Some residents

are worried

the program

could be cut.
By Donna M. Perry
Staff Writer

JAY – Residents voiced concerns Monday about a proposal to turn the town’s recreation program over to the School Department.

Some people said they were afraid that if the funds for the program were transferred to the school budget, it would be the first item cut if controversy arose over an increased budget.

Town Manager Ruth Marden said the program ran smoothly under the leadership of Sue Weston, who took three weeks vacation time from her school transportation and grounds position to run the five-week program. She completed her school duties when she wasn’t working the program, which made for long days, Marden said.

After talking to school Superintendent Robert Wall, Marden proposed to selectmen Monday that the program be turned over “lock, stock and barrel” to the School Department. The program is run out of school buildings, and the school provides the food program and transportation.

“It would make it simpler for me,” Marden said, and make it simple for Weston.

The town budget would decrease, she said, and the school’s side would increase. Townspeople raised a little more than $41,000 for the summer program.

“If we keep raising and trying to bring up the school budget …when it starts going up to $11 million people are going to say no,” resident Al Landry said. “The first thing people are going to do is knock out recreation.”

Voters approved a $10.1 million budget this year in one referendum. In past years, it has taken up to three referendums to approve the budget.

Selectman Ray Pineau echoed Landry’s concerns.

“We’re still trying to stabilize the school budget process,” Pineau said.

Marden asked about keeping the funding for the program on the town side of the budget and having the school run it. She said the program ran really well with Weston running it.

“I think it worked really well,” Pineau said, but added he was afraid it would get cut if people didn’t approve the school budget.

Resident Pearl Cook said it would take a voting right away from taxpayers if the program was lumped into the school budget.

Cook also questioned whether Weston was paid double. Marden assured her she wasn’t and explained how it worked. Marden said she would draw up a financial sheet to show the Budget Committee, which Cook chairs, where Weston’s pay came from.

“I see no reason why the town can’t raise the money and it is run through the school,” Marden said, of the program.

Marden also noted that she didn’t know if Weston would want the director’s position next year if the school doesn’t run it. She burned up a lot of vacation time, she said.

“I certainly think she went above and beyond what she had to do,” Marden said.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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