Monday, December 14, 2009

Minutes from the Budget Hearing

November 12, 2009

The Board of Trustees of the Town of La Jara convened at 6:05 pm on November 12, 2009 for the purpose of conducting the public hearing on the proposed 2010 budget for the Town. Present were: Earl Haslett, Paula Medina, Tiffanie Polkowske, Henry Schimpf, Larry Zaragoza and Mayor Austin Valdez. Absent: Patrick Montoya. Also present were: Chief of Police Dan Martinez, Town Clerk Priscilla Schimpf, Town Attorney Ray Valdez and Town Manager Bill Yohey. Residents of the Town present were: James DeGolyer, Kenny Garmaker & Wife and David Valdez.

Larry Zaragoza – He wanted to know if after trimming the budget as much as they can, can they increase funding for the Senior Center to $1,500.00. It was discussed and decided to increase to that amount. It was also decided that there would be no pay raises or bonuses for employees for the 2010 Budget Year.

Paula Medina – She asked Ray’s advice to Town Manager administering the staff. She asked if there could be more support from the Board of Trustees for Bill to administer the employees. Ray stated that the staff needs to understand that the Town Manager is their supervisor. Ray went on to further state that with all the issues with the lagoons the town needs someone to handle this especially with new Board of Trustees and Mayor coming on board in April.

Austin Valdez – He states that no one person on the Board has the time to do what Bill does. We need someone if not full-time at least part-time.

Tiffanie Polkowske – She mentioned that she felt it should go down to part-time. She has talked to several people and none of them see a need for a Town Manager. They have not seen any improvement in the town since Bill has been here.

Earl Haslett – He said that Bill did not do all the work with the lawsuit (Sewer Project). He took pictures and brought up the situation to the rest of the Board. Larry Zaragoza & Austin Valdez – They agree that the Town does need a Town Manager. Larry stated that we can not blame the Town Manager position for our financial downfall. We had a 3 year grant which paid 75%, 50% and then 25% so this is the first year we would be paying the full amount for this position. Bill Yohey – He mentioned that he took a $5,000.00 pay cut last year. At final discussion it was agreed that the Town Manager position would continue to be budgeted for 2010 Proposed Budget. They stated that if the Board all worked together, attends meetings and other required situations then certain things could get accomplished. It was mentioned that Budget HearingNovember 12, 2009 they can’t put all the blame on one person, the Board should be a team. Earl brought up not needing a fourth officer. Everyone stated that there is a need for many reasons.

A motion to adjourn the Budget Hearing was made by Paula.Budget Hearing adjourned at 7:00 pm.

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