Date: Fri 15-Jan-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

highway-dept-Hurley-budget

Full Text:

Highway Department Seeks More Money

The Public Works Department has submitted a proposed budget of $6 million - a

$1.8 million increase over the department's current budget.

According to Public Works Director Fred Hurley, the budget calls for more

money for capital road improvement, capital equipment, overlays, chip seal and

drainage. The department is also seeking money to hire an assistant engineer

to assist Town Engineer Ron Bolmer with road design.

A public works study conducted last year indicated Mr Hurley's department did

not have enough large trucks and other equipment. The study also suggested the

town hire an assistant engineer, which could save money since Newtown often

hires out some engineering for road work.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said he had still not seen the budget as of

late this week. He plans to review it with Finance Director Ben Spragg in the

coming days. The Board of Selectmen will begin its review of the budget next

Thursday .