The Town Council continued its budget process at a work session with department heads on March 28, hearing from the administration and finance departments, the police department, the fire and rescue and Emergency Management department (Dispatch), Public Works, Harbors Department, building officials, GIS and technology, and boards and commissions. The council also heard from the town manager on the capital improvement plan and debt service. The council met again on March 30 for a public hearing on the budget, where community members were able to address the council with their questions and concerns.Administration and legalOne of the first questions raised by the council regarded the budget for legal fees and litigation. The amount budgeted for litigation was reduced from $25,000 in fiscal year 2022 to $10,000 for fiscal year 2023. Second Warden Sven Risom, who ran the March 28 meeting in First Warden André Boudreau’s absence, asked if this was good idea, given the “potential litigation” coming up this year.Town Manager Maryanne Crawford responded that the she was “comfortable” with the amount.Council Member Mark Emmanuelle said he was also “worried” about potential litigation and the reduced budget amount, and that he hoped “we’re okay with that.”
Crawford reiterated
