Building Department Transition
We are continuing the search for a new Building Commissioner. Elber Ulshoffer served as interim through the end of January. Richard Stevens, Building Commissioner from Wellfleet, will continue to cover in February. He is available three days a week for inspections and to review plans and permits.
New Town Website
The new Town website launched on February 1. Along with a new look and user friendly layout, the site is accessible for each department to post and update its own content. You may also subscribe to receive agendas, minutes, and notices from as many departments and committees as you wish. Same website address: www.truro-ma.gov .
Town Budget for FY2015
The overall operating budget is up 4.8% this year, due in large part to an 11% increase in the Truro Central School budget over last year. Many of the increases in the School budget are for Special Education services and for personnel.
We received requests for new personnel from both the Police and Fire Departments this year. Those requests will be subject to an override because they will require a permanent increase in personnel costs. We also have a reorganization plan for the Library, but that plan is revenue neutral with the elimination of one position and more part-time positions.
Now that all the funding requests have been submitted, the Budget Task Force, made up of two Selectmen, two members of the Finance Committee, the Town Accountant, the Assistant Town Administrator, and myself will begin looking at the best way to fund the requests. Certain capital items like equipment and vehicles may be put on the Town Meeting warrant and Town election ballot as capital exclusions.
Other Town Meeting Highlights
This year’s Town Meeting warrant will also include a number of Charter revisions, mostly “housekeeping” in nature and several proposals to amend the Zoning Bylaws. We will be asking also for a number of transfers from available Free Cash to fund design and engineering to replace the culvert at East Harbor (a/k/a Pilgrim Lake,) to purchase reconditioned compactors for the Transfer Station and to expand our IT services. Town Meeting this year is April 29.
Sincerely,
Rex Peterson
Town Administrator
townadm@truro-ma.gov
(508) 349-7004, ext 10