No final decisions were made at Wiscasset’s Public Informational meeting held April 2. But, selectmen certainly did get the public input. Several residents spoke against the proposed cuts in the police and  public works budgets, in support of the planning budget, and against the  “pay-as-you-throw” proposal in the 2013-2014 draft budget.

As chairman of board, Pam Dunning, went through each budget item. As she went through each item, she first asked the budget committee members if they had questions, if the members of the public had any questions, then she would ask the selectmen for their comments on each item.  

The selectmen did reach consensus on most items with the exception of the senior center budget,  which further information was needed.

Police budget

The police budget facing a reduction of $10,807, will decrease the salaries of the permanent part-time officers from $17 to $13 per hour, and cut the police coverage from 24/7 coverage to 22/7 coverage, this did not go over well with several residents or with Selectman Ed Polewarczyk.

The selectmen received a letter from the principals of the Wiscasset, Middle School, Wiscasset Primary School and Wiscasset High School in support of the Wiscasset Police Department. “The presence of a law enforcement agency that knows our students and community members and is committed to a working a partnership that supports safe educational setting is an invaluable asset to this town,”  the principals said in their letter.

Police Chief Troy Cline requested the selectmen put $1,500 back in the budget to support 24/7 coverage.

“I am against any decrease in the police budget,” Polewarczyk said. “It would be the wrong thing to do.” He recommended the permanent part-time officers’ salary be decreased from $17 per hour to $15, and to put the $1,500 back in the budget.

“I am not willing to make my town unsafe in order to save a little money,” said Chris Dilts, former Wiscasset Chamber of Commerce President.

Roland Abbott, Wiscasset Ambulance Director said, “I think cutting the Police budget in any way is a bad idea.”

The majority of the selectmen disagreed with Polewarczyk, in the part-time permanent police officers’ salary, but did reach censuses to put back the $1,500 for the 24/7 police coverage, bringing the budget up to $325,427.

Public works

Although there was no change recommended in the public works draft budget, proposing a cut of $65,550 will impact the ability of service provided by the department to the town.

Road Commissioner Greg Griffin told selectmen that with the current six-man crew, during the storms this past winter, the crew worked over 24 hours without sleep to keep the roads clear.

“I am not in favor of this cut, but, I understand why you are doing it,” Griffin said.  “It will have a huge input on the quality of service, especially when it comes to snow removal.”

Residents and selectmen commended Griffin on the work he and his crew did during the heavy snow storms this past winter.

Planning budget

The planning budget being proposed shows a salary increase for the town planner of $3,836, which was supported by several people, because of the work being done by Town Planner Misty Parker.

According to Town Manager Laurie Smith, the planner will be taking on more responsibilities with the proposed reduction of the Code Enforcement Officer’s hours. The planner will supervise the CEO position as well as take on some of his duties within the office, such as issuing some permits and other duties.

Karl Olson, a Wiscasset businessman and a member of the town planning board, sent a letter to the selectmen in support of Parker’s work in the town.

“I have worked with several town planners and part-time consultants. A good town planner is a wonderful asset. Wiscasset is currently fortunate to have a really great professional planner,” he said in his letter.

LeGarage Restaurant owner, Cheryl Rust, and Conservation Commission member Ann Leslie also spoke in support of the planning budget, and the good work of Parker.

Transfer Station

The proposed transfer station pay-as-you-throw system that is being projected that could bring in revenue of over $100,000 with a $30,000 investment in fee bags did not sit well with resident Lewis Savage.

Savage told selectmen that taxpayers would be paying twice to dispose of their refuse. He suggested they find another way to save money. “Perhaps consider closing one day a week, instead of asking people to pay twice for every bag they put in the hopper. We are already paying in our taxes,” he said.

Dunning indicated this idea, of pay-as-you-throw, has been thought about many times. It will be up to be voters to make the decision.

Capital Improvements

The Capital Improvement Budget is funded by the interest from the Capital Reserve account, having no effect on the town’s mill rate.  This year’s amount to be used is $366,000.

Items in the proposed budget include, the shingling of the town office roof, at a cost of $35,000; Emergency generator for the fire station, cost of $33,000; replace riding mowers $15,000, replace 2004 GMC truck with plow, $55,000; fire truck ladder upgrade, no firm price yet; parking lot paving and expansion at the Community Center, $15,000; road paving and construction, $120,000, plus other lesser expensive improvements.

Budget Committee member William Barnes questioned the need to spend $33,000 for a new generator. He suggested the town rent a generator when they need it.

Ambulance Director Roland Abbott said that during the recent storm, the town made an effort to rent a generator and there were none available. “We can’t always depend there will be a generator available when we need it,” Abbott said.

A new police cruiser was requested for the capital improvement budget, but it was not recommended by the town manager. However, it received support from Budget Committee Member Robert Blagden and  Dilts.

Cline told the selectmen the 2007 cruiser had well over 100,000 miles on it, and is currently in need of about $1,800 in repairs.

Blagden told the board it would be better to put the $30,000 in a capital improvement that is used everyday instead of something only used once in a while (perhaps referring to the $33,000 generator). Blagden also pointed out if the town decided to buy a new cruiser the $1,800 to repair the cruiser could be used toward the cost of the new cruiser.

Dilts asked selectmen to reconsider adding the cruiser to the capital improvement budget.

Upcoming meetings

The selectmen will meet Tuesday, April 9, the town office at 6:15 p.m. to make their recommendations on the 2013-2014 budget. They are expected to sign the warrant for the June 11 vote at their meeting on April 16.

The budget committee will make their recommendations at their meeting April 18.

Charlotte Boynton can be reached at 207-844-4632 or cboynton@wiscassetnewspaper.com.