Capital Planning, the meals tax, a new fire engine, financial policy and plan B

First, the above are but a few reasons people should be packing these meetings where they could ask questions, if allowed.

A new fire engine to replace the one that has been discussed is going to be in the half million dollar range at the least.

I question to use of a meals tax to pay for new equipment because I heard selectmen state that we were set financially, we had a good plan in place now and they put money into capital stabilization fund and they still had over 300 thousand dollars of "working capital on the table. (remember the special town meeting this past fall?)

A plan B was mentioned concerning the police station project - as in they should begin to at east think of one.

One of the things in the selectmen's financial policy is that free cash (so called) will be used to replenish other reserves, such as the Town's reserve fund, which the selectmen state cannot be increased from 35 thousand to 80 thousand dollars this year coming (fiscal year 2019)

Interesting item in the new FY2019 spending plan (budget) book - page 8.

Remember that school inspector fee amount that came out of the free cash back in, $25,000.00. in case we forgot. Well in fiscal year 2019, that school inspector fee number is stated to be $50,000.00, to come from that "working capital" free cash left on the table (good thing we had that money) That by the way is listed as annual town meeting article 25 (this May ATM)

There is also a FY2018 supplemental (additional) dollar figure in the amount of $75,000.00 - to be taken from that working capital - looks like there were more than one hiccup in that FY 2018 plan.

Article 27 is a buy down lease principal on DPW/Police in the amount of $12,500.00

Article 28 is a fire capital buy down lease principal in the amount of $25,000.00.

Article 28 is capital budget - A in the amount of $40,000.00.

So,as I look at the $199,000.00 that is being rolled over I have to ask my sef why?

My first thought is more hiccups must be expected in FY2019, the state numbers will not really be good until after the fiscal year ends (June 30, 2018) and selectmen need all the money they can get to back fill their spending plan. Remember, since we under fund snow & ice, the needs to be money to cover that deficit.

Second, if you have $199,000.00 in your pocket and you wish to buy a truck for $85,000.00, why not pay for it right up front and avoid future bills? The truck would be paid for and in say two years, that truck would still have value and it could be traded or sold to aid in the purchase of a newer truck, thus avoiding high maintenance costs.

As for capital planning, I wonder where the selectmen are regarding salt storage, which is an expensive item and requires some care so it is available for use. It basically needs to be kept dry. It is not the end of the world if it gets some moisture on it, but it broadcasts/spreads so much better when kept dry. I believe it was stated at a selectmen meeting it is actually cheaper to use salt than sand, so for future financial planning, plans for a proper salt storage facility, is that even in the discussion?

Speaking of snow, looks like it is possible for this weekend - ca-ching, or as a boat refers to, bust out another thousand.