Council sets budget workshop

By Traci Storti Wilde
Special to the Pioneer Times
    Plans for the upcoming budget workshop led discussion at Monday night’s Houlton Town Council meeting.
    With comments from the floor, the councilors, and a series of letters, Council Chairman Paul Cleary announced business as usual at a budget work session scheduled for council members.
    Two members of the Board of Budget Review (BBR), Phil Bernaiche and Stan Ginish, used the opening public comment period to express concern with scheduling and communication issues. The original meeting had been planned as a joint venture between the two groups, but the Budget Review members claimed they had received little information concerning the status of the meeting.
    Ginish complained that the council had planned the meeting and then provided BBR members with “no response.” He called the communication “unprofessional.”
    Cleary explained that while the intent of the meeting had been to work collaboratively, some correspondence had made such a meeting unpalatable.
    In a letter to Town Manager Doug Hazlett prior to Monday night’s meeting, Ginish expressed concerns about the Council’s “dominance” in such meetings and claimed he “would not recognize the moderators [sic] position or dominance.”
    Reflecting upon Ginish’s comments, Cleary stated, “That doesn’t sound like a partnership to me.”
    In an effort to expedite the budget process, Cleary changed the meeting to a Council event. “The intention was for all of us to sit down and talk and see what we’re going to have for a budget next year.” Cleary continued, “People are invited to attend. I hope they do attend. Council will take the lead.”
    Department heads and other interested parties remain invited. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at the town office tonight at 6 p.m.
    In other business, the council accepted the 2008 mid-year review of financial statements.
    Ron Smith of RHR Smith & Company, the accountants responsible for the review, addressed the audience to clarify what the review means.
    Smith explained that amendments to the town charter dating back to the 1970s require a six-month review. Smith explained that the town currently uses a compilation format, a process much less rigorous than an audit and carrying no assurances.
    “It’s clear to me that you probably ought to have that charter amended because I’m not sure the people knew and understood what it is that they were asking for,” explained Smith. “I really truly believe that there’s a better way to spend your money and a better vehicle that you guys could utilize during the course of the year that would make much more sense.”
    Despite the current format’s lack of formal assurances, Smith noted that all financial documents are in order. He also added that the state requires full audits annually.
    The council also approved a liquor license for the Lounge Downunder, owned by Marty Gervais, and accepted a the low bid by Harbison Plumbing and Heating for the new Ward Cedar Log Homes building in Community Park.
    The building was a donation by Ward and will augment the current structures in Community Park. Councilors hope to enlist the help of volunteers to erect the new structure.
    Final town manager and councilor comments acknowledged the need to take down flags and control birds nesting on the Gateway Bridge. Focus, however, went to York’s of Houlton.
    The local auto dealership recently received recognition in Time Magazine. The company earned the Toyota President’s Award and was recognized for outstanding community support with regard to the proposed Arts Center at Houlton Jr./Sr. High School. The two-page spread may be seen in the regional version of the Sept. 8 issue.
    The next scheduled meeting of the town council is Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m.