Budget Cuts, Brrr and Then Some

Wow. We’re already one month into the new year. That went fast. So Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend, who is playing anyhow?

It seems that Provincetown is not immune to budget deficits and recession issues. A $900,000 budget deficit was narrowed to $780,000 by conventional cuts and the town is seeking ways to balance the budget. The town is actively seeking creative ways to fill the gap. The Board of Selectmen have come up with ideas such as closing the Recreation Department, no longer offering free trash pickup in the winter, cutting the hours for the library for the winter or an unpaid furlough for town workers. The goal is to avoid layoffs during this recession.

If you live in Provincetown you may notice that your water bill has increased. As soon as this April, your water bill can increase anywhere from 10-13% from where it is now. The jump in the rate is due to a projected $266,000 deficit in the water enterprise fund. This fund is the entity that operates the finances for the water department.

The weather has been beyond cold so far this winter. In mid January, the combination of a frigid 12 degrees and wind gusts of 20 miles per hour, adjusted the wind chill to minus two degrees. This is colder than normal. A Providence Rhode Island weather station reported that there has been 18 inches more snow this year to date than last year.

The weather was so cold in fact, that it broke pipes at the administrative offices of the Provincetown Fire Station on Shank Painter Road. The ceiling and walls are damaged, bathrooms a mess and office equipment ruined. Repairs are being made.

The US Coast Guard would like to issue a warning to mariners due to the cold weather. Be sure to wear a wet suit, have proper safety equipment on board, and inform the coast guard of your trip. Always be sure to wear a life jacket and be warned that hypothermia sets in rather quickly if you are to fall in the cold water.

Penny for your thoughts? Well, you may not think a penny is worth saving these days but the students at Veterans Elementary School in Provincetown do. Through their efforts $650 worth of pennies were raised as part of “Pennies for Peace.” The pennies will be cashed in and money sent to schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan for supplies. All grades participated and students were encouraged to bring in their pennies from home. They started saving the copper in October.

Have you ever wanted to run for public office? Here’s your chance. Nomination papers are now available for Provincetown’s May Election. Positions open are Selectmen, Town Moderator, School Committee, Board of Library Trustees, Housing Authority and four positions on the Charter Enforcement Commission. All candidates must file nomination papers by 6pm March 17th with the town clerk. Good luck.

The $1.7 million dollar phase one repairs of town hall are moving along with no major snags. However, there have been areas of extreme rot and mold found and removed. These are unplanned repairs but according to town officials were expected and planned for.

Provincetown is looking to hire a new Tourism Director in the wake of the unexpected resignation of Lisa Bowden. The position was filled by Bowden in 2008 and she left citing personal reasons. So far, the town has received over 39 applications for the full time position which pays roughly $40,000 per year.

If you rent your home be sure to get your rental certificate from the Board of Health. Starting this year, there will be strict and high fines levied on any residential homeowner who rents and doesn’t have a certificate. The cost for the certificate and inspection is $150 for the first year and $60 each year thereafter for two years. The new fines are $100 for the first day, $200 second day and $300 for every day thereafter until the homeowner conforms.

You are now up to date for happenings in Provincetown. If you have a question, send me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net. Play it safe.