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Tough cuts are proposed
By Jessica Willis, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Aug 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 12 DALTON - Faced with a budget deficit of $250,000 in fiscal 2009, the Board of Selectmen last night considered a proposal that would cut jobs and services in general government, public safety, and contracted positions. Under the proposed budget, drafted by Town Manager Kenneth E. Walto, the cuts would total $245,235, with about $60,000 chopped from government, $122,000 from police, highway, dispatch, and cemetery departments, and $61,900 from contracted services, such as street sweeping.
Changes to insurance co-payment plans for current employees and retirees also were in the new budget, and Walto suggested that the town form an insurance advisory committee.
An interdepartmental clerk, a library assistant, two crossing guards, and a burial agent would be cut under the new spending plan, and Dalton would enter into an agreement with Lanesborough to share an Animal Control Officer.
Specific cuts include a $60,253 cut to police department salary, which would be picked up by a grant, Walto said, and a $4,100 reduction in overtime hours to the dispatch center.
The police department cuts would end, at least temporarily, Officer Jeffrey E. Coe's work with the Berkshire County's Drug Task Force; Coe would be temporarily reassigned for the next nine months, according to Dalton Chief John W. Bartels, Jr.
Under the proposed budget, street sweeping duties and daily cemetery operations will be managed by the Highway Department.
Highway Superintendent David Laviolette said his department would be able to shoulder the new tasks, "but there might be a lag" in street sweeping as the workers try keep up.
"I don't see it getting any better next year," said Selectman Stuart T. Sargent.
"I don't either," Laviolette replied.
The Board of Selectmen will give final approval on the new budget on Aug. 25, and the board has the authority to put the cuts into effect. If the Selectmen wanted to seek another override vote from the town, Sept. 29 would be the earliest that Dalton could hold a special Town Meeting.
The town also could bring in additional revenue by raising some of its fees, Walto suggested.
"Our alcohol licensing fees are (currently) among the lowest in the state," he said.
Selectman Thomas S. Szczepaniak also suggested that money could be saved by closing down municipal business at Town Hall between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
In other business, Walto reported to the group that the South Street reconstruction project was edging closer to completion, and the culvert work that closed the street between Hemlock Hill and Frederick Drive would be finished in time for the start school year, Walto said.
About 50 percent of the project would be done by the end of the construction season, he added.
Walto reported that five sections of a water main on South Street are being replaced by the Dalton Fire District, the separate agency that controls most of the municipal water supply in the town. Some of the residents will have to reconnect to the main at their cost, he said.
It's unclear why the Dalton Fire District would require some South Street residents to reconnect to the main at their cost.
"I find it strange that (the district) is choosing that path," mused Selectman William G. Chabot.
To reach Jessica Willis: jwillis@berkshireeagle.com , (413) 528-3660.
Copyright 2008
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