Budget adds new positions without using tax revenue
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Town Administrator Kevin Paicos presented his proposed FY08 budget to selectmen on Monday, March 5, representing an increase of only $15,00 in state aid.

"The budget appears to be up significantly but it's not," Paicos said.

The proposed budget is about $13 million, which is up $927,404 over this year's budget.

Paicos said there aren't many changes to the budget because of a limited source of new revenue, but the hours of employees in the land use departments are expanding.

If voters approve the budget at town meeting then the building inspector will be increased from 12 to 20 hours including daytime hours.

"This will require a 10 percent increase in building fees," Paicos said.

He expects the fees to be altered so that major increases are not felt by individual homeowners but instead felt by larger scale developers. The towns three major developers support the additional hours and costs.

The proposed budget also includes an addition of 20 hours for the conservation agent. The Conservation Commission filing fees will cover the cost of the salary.

"I think the need for an conservation agent is demonstrated," said Paicos. "(The town) won't stay beautiful without a full time agent."

Paicos said the only reason he could foresee major changes to the proposed budget is if Gov. Duvall Patrick's proposed increases to police officers funding could affect Ashburnham. Paicos said he is extremely concerned about the fact that there is often only one officer on overnight.

"We are contiguous with three cities with crime issues," he said. "We need to look at this realistically."

Dennehy said not to get too hopeful because of all of the questions regarding other campaign promises.

"These is no guarantee," Paicos agreed. "I don't think we can count on anything except our own taxpayers."

Paicos initially balanced the budget with $100,000 of state aid, so he had reduce the budget by $85,000 after the governor's proposed budget was released.

The four major reductions were in additional funds for the fire and police overtime accounts, as well as a reduction in the increase for the snow and ice budget and cutting a proposed part-time secretary for the town accountant's office.