By Mary Chasse, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Monday 12/27 the Fairhaven Board of Public Works discussed the budgets for FY23.
BPW Superintendent Vinnie Furtado explained to the board that there was not much on the agenda for that night, so he wanted to go over the budgets even though the superintendents of each department were not present. Mr. Furtado said they will meet with the superintendents about the budgets possibly at the next meeting.
Vice-Chairperson Robert “Hoppy” Hobson said the board would just be reviewing budgets and will be ready to ask questions at the next meeting.
Mr. Furtado first explained some items the BPW office will need to include in the budget. including supplies, a new printer and office phone.
He said all four departments, Water, Sewer, Highway, and Park, will all need new contracts this summer. They will need to budget for raises.
Board member Cameron Durant asked if any money will be budgeted in the Park Department for updating some playgrounds in town.
Mr. Furtado said they budgeted a $1000 increase.
Mr. Durant said that was not enough money to replace playground equipment. He said it sounded like enough money just to maintain the equipment. He asked if Mr. Furtado could try to ask for more, and also suggested asking for another full time Park Department employee.
Mr. Furtado said all he could do was ask.
Mr. Furtado told the board that the Highway Department is budgeting for a few building items, such as fixing AC/heat.
He said for the Water Department they are budgeting for more water testing and sanitation.
For the five-year Capital Plan Mr. Furtado said he is asking for $21,000 for new air conditioning and heating systems. He is also asking for beach maps to meet the accessibility requirements at the beaches and an overlay for the bike path.
Mr. Furtado said they are also asking for money for the sewer nitrogen upgrade, as well as for a betterment project on Sunset Beach Road. As usual they are asking for $425,000 for roadwork.
Board member Steven Riley suggested the board ask for more money for roadwork. He explained that fixing the roads this year is going to cost more with prices on materials and gas going up significantly. He said the percentage that materials have increased is the percentage more they should ask for. Based on that, he said the board should ask for at least $475,000.
Mr. Furtado said he will ask.
In another matter Mr. Furtado announced that the BPW now has their own Facebook Page, where they can post BPW updates.
Mr. Furtado also announed that January 1, the recycling center is open for a half day every Wednesday and is open the second and fourth Saturday of the month.
•••
Click here to download the entire 1/6/22 issue: 01-06-22 PolarPlunge
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
