Some not happy with proposed spending
Germantown — Although the Village Board late last year approved capital projects for 2010, some trustees want to revisit the issue.
The board on Monday by a 7-2 vote approved borrowing up to $1.8 million for the projects.
Trustees Art Zabel and David Baum questioned the accuracy of estimates.
The cost of turnout gear for firefighters is expected to be $80,000 more than the estimated $111,000. Also, the board that night approved the purchase of a multi-use snowblower/mower for $127,000. However, the financial documents for the loan list the estimated cost for the mower at $137,000.
"I hate to borrow more than we need," said Zabel, who had voted against the purchase.
Village Administrator David Schornack said staff members did not obtain formal bids for the estimates, but in some cases got quotes.
Financial adviser James Mann told the board the borrowing mechanism would allow flexibility on purchases - if a project comes in below its estimate, the village could spend the remainder on another qualifying expense.
Trustee Dean Wolter said, in the case of the turnout gear, the board could remove other projects to accommodate the increase as the $1.8 million is a "do not exceed" amount. The board gives final approval for purchases, like the mower, as estimates come in.
Baum also said he didn't want the village to take 10 years to pay for items such as turnout gear or computers, which last three to four years.
Schornack said the capital projects budget includes $1 million for roads, which will last more than 10 years, the length of the loan.
The board could adjust the amount to borrow at its Feb. 15 meeting. If the board increases the amount to borrow, it would have to amend the budget or an audit would show the village overspent its budget. The village will borrow the money March 1.
