Staff Writer
HOULTON — Town councilors unanimously agreed to allow the town manager to transfer funds to cover budget shortfalls in several departments from the town’s existing fund balance during Monday night’s regular meeting.
Town Manager Doug Hazlett proposed to move $40,000 to the Ambulance Department, $38,000 to the Fire Department and $9,900 for the Civic Center Department. Hazlett explained that the shortfalls were a result of having two employees out on sick leave, which he said was something he couldn’t have anticipated during last year’s budget process. Hazlett reassured the public, as well as the councilors, that the shortfalls were not a result of those departments running out of money.
“In the case of the fire department, we have had a long-term employee who has been out on sick leave for the entire year and he had enough accumulated sick time that we were continuing to pay him sick time during that time period, while simultaneously having to fill his shift on an overtime basis,” explained Hazlett. “That same situation, believe it or not, occurred in Ambulance where we had a guy out that long.”
Members of the public took advantage of the public hearing by telling councilors and the town manager that those departments needed to learn to “live within their means.” Councilor Paul Romanelli agreed, however, he felt that emergency services could not be refused funding.
“We have to protect our emergency services,” explained Romanelli. “If I had a choice between the civic center and the ability to fight a fire … the civic center would be the one to come short. You always have to have your ambulance and fire protection.”
Councilors passed the motion to transfer a total of $87,900 from the fund balance by a 6-0 vote.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. at council chambers.
