Town budget process in the 11th hour
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Town Board got an earful at Monday's work session when department heads were asked to voice their final budget concerns.

(See editorial on page four)

With resolutions to amend the 2007 preliminary budget due today, department heads had a chance to convince the Town Board to vote for restoration of some cuts.

Highway Superintendent Bob Anderson told the board that the reductions in his department did not make mathematical sense, that there was no way he could function with $3 million less than he did in 2006.

Agreeing to leave positions vacant by retirement, Anderson said he can't also lose part-time help.

"You reduced the work force so there is no way I will ever give in using less than half the summer help," he said. "It can't be both ways."

Working with what he describes as a bare-bones budget, cut 18 percent, Anderson is seeking the restoration of $990,000 in operating costs so he can provide the services needed in the Town of Amherst.

Council Member William A. O'Loughlin commented on the budget cuts during Monday's meeting, stating that the Highway Department was willing to make changes but such drastic changes in one year are too risky.

"If the residents knew, they wouldn't want to risk accidents either," he said about he Highway Department's ability to plow for school buses, police and residents.

"We should knock a little off everyone's budget each year over a five- to six-year period," he said.

Council Member Bill Kindel, who has stated that he will support Supervisor Satish Mohan's $110 million budget, has been seeking ways to transfer funds without raising the bottom line even one penny.

Darlene Carroll, of the comptroller's office, said that although she can't be certain without all the resolutions for amendments to the budget filed, the highway request may have an effect on the bottom line if approved.

The Town Board also heard from the Youth Board, Recreation and Parks Department, Planning Department and Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Division of the Engineering Department, each requesting additional funding.

In the Planning Department, five jobs still remain in jeopardy as no amendment had been voted on to restore those positions. Mohan said that may be reduced to one or two positions, and with nine months notice, those "qualified individuals" would be able to find work.

"I am not cutting any services and have not laid off anyone so far," Mohan said, adding that in 2007 the town will be downsizing and affecting the positions.

He also added that he was not able to make the promised 15 percent budget cut because of the deficit in 2006 and the Town Board's decisions.

"I do not have enough support of the board to support (the cuts)," he said.

Resolutions were passed on Nov. 6 to restore funding to the Amherst Museum, Williamsville Library, Emergency Services and Police Department. All were done by transfers without affecting the bottom line.

The Town Board will vote at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20 on the final 2007 budget.