Milford mayor James Richetelli Jr. mulls expense freeze

Richetelli mulls expense freeze

Brian McCready, Register Staff

December 05, 2002

MILFORD — Mayor James Richetelli Jr. said Wednesday he’s considering a spending and hiring freeze for this fiscal year because of the sluggish economy.

Richetelli also said there will be no new city services or personnel for the 2003-2004 fiscal year.

"The next budget year will be tighter than this current year," he said.

The mayor’s remarks came after police and fire department officials revealed they are both seeking to add two members.

"For this current fiscal year we may have to put spending controls in place," Richetelli said.

He said the city most likely will find itself in a position similar to one in January 2001, when he enacted a budget and hiring freeze after the city was anticipating a $2 million shortfall because of a lack of state and federal aid.

Richetelli said he’ll know by the end of this month whether he’ll need to implement spending controls for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.

As for the 2003-04 budget, Richetelli said, "I hope to maintain the current level of city services."

Richetelli said the city’s health insurance costs are expected to jump by "big increases." From last year to this year alone, the city’s health insurance costs increased $4 million.

Fire Chief Louis LaVecchia said Wednesday he’s requesting two additional firefighters, costing $84,000.

The department currently has 100 firefighters, but has not received a staffing increase since 1968, LaVecchia said.

Two new firefighters would be assigned to a rescue/ambulance unit.

Police Chief Thomas Flaherty is also requesting two more police officers, costing $78,000.

The Board of Police Commissioners vice chairman, the Rev. Kenneth Fellenabum, said the officers are needed since more people and businesses are moving into the city.

Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com or 876-6800.