MEXICO – Selectmen decided to wait until newly hired Town Manager John Madigan gets on board and the final audit is presented before tackling possible cuts to try to reduce the town’s deficit.
The board met for an hour prior to their regular meeting to review potential cost-saving measures.
The town has a deficit that could be as high as $300,000, although board Chairman Arthur Bordeau said he believes it is somewhat lower. Last October, a preliminary audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, showed that all the town’s surplus money had been spent. Fairfield auditor Keel Hood is currently working on a final audit. Bordeau said that document is expected by mid-February.
Suggestions for cutting costs have included reducing three full-time positions to part-time, turning off about 70 street lights and using one company for all cell phone use.
In the meantime, the board has already instituted a freeze on purchases and made several other moves to try to save money.
The board set a budget discussion with Madigan for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the town office.
In other matters, the board set a special election to choose someone to replace former Selectman Monique Aniel for Feb. 14. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Calvin Lyons room of the town hall.
Nomination papers, now available from the town office, must be returned by Feb. 1 with the signatures of at least 25 registered voters.
Aniel resigned earlier this year after serving about six months of a three-year term. The term of the person who replaces her extends to June 2007.
The board also established a team to begin negotiations with the unions that represent the police and highway unions.
Assistant to the town manager, David Errington, said the Board of Selectmen and town manager will represent the town, while officer Mike Richard will represent the police department and Jeff Wade or John Blais will represent the highway department.
Both bargaining union contracts, at three years each, expire on June 30.
Three members of the police department are in the union and five highway employees are unionized.
The board appointed Jeff Stoddard of Dixfield as a temporary full-time reserve officer to fill in for officer Roy Hodsdon until sometime in March. Hodsdon is currently out on medical leave.
The board also met in a closed session to discuss the status of officer Mike Buotte. He has been out on medical leave for several months. Errington said no action was taken.
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