34 South Main St., Attleboro, MA - (508) 222-7000
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Attleboro budgets too tight to cut
Top Headlines But not this year, at least not in the water and wastewater budgets. The committee on budget and appropriations made no changes to either spending plan at a meeting Monday. Council financial analyst Jim Castro said he couldn't push for cuts in either of the budgets. He said reductions made by the mayor are "already painful." And council President Frank Cook said many of the line items appear to be too low. "It seems like a lot of these accounts are underfunded," he said. Committee member Brian Kirby said both budgets have been slashed as much as they can be. "There's nothing significant to cut that's going to affect the rate," he said. A public hearing will be held on both water and sewer budgets tonight at city hall. Meanwhile, Mayor Kevin Dumas has recommended rate hikes of 12 percent in the water department and 19 percent in the wastewater department to meet skyrocketing costs brought on by increasing federal and state regulation, increasing debt service and price hikes in chemicals, electricity and fuel. In the water department debt service will jump $675,000 to about $3.1 million. And in the wastewater department, debt service for $30 million in plant renovation costs will rise to about $4.1 million, which equals 42 percent of the $9.6 million spending plan. Reductions in the water department's $6.8 million budget include a $265,000 or 26 percent cut in purchase of services from this year's $1,038,146. The supplies line item was slashed from $540,000 to $487,000. Water supervisors had asked for an increase to $632,000. And in the wastewater department, huge increases in heating and electricity are expected, but those line items have been kept low. For example, heating the new plant is projected to cost about $240,000, but is funded at $90,000. The current cost is $29,000. If deficiencies occur they will be made up from retained earnings. Two vacant positions in the departments will not be filled to save some cash. Dumas has asked for a water rate of $3.84 per 100 cubic feet and a sewer rate of $8.65 per 100 cubic feet to fund the budgets. A hearing will also be held on the trash fee which Dumas wants to cut by $2.28 to $180.16 per year. The hearings are slated for 7 p.m.
Post Your Comments Court0429 wrote on Jun 12, 2008 2:30 PM: " That last sentence is supposed to say, "There is NOW total concensis with the entire fossil fuel industry that we DID hit peak oil 30 years ago." That was a typo. There IS agreement that we are quickly running out of oil. Put up solar panels, our best bet, and get the city garden expanded with greenhouses. Buy 1/2 electric 1/2 gas vehicles for public safety. That water facility has tons of space for geothermal or solar, as do most municipal buildings. Gas prices will be $6 a gallon in a couple years. The city will make their money back in less than 5 years, which used to be the time for payback from solar or the like. You could save so much money AND in 5 years, pay for more, eventually paying for all the city's municipal energy costs AND then sell energy back to the grid for profit. The kids could all learn about it, etc. Get with the 21st century Attleboro. " Court0429 wrote on Jun 12, 2008 2:22 PM: " And what's with all the petty bickering? I just moved here 4 years ago, I already heard the chief is corrupt. What are we going to do in 30 years and leading up to it, when we run out of oil? Shortages are already a reality, shown by higher gas prices. Is the city prepared, No. How will be get water into people's homes? How will be ship food to New England in the winter? How will be drive vehicles, and public safety with no gas? Hospitals, Nursing homes? Nothing is set-up to be free of oil or natural gas, which will run out around the same time. And we need fossil fuels to make solar panels and wind turbines, and the materials for geothermal, etc. If we can't deal with a little budget crisis, someone help us in a few years when all this reality of Little and then Shortages and then NO OIL and No Natural Gas kicks in. Coal will be 30 years after that catastrophe. We need 10,000 nuclear reactors just to equal the amount of energy we produce today, nevermind 30 years from now, nevermind the 124 developing nations, who are beginning their industrial revolutions right now. How will our kids and grandkids survive? And city, state and federal officials can't get anything together now. God help us. This is no joke. There is no total concensis with the energy companies and fossil fuel industry that we hit Peak Oil 30 years ago. " Court0429 wrote on Jun 12, 2008 2:13 PM: " The entire wastewater plant does NOT need to be heated, Just the OFFICES. No one is in the rest of the building, except for 5 mins to take a quick test or reading. I bet you didn't know that! We're paying $250,000 so some lazy guy, that doesn't have to get chilly for 5 mins, every few hours. City Hall has NO IDEA of the slackers and waste in the water dept. Check into it, I have inside info. Just shut off the heat to the majority of the building, and only heat the offices; simple. There, $230,000 SAVED. Wow, that was hard. Now put the cops back on the beat. We're in hard times and crime is going Up, Up, Up. I just found a water bottle filled with old gas in my yard like someone was stealing it from someone and got scared, dropped it and ran. Copper is being stolen from empty homes, etc., drug use it way up. Mayor, take a pay cut too. This is ridiculous. " sarah wrote on Jun 12, 2008 11:30 AM: " You guys are out of control, just dont pick on that cute Mayor Dumas, hes doing what he can. I sure wish he wasnt married to a man, one night with me would bring him back to the good side. " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 11, 2008 2:03 PM: " to the public: We will copy and paste the below article each day until the the Mayor, Kim and Chief Pierce explain to the people of Attleboro. Also Chief Pierce why do you refuse to give Mr. King the records he has sought over the last years. Mr. King calls you a criminal with a badge. From the documents I have read I support such. Officers of the APD are great and good public servants but your Chief is dirty and corrupt " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 11, 2008 1:58 PM: " To Kim: First we are not friends with Mr. King. History Lesson: The Bristol County Sheriff has no record, you lied! Remember Jim Hanley and John Davis going to court for stupid stuff not friends of the Mayor or yours. Nothing happened. But today Mr. King gave me copies of the Attleboro Police Reports listing you as a subject in theft of property and FBI reports showing this is true also in the FBI reports the records show that indeed your husband (ex) did assualt and threaten Mr. King. The records also state that the Mayor may have order the APD not to pursue the investigation into the criminal acts of you or your husband. The last article you had planted in the Chronicle said Mr. King has a stay away order for the Mayor's Office the FBI report this was issued by the City Attorney and issued because Mr. King was seeking information under the freedom of information act and the Mayor wanted it stopped so Mr. King was issued the order. FBI report stated that Mr. King only four times and since the Mayor and You did not not the public to know you and the Mayor covered up your criminal acts. To the Public: Do not believe this letter writer call the APD Cpt Poria or the FBI in Lakeville. Also Mr. King stated that if anyone wants copies they may call him at 508-222-3966. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:18 AM: " I really do not wish to use this blog to discuss this man or the problems we have had however you can contact me if you wish and I will provide you with whatever you feel you need. I answered today to clarify some misinformation. I am always available to answer any residents questions so feel free to contact me. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:15 AM: " Taunton the Bristol County Sheriffs Office feel free to contact me. Clearly you are a friend of his? " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:13 AM: " Out of Taunton. I am happy to provide you with a couple feel free to contact me my number is 508-222-3733. Clearly you are a friend of his? " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:06 AM: " to jose21: also look at the current financial markets most of wall street have suffered. But ask yourself this why did the Mayor give out big pay increases last year knowing the trouble ahead. Why not hold off " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:01 AM: " to jose 21: not in sales in worldwide R and D I did not leave any company because of salary the three companies I worked for were excellent but when a corporate headhunter called I always went to the highest bidder. Not working now retired when the kids started high school " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 10, 2008 11:57 PM: " To Kim: Again a simple question what was the location of the sheriff's office, I hope you are not lying because he said your lying about the sheriff " jose21 wrote on Jun 10, 2008 11:24 PM: " Glad to hear you're doing good for yourself. I work for a major corporation also, and it doesn't work that way there, or anywhere else I work. I'll agree that bonuses are cut from time to time, but I've never seen anyone take a salary cut, unless it was simply based on poor performance, and that is rare. Are you in sales? That's a diffent story. Anyway, I agree with Kim, you reduce cost by laying off, not cutting salaries. Are you going to tell me that both you and your wife give/gave 100% after your salaries were cut? Did you happen to leave one of those 3 companies after getting a pay cut? " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 10, 2008 11:22 PM: " Perhaps corporations work differently than the medical field. Where I work we reduce some office staff to mantain the needed medical staff. We do this because if we don't medical staff can go elsewhere and get paid the going rate. Again as far as the City contracts and unions have to be considered. Please do feel free to email me at anytime at councilorallard@comcast.net and I will answer any questions you have. " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 10, 2008 11:14 PM: " to jose21 I have worked for three major corporations top salary cuts were common in the 80's and 90's I myself lost a $25,000.00 bonus in 1997 due to the downturn in the market. I admit I have made good money during a seven year period not only did I not see a pay increase but my salary was reduced to $140,000.00 (above bonus loss) My wife works for a local employer in attleboro (20 people) all top personnel took a pay cut and reduce hours to help avoid any lay offs " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 10, 2008 10:57 PM: " To Kim Allard: would like to know what was the tresspass order for, I called him and he said the sheriff never came to his house. I am calling the sheriff in the morning because we have family in law enforcement (State Level) and they said that the sheriff keeps records for seven years did you use the one office in Taunton. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 10, 2008 10:46 PM: " Also I am sorry for the delay in my response I was at a council meeting. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 10, 2008 10:42 PM: " A restraining prder requires a docket number a no trespass order is done by and attorney and served by a sheriff it is a legal document and I had one done and served by a sheriff. As to the question regarding cuts it isn't a simple answer I would need to see the wording and seeing if it interferes with any unions and contracts. Would I be willing to consider it yes I am willing to consider everything. At my work we don't cut salaries we lay off. People need to be compensated for the job they perform. Feel free to contact me by phone or at councilorallard@comcast.net. " jose21 wrote on Jun 10, 2008 10:19 PM: " attleboroConcerned - where do you work? Does your company cut top salaries before laying people off? That isn't how it works. Will you save more cutting 5 thousand from 5 employees, or will you save more by laying off 5 employees that have 5k salaries? Add in an additional 33% for benefits, then add in whatever equipment is provided to those 5 employees, PC's, laptops, cell phones... " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 10, 2008 6:55 PM: " You did not answer the question would you support across the board pay cuts for the top people and elected officials. Simple question yes or no " attleboroconcerned wrote on Jun 10, 2008 6:52 PM: " Also what is the docket number and what court we know him and he stated he has no court order without a court order a no tresspass means nothing except for public lands/buildings. What court and docket number I want to give that person a copy " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 10, 2008 6:51 PM: " The administration makes those decisions even if a reduction in pay was taken it is not my decision where it is spent. Might I also point out a reduction in my pay with the increases in the cost of health insurance would mean every month I would have to pay the City. I understand everyones frustration I truly do. We are allowed to make cuts in the budget but we are not allowed to increase it or tell the Mayor were to spend it. No one wanted these cuts including the Mayor. As for the automated phone system it will cost nothing it is something we already have. " attleboroConcerned wrote on Jun 10, 2008 6:30 PM: " To Kim Allard:Would you vote to cut your pay back $2500.00 and vote to cut the pay of all top elected officials. How many pay raises were approved by the council and requested by the mayor in the last 18 months. Why not cut top pay before lay offs. How much is it going to cost to automate city hall and getting rid of the operators " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 10, 2008 5:14 PM: " In response to AttleboroBrockton, The City Councilors got a raise for the first time in the 7 years I have been a Councilor. We use to make $5000 and now make approximately $7700. We do pay for insurance 25% if we elect to take it and also pay the same percent for dental. I personally do have City insurance health and dental and I also contribute 9% to the City Retirement Plan. At the end of the day after taxes I don't receive much. For the last 2 years my monthly check from the City ranged between $23 and $30. As for Mr. King I will not respond to any of your attacks on me as you well know. Any other resident feel free to ask my anything. Since I have a no trespass order against Mr. King I will not respond to him and I do hope you can understand that. " citywatch wrote on Jun 10, 2008 4:55 PM: " "AGAIN" How about a City Vehicle use policy to save money! Lets get real and stop all the vehicles going out of the city...What a perk that is!!!Especially for people who don't even respond for anything ... "and thats just a start,saving the fuel cost, never mind the long term wear and tear on the vehicle. Even if needed equiptment is in vehicle it can be picked up in the city and then respond to where ever is has to go. How about the Mayors car, he seems to be using it more now that fuel went up,so if he needs to at over 80 grand a year I guess the little folks are really feeling the pinch! None of the other Mayors in Attleboro ever had use of a vehicle, but I guess when you give out company cars like candy, not even being approved at any kind of meeting, thats what you get back in return for a perk. " " forrestking wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:58 PM: " Everyone stand by we are awaiting a response from Councilor Allard. Let us all be calm and give her time to answer please don't make this a vendetta " forrestking wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:52 PM: " It is nice to see the city councilor reading the comments. Please answer this can we depend on you to take a salary cut and support cutting the top salaries of the elected and appointed officials before laying off any city employee's. I think everyone is looking for leadership. Also attlebrocton has a good point can you answer this. Your community is awaiting your answer " attlebrockton wrote on Jun 10, 2008 2:47 PM: " What does a city councilor make and do they get Health insurance & retirement benefits etc? If they do get Health insurance what do they pay as a perecentage out of pocket? Just curious. " attlebrockton wrote on Jun 10, 2008 2:35 PM: " Whatever happened to the planters in county square? " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 10, 2008 2:24 PM: " Regarding the councilor raises that information is incorrect. Please know the facts before posting. I appreciate the suggestions given by residents and am glad you post them. I want you to know as one of your councilors I am reading them daily. " forrestking wrote on Jun 10, 2008 1:05 PM: " Budget too tight: How about showing leadership the council can cut all pay raises given by the Mayor and unfund Barry "two votes" LaCasse's position. The council receives a $5000.00 pay raise and starts laying off. The new motto for the council and Mayor "We got our money" " kevin h. wrote on Jun 10, 2008 12:46 PM: " Oh, How about putting in a wood stove and harvest the fallen timber on city land? It will also reduce the threat of destructive brush fires. What are you planning to do?? Burn the taxpayers twenty dollar bills? " kevin h. wrote on Jun 10, 2008 12:43 PM: " For example, heating the new plant is projected to cost about $240,000, but is funded at $90,000. The current cost is $29,000. What the??? A 727% increase?? Close the windows. Burn motor oil from the DPW. Put on a coat. If paving guys work in the hot summer, you can put on a sweater, LIKE THE REST OF US!! " Harry Hindsight wrote on Jun 10, 2008 12:17 PM: " Here's a way to save water costs for the city. Stop watering the soccer fields on Oak Hill Ave and by St. Steven's church! " redsox196775 wrote on Jun 10, 2008 7:37 AM: " Hey Mayor, Where exactly is all our $$$ going to? My property taxes have tripled in 5 years and my water/sewage bill has almost quadrupled. It is ridiculous for us to be raped financially by our city. " or
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