Ambulance Funding A Topic For Discussion
By Doug La Rocque
Grafton Rescue Squad Captain Joe Allain asked the Town Board Monday evening, November 19, to consider reversing a change it made in the Squad’s budget for 2019. Board members reduced the Squad’s operating budget line by $6,000, moving the money into a reserve fund to start saving for the purchase of a new ambulance, albeit many years in the future. The squad is looking to take delivery of its new ambulance sometime in December. Mr. Allain reported the expenses have averaged over $14,000 a year since 2012, and he does not see that number decreasing. Board member Eric Buckley indicated that during its (the Board’s) budget discussions, it was felt a new ambulance should certainly reduce maintenance costs, and perhaps the Squad would have some more disposable income, since it has begun billing for its services. Mr. Allain countered that they have an additional outlay of $36,000 for add-ons to the new ambulance that the Squad, not the Town, is paying for. He also said they intend to purchase a new stretcher with a $21,000 price tag.
Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum suggested that Squad members and the board get together prior to the budget being finalized in the future. Mr. Allain said he did not feel attendance at the two budget workshops or the public hearing on the budget was critical, as he had never seen the operating budget reduced before. After some discussion about reversing the move of the $6,000, Board member Buckley suggested that if the Squad does indeed have to exceed its operating budget line, the Town could move money around to pay for it, rather than delay what he felt is a prudent idea of establishing a reserve fund for future purchases. The new ambulance is being paid for mostly by a NYS grant, something
that is not guaranteed in the future. Mr. Buckley pledged to find the money for the Squad if needed, and was joined in that pledge by Supervisor Gundrum and Councilwoman Jodie Deschaine. Board members Jeff Wagar and Lisa Dooley were absent.
Budget Approved
During the new business section of the meeting, the board voted to approve the 2019 budget, which calls for 1.2 million dollars in spending, and hikes taxes by 1.39 percent. Ms. Gundrum earlier described the new budget as “a realistic depiction of spending needs to maintain the delivery of services to the people of Grafton.”
Ratify or Decertify
Those were the words of Councilman Buckley at the October board meeting, as he called upon Teamsters Local 294 to schedule a vote on the tentative contract agreement hammered out in July, as it pertains to the town’s Highway Department. Mr. Buckley asked if there had been any word back yet from Local 294 as to when they might schedule a vote. Supervisor Gundrum indicated that a letter was sent to the union by Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, but as yet there has been no reply. Meanwhile, Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck indicated they are still looking for help in the department, noting one person they had hired backed out at the last minute, citing a better offer from his current employer.
Mr. Hasbrouck also indicated that a contract to have roads in the northeast section of the town, plowed and sanded by a private contractor, was still being reviewed by counsel. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Deschaine asked the Town to consider using the $30,000 set aside for that contracting in the 2018 budget, that has not been expended, be used instead to pave the driveway around the Town Hall, and that the traffic flow be changed to a one way pattern, entrance on the east side of the building, and exit on the west. The other two Board members present thought it was a good idea, and agreed to consider it.
A 1972 grader that has been declared surplus, was sold for $6,500. According to Mr. Hasbrouck, the purchaser plans to dismantle it and ship it overseas.
Town Clerk Vicky Burdick turned over a check for $2,980.88 to the town, representing revenue collected by her office in October. The meeting was adjourned somewhat emotionally in memory of Wendy Bly and Jerry Gundrum, the clerk’s sister and supervisor’s uncle respectively.