MONTAGUE — The Selectboard will reconsider its recommendation to halve the Department of Public Works’ proposed fiscal year 2023 discretionary budget, following advocacy from DPW Superintendent Tom Bergeron.
“I’d obviously like to fight for this to be fully funded at $100,000,” Bergeron prefaced during Monday’s Selectboard meeting.
The Selectboard had elected to reduce the discretionary budget, which covers non-anticipated expenses as they arise, to $50,000 in accordance with recommendations from the Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee. However, Bergeron argued that such a cut would diminish his ability to make repairs and buy essential parts for DPW equipment.
“Part of this discretionary fund allowed me to get (pieces of equipment) when they were either on sale,” he said, “or something tragic happened where I blow a motor or something that allowed me to purchase them sooner than having to wait for Town Meeting.”
Recent unanticipated costs that Bergeron cited include the purchase of a $5,500 hydraulic pump for a tractor and a looming $18,000 expense to replace a riding lawn mower complete with additions.
Initially, despite acknowledging that Bergeron spends money “very wisely,” Selectboard Chair Rich Kuklewicz validated the decision to cut the discretionary budget.
“I don’t really want to make this decision in a vacuum,” Kuklewicz said, “because there was quite a lot of discussion around budget balancing and retaining a bit of surplus from taxation.”
He expressed a desire to revisit Bergeron’s request later in the meeting, however, prompted by Selectboard Clerk Matt Lord’s input.
“I do want Tom to have the money that he needs to buy the equipment he needs,” Lord said. “I believe that the issue the boards are having is primarily an issue of budgetary process and not as around how much Tom is spending on his vehicles. I don’t know what we gain other than disappointing the superintendent by diminishing this number right now in terms of working through the budgetary process.”
The Selectboard opted to have Article 15 on the May 7 Annual Town Meeting warrant, which would delegate funding “for the purpose of purchasing, equipping and making major repairs to DPW vehicles and equipment” upon approval, to maintain Bergeron’s original $100,000 sum. Town Administrator Steve Ellis advised that this was the optimal choice due to the Selectboard’s ability to recommend an amount lower than the sum placed on the warrant, should members find it necessary. Kuklewicz told Bergeron that the board would need to deliberate further before any such decision is made, however.
“I see the value in it,” Kuklewicz said of Bergeron’s request, “but I think we need to spend a little bit of time before making this decision.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.