During its review of the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant on September 25, Marion Finance Committee member Alan Minard expressed his disappointment over certain articles that involved money.
“I’m disappointed to see any money articles on the warrant at all,” Minard said to Finance Director Judy Mooney.
Alas, said Mooney, Department of Public Works Acting Superintendent Jon Henry talked her into it.
Special fall town meeting warrants historically do not feature money appropriation articles, but Henry said sometimes emergencies pop up and money is needed.
Henry has a few articles on the warrant, including one for $65,000 for a new pickup truck with plow and sander, a $160,000 new 10-wheel dump/sander truck with plow, and a used six-wheel dump truck with plow and sander for $50,000.
The last time the Town purchased a six-wheel dump truck to plow and sand was 20 years ago in 1998, prompting a ‘Wow’ from Finance Committee member Margie Baldwin.
The DPW had four plows/sanders, and is now down to two. And with the Town accepting more private roads, the demand for sanding and plowing has increased.
Minard asked Henry if they would be seeing any further equipment articles on the Spring Annual Town meeting warrant, to which Henry said yes – one costing $70,000.
The committee gave no indication as to whether it would recommend adoption of Henry’s articles; rather, it will likely make its recommendations on the Special Town Meeting floor.
Also during the meeting, Minard resigned as chairman of the committee, although he plans to remain on the committee. He cited a desire for further world travel as his reason. Peter Winters accepted the nomination as chairman.
The Marion Finance Committee will begin meeting weekly starting in December at 6:00 pm at the Atlantis Drive facility.
Marion Finance Committee
By Jean Perry