Athelstane Advised: Budget $30,000 For Rescue Squad

At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13, the Athelstane Town Board voted unanimously to extend the contract with the Silver Cliff Rescue Squad from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and to pay $2,000 for the final quarter of the current year’s contract.
Before the vote, JoAnn Sissler, who was present on behalf of the Rescue Squad, suggested the town should plan $30,000 in its 2023 budget for their services, due to the rescue squad now having to hire employees and provide housing for them.  
All town officials were present for the meeting. They are Supervisors David Jose and Denis DeJardin, Chair Kelly Barnes, Treasurer Greg Reinhardt, and Clerk Janice DuChateau. Three members of the public also attended. The evening for the board began with the financial meeting at 6:30 p.m., followed by the board meeting at 7 p.m.
Barnes mentioned that last month the board had approved purchase of a used loader for not more than $35,000. He was happy to report that a loader had been purchased for $18,500 plus a $600 transport fee, for a total of $19,100, which resulted in a savings of $15,900. Also, the old unrepairable loader had been sold for $4,000.
Gary Welsch reported during the past month the Fire Department has one meeting and one training, which included a CPR/AED Refresher class.  
Reinhardt reported after Receipts of $68,374.16 and Disbursements of $78,685.90 the town treasury had a balance of $626,194.20 on August 31, down slightly from the $636,505.94 balance on July 31.
All bills were approved for payment as presented.
Barnes reported gravel roads are being graded on a regular basis.  The shouldering machine is still on back order.
There was discussion on the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds which requires a new ordinance which governs ethical standards relating to Town contracts that must comply with federal law.  To meet that requirement the board voted without dissent to adopt Ordinance No. 34, a Conflict of Interest Ordinance, and to meet another ARPA requirement the board adopted a Procurement Procedures policy as prescribed.
In other action before adjournment, the board amended the 2022 Budget to include the $26,271.81 stimulus payment from the State.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.