Welch
wants Berkowitz back Wants former manager to look over budget
By Elizabeth Prata
Gray-At Monday's budget workshop, the Council finalized
the town budget, which reflects no increase on the
mil rate but does include funding reserves, planning
for a library expansion and taking a smaller amount
out of Undesignated Fund Balance that in previous
years.
The specter of last year's warrant debacle from former
Manager Mitch Berkowitz hung heavy on Chair Gary Foster's
heart these last eleven months. Several times last
year the Town meeting was halted so then-Chair Pam
Wilkinson could apologize for warrant typos, some
which changed the meaning of words and phrases, or
to re-explain what people were voting on since several
numbers in the warrant were wrong.
With Berkowitz gone, the Council this year took over
the task, and ensured the writing was clear. Also,
Chair Foster changed the chronology of the warrant
items. Previously, if separate warrant was voted no,
the items still passed, the money was just taken out
of the General Fund. This year, if a warrant item
fails, it fails. Any warrant items that are passed
are then added to the bottom line number of the budget
and the remainder is voted on.
Councilor John Welch said that he was uncomfortable
with going forward with the budget unless former manager
Mitch Berkowitz takes a look at it.
"I request that Mitch appear at the Council meeting
[April 18] to speak of the budget and warrant items.
I'd like him to look it over, I'd feel better."
Former Manager Mitch Berkowitz resigned in February
and is now employed as the Bridgton Town Manager.
Councilor Denise Duda said that Gray has an Acting
Manager and that she should help Mr. Welch through
any concerns he has with the budget. The budget was
formulated by the councilors, Assessor, Controller,
Finance Committee, and the Auditor. Mr. Welch was
insistent that the Council bring Mitch back. Chair
Gary Foster said, "No." Mr. Welch was unrelenting,
that he was going to call Mitch anyway, saying "We
need him!"
Mr. Foster suggested Mr. Welch check in with the Controller
to ask his questions and allay any concerns he ha,
and reminded Mr. Welch that the Council as a while
had not decided to call back the former manager to
attend any meetings in any official capacity.
