From: Peggy Katkocin
To: Names blocked upon request
Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:02:07 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: HVAC system at Squantz Pond firehouse
Dear BOF,
At the 9/27 BOS meeting I asked Jay Waterman how we arrived at the $400,000 in unexpended budget funds this past fiscal year and when did he know he had this money?
Jay referred to the employees on disability receiving 2/3 pay with none of the associated costs, FICA, Medicare etc., also there is less overtime for state troopers and police in addition to some other areas .
It struck me that John had this $400,000 back in July when he came to you on the HVAC system. He could have directly requested that you, by transfers, approve the expenditure of the $90,000 to cover the system , and there would still be monies coming back to the town.
I brought this up to John who insisted that it was "never about the money."!! As I recall all of your questions related to the expenditure.
When I asked Willie Burger, the Squantz Co pres who circulated the petition why he did it, he replied that it was because he was told that the BOF would not approve the funds.
When asked why he signed the petition, Jim Mckeon replied that it was because it was explained to him that the firemen needed the money for a new ac/heating system.
Now what has happened? All of the divisiveness and discord that has emerged from this request and the petition and the legal opinions, and the criticism aimed at the BOF served no good purpose whatsoever. Had John been honest and direct, this project could have been handled with simple transfers. Now, however, John has emerged as the champion of the Fire Dept with you all charged with being unsupportive of our local volunteers, and John's picks for the BOF ..Mardis and Landers ..stand out as potential members who will right the wrongs and put the politics aside. It is classic John Hodge.
Regards Peggy
Jay referred to the employees on disability receiving 2/3 pay with none of the associated costs, FICA, Medicare etc., also there is less overtime for state troopers and police in addition to some other areas .
It struck me that John had this $400,000 back in July when he came to you on the HVAC system. He could have directly requested that you, by transfers, approve the expenditure of the $90,000 to cover the system , and there would still be monies coming back to the town.
I brought this up to John who insisted that it was "never about the money."!! As I recall all of your questions related to the expenditure.
When I asked Willie Burger, the Squantz Co pres who circulated the petition why he did it, he replied that it was because he was told that the BOF would not approve the funds.
When asked why he signed the petition, Jim Mckeon replied that it was because it was explained to him that the firemen needed the money for a new ac/heating system.
Now what has happened? All of the divisiveness and discord that has emerged from this request and the petition and the legal opinions, and the criticism aimed at the BOF served no good purpose whatsoever. Had John been honest and direct, this project could have been handled with simple transfers. Now, however, John has emerged as the champion of the Fire Dept with you all charged with being unsupportive of our local volunteers, and John's picks for the BOF ..Mardis and Landers ..stand out as potential members who will right the wrongs and put the politics aside. It is classic John Hodge.
Regards Peggy
