Board admits budget process needs changing
Five-year plan sought
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Amherst Town Board appears to have accepted some of its faults and is looking to change the future.

(See editorial on page four)

During Monday's work session the board discussed changes to be made within the budget development process. The talk came one week after the board failed to vote on the 2007 budget before the midnight deadline.

Supervisor Satish Mohan said he was drafting a letter to be sent to all department heads requesting a five-year budget to better forecast the future of costs and services. He will also use that information when deciding on proposed cuts to government.

"I want to give department heads their budget without unnecessary contention," Mohan said adding that during this past budget process there was poor planning.

Council Member Shelly Schratz suggested additional meetings should be held closer to the due date to avoid the last minute chaos that happened in the board room on Nov. 20.

She also wants to see the discussions between the department heads and town board take place throughout the year.

"We should be evaluating the budgets every month and measure the spending," Schratz said, adding this would decrease the level of shock when tentative budgets are drafted and cuts made.

Council Member Michael McGuire said this past budget process resulted in too many cuts that will hurt departments.

Specifically he mentioned the Recreation Department and the Highway Department, which both fell short in the final minutes of the Nov. 20 budget meeting. Resolutions were drafted to restore funding to both departments but did not receive enough votes.

"How are they going to make up for (the cuts)?" McGuire questioned Mohan, adding that eliminating the Highway Department's ability to purchase new equipment in 2007 will create a bigger problem in the future.

Mohan also sought the opinion from the board on maintaining a 10 to 15 percent fund balance in each account. The board agreed on that range.

The drainage and highway funds were brought to the appropriate amount during the 2007 budget process. Drainage, which had been at 59 percent, was reduced to 15 percent and the savings used to fund the police, fire and museum departments.

Also the highway fund, which had been at only 4 percent, was increased to 10. Bond rating companies require a minimum of 10 percent.

"We could spend more, or give it back to the people, but we will not keep more than 10-15 percent," Mohan said.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com