Could Have Predicted It.
By Jim Conley • Feb 12th, 2008 • Email This Post to a Friend •
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Gee, I’m looking through Town Administrator Richard Kelliher’s FY2009 budget and I must be missing some pages. That’s because in his so-called Budget Message he seems to have forgotten about the $14 million in capital spending for the town hall renovation, though he lists various other major capital projects (like new playground equipment).
And, when he lists the additional costs straining the 09 Budget - like the extra $600 thousand in special ed costs - he fails to mention the $1.2 million in additional debt service the town will have to pay for the new employee lounges in the big box on Washington St.
Might get in the way of the $8 million bailout, don’t you know.
I told you, he only says what he wants us to hear; and he has five chumps lapping it up [see previous post].
Jim Conley is publisher of On Brookline.
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Correction, Jim. The Town Hall renovation is more expensive than $14 million. It’s spelled out on page VI-13 of the Financial Plan. $13.8 million is being financed with debt. $2.15 million is paid with cash. And, here comes the fun part … the driveway and garage are listed in a separate line item, costing $1.275 million. This sums to $17.225 million. Unless you think they will come in under budget, it’s prudent to round up to $18 million.
Some people have told me that a renovation was desperately needed. They say the old windows didn’t open, the air inside the building was stale, and that made it difficult for town officials to think clearly. I don’t doubt it at all.
But, if they could have hung on for a couple more years, the town would have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest expense.
Lots of people would love to buy a new car or remodel a kitchen. But because it isn’t prudent to do so when you’re broke, people are squeezing a few more years out of their old cars and postponing major expenditures. Oh, but not our town officials. What’s their excuse for such wrongheaded decisions — lack of oxygen?
Turns out the project is even more expensive than the number shown above. $1.26 million was already spent on “plans and specifications” and another $950,000 was spent to temporarily relocate employees. That brings the total up to $19.435 million.
A million here and a million there, and soon you’re talking about real money.
With a town population of roughly 60,000 people, the town hall renovation is costing $323.92 for every man, woman, and child. That’s $1,295.67 for a family of four. It better be worth it.