Saugus board pulls back flawed budget

SAUGUS – The Saugus Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 Thursday night to rescind its vote from Feb. 27 that sent the preliminary 2013 budget to the Finance Committee, and voted hold it until the current forensic audit is completed at the end of the month.?I think we have a unique set of circumstances,” said Selectman Stephen Horlick. “I don?t think that anybody out there is going to fault us for not getting an accurate product to our Finance Committee. I?d rather have them come in and spend their time on a true and accurate product.”The current proposed budget is not accurate due to a forensic audit being conducted into possible financial violations in the town?s books. But the board voted 5-0 last week to send it on to the Finance Committee because the town charter states it must be submitted by March 1.Horlick and Selectman Debra Panetta both said they were unhappy with their previous votes.?I have too many questions,” said Panetta. “I should not have voted on this.”Selectman Steve Castinetti raised issues about several sizable salary increases in the budget, including a $25,000 raise for the Town Manager, a $10,000 raise for Town Counsel and a $9,000 raise for the Treasurer/Collector, despite a $3 million deficit.?Of the four salary increases that were identified, three of them were on the (Town Manager) transition team,” said Castinetti. “And John (Vasapolli), if you don?t think that stinks and it makes it hard for me to explain to constituents and residents of this town, then you?re mistaken. This was a poor decision on whoever?s part it was to raise those salaries.”Town Counsel and Temporary Town Manager John Vasapolli defended the increases, saying the Treasurer/Collector hadn?t had a raise in nine years, and was making less than a part-time information technology specialist who is making more than $70,000.Vasapolli said the increase in his own pay was based on a discussion that he would be more involved in future legal issues.?If Town Counsel is actively involved in where the cases go ? it was our position that we could save considerably on outside counsel fees,” said Vasapolli.He also said the Town Manager salary was based on the value of the job, and had nothing to do with “who might be the Town Manager.”Selectman Chairman Michael Serino voted against taking the budget back because he was concerned about violating the town charter, but Vasapolli said nothing would happen if they passed the deadline.?This was not a final document,” said Vasapolli. “I think it was a mistake. There are many things that need to change. I apologize if the board misunderstood or was misled. We were not prepared to make any final recommendation until we get the audit. I was on record saying I don?t believe we should submit anything. I realize what the charter says, but there are extenuating circumstances.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].