Budget Week #2 done

We finished week #2 of the "budget marathon". Monday night we met with the Department Heads of the Golf Course, Cemetery & Parks, Events & Special Programs (which included the new Alternative Energy Committee and Snowmobile) and the Fire Department.
Tuesday night we met with Mike Delaware who heads up a lot of Departments including care of the Town Hall, Morrison Building (where the Town Office is located on Main Street), Facilities and Lakes & Dams. Phew, poor guy!

First off, I would like to commend the Fire Department for putting together a comprehensive budget with the help of Finance Officer Marilyn Curtis. The FD just had the unexpectedly loss their Chief Jim Gudroe and new Chief Barry Deering had never put together a budget. He came with 3 other fire members and they worked as a team and their presentation was well researched and sincere. Kudos guys!

Another first timer was Cemetery Sexton Fred Banks (former Councilman). We teased him about being on the other side of the 'table'..... But he did a good job with his presentation. He is running into the usual "we need to replace this or that" but all in all presented his case well with forethought.

The biggest problem that all municipalities across the country are experiencing is the rising cost of heating fuel, gas, lubes, etc. Can you say 'guessestimate'? Right now there is no way to even know what the "locked in" price is going to be. So we take this years, about double it and hope for the best. With our old big historic buildings, it is going to mean cutting back in other areas. But where?

Everyone will have a different answer! Cut the parks..... cut the town hall... cut the golf course.... cut wages..... cut, cut, cut.... But what makes sense for the big picture?

Once again, we invite you to get involved and voice your thoughts!

On another note, flowers for downtown....

Tomorrow morning, Mike and/or his guys are coming here to get the benches (too heavy for me to lift) to put on Main Street and then head on down to Snap of the Dragon to pick up the 15 barrels that will go out on Main Street.

Then on Friday evening, Darlene and I are going to plant annuals in the Heart Garden, the Wayside Gazebo Garden, Town Office garden and up at the Cannon for the Memorial Parade celebration. Oh yeah and the police station window boxes!!!! Christine wouldn't forgive us, if we forgot her :)

Stop by with a trowel if you would like. We enjoy the company and the help!