FROM THE NEWSROOM: Putnam Special Services District taxpayers approved a $3.4 million budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year Tuesday night, slashing $100,000 from the original $3.5 million proposal. In a 51 to 9 vote, taxpayers approved the amended budget with a $100,000 cut, split between the fire and police departments; the amendment was made during the meeting in a 34 to 24 public vote. Selectman Peter Benoit, who spearheaded the amendment, said that although he felt most taxpayers wanted to see the proposed mil rate increase at least cut in half, he understands that the departments are very limited in what they can cut and felt this was a workable compromise. Resident John Fulco, who spoke out against making any cuts, said the final compromise also seemed fair to him, especially compared to recommended cuts by other residents which neared $300,000. Earlier in the meeting, Benoit proposed cutting $97,500 in funds that are to be reserved for the eventual purchase of a new fire truck, but that proposal was struck down in a 34 to 26 vote. Fire Chief Norman Bernier said the approved $50,000 cut may still hit the fire truck line item, though he remains uncertain where the department will make cut backs. SSD Authority Chairman Gerard Cotnoir said it also remains to be seen where the cuts from the police side of the budget will come; before the cuts, the proposed increase would have been 1.3 mils. Cotnoir said these cuts will bring that increase down, though he does not have the exact figures at this time. Overall, the 2014-15 budget stands at a $356,000 increase over the current fiscal years. Tune in for the full report.
Posted on: Wed, 07 May 2014 11:01:11 +0000
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