RUSS FOX
SOUTHWICK – Budget season is underway and the first of two budget hearings this month is set for tomorrow.
The Southwick Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee will meet with town department heads and committees beginning at 8 a.m. in the Land Use Hearing Room at Town Hall.
The Southwick Board of Health will start the sessions, and the Fire Department will be the last of the 13 hearings tomorrow. Hearings range from five minutes to 40 minutes each.
Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox said the hearings are open to the public but they are not open for discussion from the audience. Fox said until the aid numbers come in from the governor, house and senate, the budget cannot be finalized.
Each department was given the same directive as last year.
“We asked them to do a level budget and a five-percent cut,” said Fox. “Southwick is a conservative community when it comes to finances.”
Fox said the board does not anticipate any large, unusual expenditures this year.
“The fire chief has not come forward for a new engine and the only big thing we will probably see is a new vehicle for the transfer station,” Fox said.
Fox said the main financial focus this year is the next phase of sewer implementation.
“We need to take advantage of funds for that while our population is under 10,000,” said Fox, referring to a funding program Southwick currently qualifies for, but likely will not in the near future.
Fox said the budget hearings are the first step in the review process.
“In March we should have a better idea of what we anticipate from the state and can really set budgets,” he said.
A second hearing session is planned for Feb. 28 at 8 a.m. at Town Hall. The schedule for both budget hearings is available on the town web site.
