Durham BOS Propose 4.28 Percent Spending Increase

The Board of Selectman proposed the town's $5.5 million 2011-12 fiscal year budget to the board of finance Tuesday evening, representing a $227,120 or 4.28 percent increase over the current budget year.

First Selectwoman Laura Francis described the budget as being a "conflicting" process, having to balance the budget with a 3.4 billion deficit looming on the state government and eroding local revenue sources.

"We were hoping to come up with an even budget," Francis told the board of finance.

Major factors contributing to spending increases include a 6.8 percent reduction to the grand list, along with shrinking state and local revenues.

The town is currently operating under a $5.3 million budget.

New budget items included in the proposal are adding half a resident state trooper, a cost of about $146,000, personal protection equipment for the fire marshal and staff, funding in compliance with long-term capital plan, $1,200 for the Citizen Emergency Response team, monies for DART trailer maintenance and a stipend for a Regional Management Director, which town officials say will be mostly offset by a $7,000 grant.

Deducted from the upcoming budget is money for Phase II of the public works renovation, some energy saving improvements, and the public safety committee, which the town hopes to maintain through private donations.

The board of selectman is also hoping to shave off 105 hours a week in employee hours by trimming the role of bookkeeper, assistant assessor and human services coordinator.

Other factors include bringing unions to the negotiating table to to ask for concessions in salary or health care benefits. A meeting with union personnel will be held on March 18. Looking at contracts out to bid and acquiring potential grants are other alternatives the board is looking into to offset the rising costs of the budget.

Out of the operating budget, the public works department and general expenses take up almost half of the proposed budget, which will go to vote pending a referendum in May.

"This year more than ever we should ask for input," said Francis, who also asked other board members about the best approach to get the public more involved.

Selectman Jim McLaughlin said he remembered the days when there would be 30 people at a meeting for the board of finance. Tonight there were no members from the public.

Selectman John Szewczyk, who voted against the budget during Monday's board meeting, said he was not in favor of the spending increase. He suggested keeping the public safety complex because it is volunteer based instead of paying money for a state trooper in town.

Selectman McLaughlin liked the trooper idea, but also warned the board of poor capital planning and said that they should "make every effort to negotiate with the union."