Council Discusses Budget; Votes to Save on Recycling Costs

Facing a $1.1 million budget gap, the Council met tonight for a budget session to discuss ways to cut costs.  Council President Matthew Anesh discussed some of the savings to date, which included eliminating several positions and limiting overtime.  The majority of the meeting was taken up with discussion about ways to save money, with coucil members talking about taking a bipartisan approach to solving the shortfall. 

One idea on the table is the possibility of cancelling the Labor Day Parade, the fireworks, or both.  Overtime costs from the day-long festivities are a major cost, and limiting the events that day could save as much as $50,000 in overtime.  Discussion involving possible personnel cuts (which presumably includes possible layoffs) took place in executive session.

During the business portion of the meeting the Council voted to award a three-year contract for curbside recycling to Midco Waste Systems.  Midco's low bid will save residents over $20,000 a year versus continuing with the program run by Middlesex County.  The vote was 3-2-1, with Democrats Christine Buteas and Franky Salerno voting against accepting the lowest bid and Councilman Robert Bengivenga abstaining based upon his employment with Republic Services, Midco's parent company. 

Comments by Buteas about Bengivenga's employment drew a heated response from Bengivenga, who said he had no control over whether his employer bid on a project. He explained that he is one of 35,000 employees and has nothing to do with another division's  bids.  In addition, because all bids are sealed by law, there was no way Midco had an advantage over other bidders.  When Buteas could not explain how Midco received any preference, Bengivenga said this was another example of Democrats repeatedly going after him and his family with false and baseless attacks.