The Derby Department of Public Works director is asking for 1.4 percent increase to fund his department’s operations in the upcoming 2013 – 2014 fiscal year.
DPW Director Ron Culmo said the budget includes a 2 percent raise for his workers, the result of a recently-approved union contract.
The current DPW budget is $1,389,649. Culmo is requesting $1,409,380 from the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation (also known as the tax board).
He made the request during a March 12 meeting of the tax board in Derby City Hall. The tax board has been meeting to review budget requests from all city departments in order to come up with a budget — and tax rate — for next year. The meetings will continue into April.
The education budget, which is still being formulated, is scheduled to be presented to the tax board April 2.
A public hearing on a 2013 – 2014 budget is tentatively scheduled for April 16.
The uncertainty of federal or state funding is a concern for the DPW and the Derby budget in general.
A total of $50,000 was requested again for sand and salt expenses.
Sanitation and flood control department line item requests for the upcoming budget remain the same as the current plan, Culmo said, but he has requested a jump in city-wide fuel line item from $177,000 to $194,400.
The city is part of a 50-town fuel consortium, and fuel prices have fluctuated recently, he said.
Culmo said his department is filing paperwork to receive reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for various storm-related expenses, and expects federal money to come in to cover superstorm Sandy expenses.
He recommended that the city continue to contract with City Carting and Recycling Company to manage the transfer station. The company plans to keep its trash pick-up rates the same for the next three years, he said.
An extension of the City Carting contract is being reviewed by the Derby Board of Aldermen.
Registrar of Voters Louise Pitney’s budget request includes 2 percent wage increases and the cost of conducting a possible primary election for the mayoral race.
Pitney has requested a $39,041 budget, which may increase to $46,391 if a Republican or Democratic primary is needed.
Her current budget stands at $47,000. It included the costs for conducting a presidential primary and election.
The Registrar’s proposed budget also includes between $5,000 and $7,000 for a May referendum on $20 million to $35 million in repairs and upgrades to the city’s sewer infrastructure.
The spring referendum (these are questions in which voters are asked to approve borrowing money) could also include:
- Municipal parking garage renovations
- Replacement of school roofs and …
- Renovations at Ryan Field, including constructing a new field house
Aldermen have yet to set a referendum date, and officials are working to draft the referendum questions, said the city’s treasurer, Keith McLiverty.
The Ryan Field item is new. The minutes from the Jan. 14 meeting of the Derby Recreation Commission show the commission had a wide-ranging discussion of repairs and upgrades needed.
The minutes are posted below. The article continues after the document.
Cathy Williams, director of the Derby Public Library, said her 2013 – 14 budget request was the same as the current budget except for a $1,000 increase for supplies, and contractual wage increases. Her budget request reflects wage increases for the current and upcoming budgets, because contract negotiations were in progress during last year’s budget season.
The library’s proposed $460,411 budget compares to the current budget of $446,388.
As was done this year, the library will take $25,000 from its endowment fund for materials for adults and children using the library.
“The library is a hub of activity,” Williams said, and, according to statistics, it offers more programs than libraries of its size, statewide.
Derby Senior Center Director Sarah Muoio said her proposed budget reflects 2 percent staff wage increases, the addition of a kitchen manager and two instructors, and more money for supplies.
The current Senior Center budget is $189,073, and the budget request is $203,619.
Republican tax board member Judy Szewczyk said her group is looking for a 0 percent mill increase for next year’s budget. That will be tough to do considering 2 percent raises have already been approved for most city workers. Plus, no one knows what will happen with state and federal aid.
Then again, the Derby Police Department just requested less money for the next fiscal year.
“We’re trying to keep it totally flat. We’re seeing a high compliance. I think people are aware of the times,” Szewczyk said.
Here is a tentative schedule of upcoming tax board meetings. Check with the Derby Town Clerk’s office to make sure the meeting is still happening if you plan to go.
ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- Monday, March 18, 7 p.m. regular monthly meeting
- Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. Budget presentations from the fire marshal, tax collector, assessor, building inspector, the treasurer, the finance and “city electricity” Location: Media Center (City Hall basement)
- Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m.: City Hall maintenance, data processing, legal services, Mayor’s office, youth bureau, community development, other city-wide agencies. Media center
- Tuesday, April 2, 7 p.m. EDUCATION BUDGET, health services, misc. Media center
- Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m. Deliberations, follow up discussion, presentation of Mayor’s budget (Media center)
- Tuesday, April 16: PUBLIC HEARING (TBA)
- Tuesday, April 23, Final deliberations (TBA)
