By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

EAST SPENCER — The town board is looking to tighten its upcoming $1.2 million budget all the while meeting the equipment needs and wants of its departments. The board will hold its final budget session Tuesday, less than a month ahead of its projected June public hearing.

The board will have its budget session Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at town hall.

Fire Department

Interim Chief Marshall Moore and Deputy Chief Joshua Smith spoke about the department’s equipment needs at the board’s planning retreat. The two spoke about replacing turnout gear, which is nearing the end of its lifespan. The fire department requested $3,000 for turnout gear.

Public Works

Director F.E. Isenhour requested $4,000 to provide for normal upkeep of the pickup trucks and dump trucks, which he’s said will allow for the continuation of the vehicles until the department get some newer vehicles. The department has also requested $119,000 for the lease purchase of two pickup trucks, one small dump truck, two zero-turn mowers and one skid steer.

Zoning/Planning

There is a $1,000 cost on the table to be used toward a car that will need repairs in the coming year. Isenhour said the department expects to use all of the funds ($500) for this year and need an increase in the coming year.

Town Administrator David Jaynes said the board, if on track with the final budget session, he expects the board to have a public hearing in the early part of June so they can then adopt the budget by June 14.

He also does not expect the tax rate, which is 63 cents per $100 of assessed value, to change.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.