Wellsville Town Budget: "We have to stop the bleeding"

During a nearly 90 minute budget session Monday night, the Wellsville town board faced some challenges.
Prior to the session, the preliminary budget allowed for just $1,357 in spending before the town plowed over the required property tax cap. Although no formal decisions were made, the Council addressed a number of challenges. To decease proposed town spending, the Board considered several options. Those include:

1. eliminating a position in the highway department (non-union). Deputy Supervisor Michael Miller said "I believe that's a necessary step."
2. offering only a 1% pay increase to non-union employee's and a requirement that they contribute to their health benefits.
3. eliminate the payroll clerk and move the duties to the town clerk.
4. eliminate a clerk at the airport

The town is also facing some new expenses and issues. With the village leaving the Municipal Building to call 23 North (former Burrous building) home later this year, the town will face a new $620/month rent charge (plus electric). {the town offices occupy the lower level of the Municipal Building, owned by the Village}In response, the town is considering an option to relocate its offices to the Wellsville Airport. Supervisor Alsworth said "we can always use the airport until our other plan comes until fruition." He did not elaborate on the 'other plan.' Alsworth, regarding the proposed budget, said "we have to stop the bleeding somewhere...we don't have a choice." He attributed some of the town's financial issues to "terribly negotiated union contracts" from the past.
For more than an hour, the town board dutifully explored options to save money and become more efficient. No official decisions were made. Board members kicked around a number of idea's and options and said they would consider action at the next official Board meeting.
Town officials also noted that the 'rainy day accounts,' often used to keep property taxes in check, were running thin.