WHATELY — The Whately Finance Committee recommends a $22,745 increase in the town’s operating budget for FY2017.
Though spending for certain necessities like town vehicle fuel is expected to drop, recommended hikes in areas like general government and insurance and benefits lead to a proposed budget of $4,675,687, up from $4,652,942 last year.
The budget will be before town meeting on Tuesday.
Town Administrator Mark A. Pruhenski explained employee health insurance has gone up 6.8 percent because the town is part of the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, established by the state for the joint purchase of insurance. Pruhenski also said there is recommended $5,500 increase in employment insurance because it has been underfunded in the past.
The proposed general government budget recommends an increase from $303,345 to $356,978. Much of this stems from a proposed $9,165 hike in selectmen’s office expenses that Pruhenski said is the result an bi-annual financial audit becoming annual.
Pruhenski said the proposed 130 percent increase in town building operations spending is almost entirely related to expenses associated with the town offices new home at 4 Sandy Lane. Pruhenski said the town still owns the town hall and the former center school.
There is also a proposed hike in the town administrator’s salary, from $57,969 to $63,051.
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 257.
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