Selectmen discuss possible budget deficit
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Town Administrator Greg Barnes said the state aid numbers from the state are very questionable at this point and that the town is still looking at a very tight budget for local departments.

"We've asked for a level funded budget," said Barnes. "We are going to have a very difficult budget year."

Barnes said that he has budgeted for a 3 percent cost of living adjustment for the staff of the town but doesn't include any new positions. Town officials are having difficulties committing to a balanced budget because of a pending school budget.

"We can fund net minimum. We can fund level funded," Barnes said.

Town officials said an override will be necessary for the school budget to be fully funded without layoffs to town personnel. Barnes said he can create a town budget on that premise but said there will be a problem if the other two towns in the school district pass that budget and Townsend does not.

Barnes said that there could be dozens of layoffs if that happens.

Selectmen are closely reviewing budget of town departments. The selectmen are hoping to speak with department heads and committees, especially the Board of Health.

There is a 3.5 percent increase in the solid waste contract. Barnes recommend that the groups of officials meet to discuss the future of the system.