In Brief

+ Projected budget deficit: $1.88 million
Town Manager Bruce St. Denis will tell the Town Commission at its Thursday, April 15 regular workshop that another 10% drop in property values, another pension shortfall and the addition of two police officers will leave the town with a projected $1.88 million budget deficit.

St. Denis explains in a preliminary budget memo that Police Chief Al Hogle has expressed concerns with police coverage and that at least two more officers are needed.

St. Denis also explains that another anticipated 10% drop in property values will result in a loss of $768,000 in ad valorem revenues. And 2009 pension valuation reports show the town will have to contribute $1.11 million to the plans this year.

St. Denis will also entertain a commission suggestion to create a public safety director position because Fire Chief Rich Dickerson resigned Thursday, April 8, citing family reasons.

+ Trustees, town to discuss pension
Town Manager Bruce St. Denis, the Town Commission and pension board trustees are expected to discuss an approximately $100,000 comprehensive study of the town’s three pension plans at the 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15 regular workshop.

Firefighter pension board trustee Arnold Malasky has expressed concerns about the town paying for such a study, which prompted the commission to hold a discussion about the study before it decides to pay for it.

+ Town to review charter question
The Town Commission will review a charter amendment question at its 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15 regular workshop that could be placed on the March 15, 2011, ballot.

The question reads: “Shall the charter be amended to provide that a partial term for any commissioner of one year or more shall be counted as a term under the three consecutive term limitation provided for in the town charter?”

+ Meetings & Agendas
• Town Commission Regular Workshop — 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
• Town Commission Special Workshop for Code Amendments — 2 p.m. Friday, April 16, Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road.

Contact Kurt Schulteis at [email protected].