Wolcott Freezes Spending Amid All the Storms

A spending freeze is in effect in Wolcott and departments have been ordered to cut spending until winter is over because of the drain storm after storm has had on the budget.

Wolcott Mayor Thomas Dunn sent a letter to officials last month announcing a town spending freeze and said the cost of snow removal after this year’s brutal winter continues to put a big strain on the town’s $18 million budget.

Many of the storms moved in overnight and on weekends, requiring town officials to pay workers overtime, which has made this winter even more costly.

“We just wanted to make sure that we have enough money to take care of the winter and the safety of the town and the roads,” Dunn said. “As the winter progressed, we made it through January and then February hit. It was just one after another … a couple storms a week.”

During the spending freeze, the town won’t be approving any discretionary spending, but they’ll be moving money around in the budget to cover the cost of more winter cleanup if needed.

“We’re working within our budget. The letter was for departments just to be cautious to know that they may not be able to spend everything that they have,” Dunn said.

He hopes to lift the freeze by the end of the month, as long as there are no more major storms.

“Every department is running. There’s not going to be any safety issues,” Dunn said. “I’m hoping it’s over. I think our town crews are hoping it’s over.”

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