Budget review proceeds; Weather, usage takes toll on equipment

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The Board of Budget Review met again Nov. 19 in an orderly process, without surprises in the budget discussions.
    As reported earlier in the Pioneer Times, there will be no increase for staff or non-union salaries. One exception discussed on Thursday was pay for seasonal employees at the cemetery.
    Under the town’s administration costs, a small increase of .5 percent reflected costs for office equipment and a required federal audit. Payroll decreased.
    Town Clerk Cathy O’Leary reported that 27 books of town records have been preserved and protective sleeves for current records have been purchased with the budgeted amount.
    In response to Carl Lord, Jr., Doug Hazlett said between $200,000-$250,000 of the road bond money was available for paving Market Square, Bangor St. and some sidewalks.
    Phil Bernaiche inquired about the amount employees pay for medical insurance and Hazlett replied that it was about 9 percent.
    Rust, in addition to wear and tear, have necessitated reassignment of some vehicles to other departments in an effort to maximize their usefulness to the town.    Overall, fuel management, has improved to help keep costs down.
    And, there were only minor fluctuations in the expense budgets for the fire department, ambulance services and the parks and recreation department to reflect a tight line on expenses.