AN AMENDMENT TO PURCHASING POLICY!

As we all know, money does not grow on trees.  We also know it cost the town a lot of money to operate.  What I am recommending is that we spend the taxpayer’s money a little smarter.  I believe that no equipment/vehicles should be purchased before April 1^st of each year.  The reason for this is to ensure the cost of winter is paid before purchasing additional equipment/vehicles.  Last year the town purchased the following:

            DATE                          ITEM                                                              COST

            9/2/2014                  Mill Street Culvert Liner                           $18,900

            9/2/2014                  Dump Body Installed                                    44,710

            9/2/2014                  Paving Bid (various pricing)

            10/7/2014               2-Police Cruisers                                            53,292

            10/21/2014             Engineer Bid ($75.00 per hour)

            10/21/2014             Asphalt Reclaimer                                         31,490

            11/5/2014               Public Works Heavy Duty Truck                           52,669

As you can see, the Town Council approved the acquisition of numerous equipment/vehicles.  I cannot provide a total amount of money but it is substantial.  This was all done prior to understand what the cost of winter was going to be.  Two years ago, we needed additional sand and this year we had to use additional overtime for all the plowing that was done.  Public Works does an excellent job ensuring our roads are clear and safe for the residents.  However, this comes at a cost to the taxpayers. 

Waiting until April 1^st (which is 90 days prior to the end of the fiscal year) will provide the Council with a much better picture of how much tax dollars are available to spend without borrowing to pay for these items.  This current fiscal year taxpayers paid $63,950.00 in Interest on the Principal of $237, 050.00.  We cannot continue to lease to purchase or use a Promissory Note to acquire equipment/vehicles except in emergency cases.

I believe the amendment should read:  There will be no acquisitions of equipment/vehicles prior to April 1^st with the exception of:

1.      Any acquisition necessary to protect the citizens during the winter months (November through March).

2.     Any acquisition of emergency equipment/vehicles.  The emergency status will be determined by the Town Manager and the Town Council.

The first priority must be the safety of our citizens during the winter months.  Once, we have passed the danger point of April 1^st then whatever is important as far as equipment/vehicles can be purchased (paid in full).  This will reduce paying large amounts of interest and will eliminate paying for “Toys for the Boys”.  It is always nice to have the latest of everything but not at the expense of the taxpayers.

If I was still a member of the Finance Committee, this would have been my first recommendation to the Town Council.

Larry Fillmore