Debt of the Town of Templeton.
Town debt for Templeton covers many things, school, water tank, sewer pump station, water mains and contracts. Labor contracts for a year or more equates to debt, or money owed or will be owed by the Town of Templeton. So when some complain or point out debt on some things, they should be reminded that they pushed for and represented those who wanted this and that and received it by way of a labor contract. Things such as free work boots, shirts, coats and eye glasses are all things promised in a contract that can be for three years. Templeton now has a promissory note that will be due each year for the length of the contract. Future revenue, no matter how big or small now has to be set aside to meet those promises and is not available for other things.
One example of debt by a contract is the agreement between the Town of Templeton and the Templeton highway & Sewer departments, on behalf of public employees local union 39.
The agreement is to run between July 1, 2016 thru June 30, 2019.
One of the items in the contract is a uniform & boot allowance;
Templeton taxpayers will provide each highway department employee 11 cotton uniforms. Templeton taxpayers will provide coats and uniforms at 100% of the costs to include cleaning and mending. Templeton taxpayers will purchase for each employee five (5) tee shirts to be worn in July & August; and to purchase the employee's choice of one insulated winter jacket per year or one pair of insulated coveralls per year for each employee. Templeton taxpayers will make available water-proof boots, gloves, rain gear and safety equipment. Each employee bears personal responsibility for said items, unless those items are torn or damaged in the line of duty, as in at work, the taxpayers shall replace them.
Boot allowance: the town (taxpayers) will reimburse each full time union employee an amount up to $250.00 per year for work boots. Effective July 1, 2018, the boot allowance will go up to $300.00 per year.
Templeton taxpayers will reimburse each full time union employee up to $165.00 for approved prescription safety eye glasses.
The above is just one example of a contract that puts taxpayers on the hook for money, money that has to be put aside so the Town can pay for those items. This agreement has the Town making promises and now must have the money set aside to pay the promissory note, it is now legally owed.
Other contracts contributing to debt of Templeton;
Audit contracts fiscal year 2013 thru fiscal year 2017 / Roselli & associates
UMass. - Collins institute contract for town administrator
Dispatch union contract July 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2018
Police union contract July 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2018
Police chief contract July 1, 2016 thru June 30, 2021
posted by Jeff Bennett
