capital requests total $1.976 million — far exceeding the $241,000 available for capital funding.

Department heads presented their requests to selectmen Tuesday night. Leading the list are two big-ticket items: $810,000 for a new Fire Department ladder truck and $800,000 to renovate the new senior center at the former Knights of Columbus building on Pleasant Street. There are also requests of $191,000 for a DPW catch basin truck and $175,000 for a sidewalk tractor.

Selectmen Chairman Bob Burr and Town Administrator Bill Friel did not appear overly concerned, however, and noted that the new fire truck could be funded by the ambulance receipts, and there may be other accounts that could cover the senior center renovation. Also, the town’s debt capital is based on a five-year plan. The town could spend more this year but spend lower amounts in other years to make up the difference.

The remainder of the municipal capital plan includes $443,000 for smaller equipment purchases (cash capital), but municipal department heads submitted requests totaling $835,000. The Finance Department, specifically Information Systems Manager Louis Jutras, submitted technology and computer/software proposals totaling over $300,000.

Noting that technology keeps changing, Jutras said he wants to keep the town’s computer equipment and software up to date.

The Police Department’s request of $69,000 would cover police cruiser replacement, radio communications and bulletproof vests. Police Chief Ken Berkowitz noted that seized drugs and possession forfeitures, which go back to the department, are used to help fund capital requests.

Library Director Mark Lague requested $35,000 to replace community room stacking chairs, purchase a display case for historical materials and for three computer workstations.

Other than the ladder truck replacement, the Fire Department requested $45,000 to replace the deputy chief’s vehicle and thermal imaging cameras.

There are three large projects in the town’s enterprise revolving accounts. The Recreation Department needs $245,000 to replace a rink compressor and glycol tank. According to DPW Director Mike Trotta, the Water Department needs a shade over $1 million for water meter replacement, and the federal and state government is requiring the Sewer Department to make a $153,000 investment in a comprehensive water resource management plan.

In other action Tuesday night:

* The town will receive a donation of $9,700 from the new developers of Westwood Station (Westwood Marketplace) to study the traffic impact of the scaled back development plans.

* Selectmen announced a proclamation of the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Canton Association of Business and Industry (CABI).

* The Recreation Department’s annual senior Christmas party will take place Sunday, December 9, at St. Gerard’s Church at 1:30 p.m.

* Selectmen will next meet, Tuesday, December 18 at 7 p.m.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=17719

Posted by Mike Berger on Dec 6 2012. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.