Saugus holding out hope on leasing rink

SAUGUS – There is many a hope and dream riding on the idea that Kasabuski Arena might be leased, in turn freeing up $1.3 million, but Town Manager Andrew Bisignani said banking on that money would be a mistake.Bisignani is holding $1.3 million in what he calls undesignated appropriations, or “reserves for lack of a better word.” But he said he has the money spent either way.Bisignani set the funds aside in case the rink’s $650,000 deficit isn’t resolved. He said he is cautiously optimistic it will be resolved, but he is also concerned that the deficit is closer to $750,000.”There are two main components of this,” he said.A portion of the funds in reserves – $300,000 – is listed as state aid contingent on approval of the governor’s casino gambling plan. If the legislature doesn’t approve casino gambling, then it is unlikely the $300,000 will materialize.Bisignani said he also believes that Kasabuski might very well have an additional $75,000-$100,000 deficit.”That gets us down to $900,000 (in undesignated appropriations),” he said. “If Kasabuski isn’t leased, that’s another $750,000, which leaves us $150,000.”The town already surpassed its budget for snow and ice removal, and another storm is predicted for tonight.”There is the possibility of a medical trust fund deficit,” he said. “I hate to face this but if there is not enough money . . . we’ll have to pay.”Bisignani said the possible medical trust deficit is due to late claims that were made at the end of the year.If the rink is leased, Bisignani has earmarked $800,000 for the School Department.”I’d like to give them $1 million,” he said. “I’m hoping to squeeze another couple of grand out of the budget.”The School Department isn’t the only group in need, however.The Police Department would like two new cruisers, Emergency Management would like a new truck, the Fire Department recently learned it needs four new defibrillators.Bisignani said normally he would have simply funded the School Department and put the cruisers in a warrant and funded everything up to the proper appropriations, but not this time.”It’s harder to take things back,” he said. “If Kasabuski does fall through then I would have to take things back.”Bisignani said special legislation filed that would allow the rink’s lease to be extended is moving through the channels and is on its way to being approved.He said he also has four parties that have shown a legitimate interest in leasing the rink, though the deadline for proposals has been pushed back to March 26, meaning it will be a month until the sublease is a done deal.