The Wellsville Village Board Monday night engaged in an hour-long budget discussion with fire chief Michael "Barney" Dillie. Explaining that the fire budget has been in 'rough' shape for some time, Dillie explained that a new expense tracking method would be employed. The new fiscal year for the village begins June 1st, but Dillie said the fire department has a process. He said each company will vote on the proposed budget in April and then the Fire Council will cast a vote, before the plan returns to the village board, which ultimately determines how much money is allocated. Currently, the proposed fire budget calls for an increase. "We've been underfunded for years," Dillie told the Board. Mayor Randy Shayler told the chief, "don't come back with anything greater than a zero (increase)." Shayler said it three times. He explained that the village has taken major hits with new property assessments, which means the amount of revenue coming to the village will be down. Shayler said he will ask the Police Department and the Department of Public Works to exact cuts in future spending. The mayor told Dillie he was the leader of the fire department and he needed to support the counsel of the village. "I don't want a we/they mentality," the mayor said. Shayler said if the fire department turns in a budget with an increase, "the vote from this chair is no." He added, "that's not your money...it's the taxpayers money." Dillie responded "I'm fighting for the village," and Shayler replied "the fire department is part of the village."
No voices were raised and the back and forth was cordial. Shayler said..."the bottom line is...the village is facing some serious challenges."
