Canales presented the draft budget and his suggestions.
Jim Balfanz asked whatever happened to the Town department heads coming before the Finance Committee and discussing their department budgets? Canales said the Finance Committee could request him to arrange for whichever department head they liked.
They all agreed they would want to meet with the Fire Chief. Canales immediately agreed.
Balfanz then asked to meet with the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT). Canales declined. He explained AHT is not under the control of the Town or part of Town budget. Seven people on the Trust decide how their money is spent. Balfanz pointed out that AHT received money from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). Canales explained that money would go to AHT and the 7 members of the Trust would decide how to spend it.
Canales proceeded to discuss the draft budget and his suggestions:
The $601,255 increase (4%) would result in a +2% increase in our tax bill. He said it was almost entirely due to new employees in the fire department and increases in employee insurance. Canales called the first “a safety driven cost,” and the second, “a cost increase beyond our control.”
They are planning 24/7 coverage for fire and EMTs. Diane Rous asked what they would do all day as incidences of fires have decreased markedly. Canales suggested “administrative tasks.” One of the members said, “and sometimes nothing.”
The location of the new firehouse must be “proximate to the intersection of Rtes 102 and 183.. Steve Shatz said, Question: was the cost of the firehouse included in the budget – Canales said “no.”
Estimates of that cost have risen from $3 – 8 million. A member of FC reminded everyone that the new school cost is not yet figured in.
Steve Shatz asked about our credit rating. Stockbridge’s AA+ rating has not changed and is not AAA due to our population size and income distribution. Shatz said that was the best we could get.
Ericka Oleson our Treasurer and Tax Collector, will be moved to the position of Town Accountant. When our last accountant was let go or left, Town hired an outside accountant. Canales reported it had not worked out well, Oleson will take the position, and a new Treasurer will be hired.
Large expenses: Fire/EMT employees ($325,000) Stockbridge Bowl Dam ($150,000) solar ($250,000) and the bridges – Tuckerman, Goodrich, Averic, Curtisville, and Glendale -estimated in the millions.
