Dalton Select Board, Finance Committee Making Final Budget Approvals
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board approved a $4,300 increase to the forest warden budget during its meeting last week.
This projected increase brings the department's total budget up to $6,300.
The salary line item is projected to increase from $1,895 to $2,500 due to the department's increased workload.
The wardens are in "constant" communication and training with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and other trail organizations to set up appropriate training for emergency first responders.
This training includes, but is not limited to, wilderness search, rescue and recovery, fire suppression, property loss mitigation, and GPS drone usage.
The vehicle repairs line item is projected to increase $500 bringing it to $1,000 because of the increase in products used to maintain and operate the equipment.
The hose and equipment line item is projected to increase $1,300 bringing its total up to $2,800 because of costs. This will allow the department to maintain its wildland and rough terrain equipment and make needed purchases.
The Finance Committee later questioned at its meeting why the increase since department has not used a lot of its expenses budget. However, it was approved but committee members noted they would not like to see an increase next year.
The Finance Committee also recommended the rest of the fiscal 2024 budget line items as presented during its meeting.
One increase was in the group purchasing budget, which is projected to rise 15.87 percent bringing the total budget to $4,300 due to the Franklin Regional Council of Governments annual member fee.
It was originally budgeted under the thought that the town was full a member but was informed that is not possible because Dalton is not part of Franklin County. The town can still take advantage of the group's purchasing power through a dues membership.
This year's line items is in the red but will be resolved in May. The line was increased to prevent this deficit next year.
The town planner salary line is also up, by 11.26 percent, bringing the total budget to $58,335.
This increase was in an effort to attract candidates to the position because it remains unfilled. The town conducted a study to compare the salaries of planners in other towns and determined the best course of action would be to raise it from Step 5 to 10.
Most other budget are projected to increase, largely because of the cost of supplies.
One member questioned why the printed materials and books line item increased by $500. Although they were not sure, members noted that it may be because a new building code book is being issued.
The emergency management budget is up nearly 45 percent to $24,239 and the salary line is nearly doubled at $12,480.
The committee thanked the former emergency management commissioner, Daniel Filiault, for the work that he did prior to stepping aside, which had kept the budget low.
Before leaving, he did warn the committee to expect this increase, especially in the salary because of the amount of work the position requires.
Tags: Dalton_budget, fiscal 2024,
