Public Works Proposed Spending Is Down

Public Works presented a budget proposal to the Board of Finance Wednesday night with about $240,000 less in capital expenditure requests than the version they presented to the Selectmen last week, an 18.53% reduction over the current year.

The total budget, now at $9,975,000 represents a decrease of 2.96% over this year's budget.

"We feel this budget is one we can live with, and in line with what was requested by the First Selectman," Tiger Mann, Assistant Director of Public Works, told the members of the Finance board.

Savings achieved through deferral of capital budget requests included:

• Elimination of one guard rail replacement project for a savings of $25,000.
• 50% reduction in the West Rd. culvert renovation project.
• Postponements of town building painting projects.
• Deferred purchase of an athletic field mower. Again, the suggestion of a public/private partnership for field maintenance with the private sports organizations who utilize the fields, was discussed. "It's probably the only way we can proceed," said First Selectman and Board of Finance chair, Rob Mallozzi.

"Don't we need to do these things?" asked board member, Paul Guisti. Mann said there were no safety issues involved and that these items could be deferred.

The department's presentation also included maintenance projects and equipment replacements that will come up in the next few years that Mann said are, "stacking up." We're getting "close to the crest of a wave," he said that will, "crash down on top of us at some point."

In a familiar refrain from other departmental presentations, staff salary increases and higher fuel costs largely accounted for the operating budget increases in the eight town departments that come under Public Works.

Savings have been achieved in the town's tree management, said Tree Warden Bruce Pauley, who was brought on part-time last year, through the bid process he initiated.

The Highway Department has seen lower expenditures this year, even with the two early storms, as compared to last winter. But they did caution that, "it's only February 1."

The planned Town Hall renovation, which was included in the Public Works presentation, but which is not a part of their budget, is estimated currently at $720,000. The work is to be paid for from the settlement the town received from litigation following the renovation of New Canaan High School.

The plans for tiered parking at the Locust Street parking lot, which is estimated at $2.33 million, will be bonded.

Also meeting with Finance Wednesday night were the New Canaan Library and the town Recreation Department.