BERLIN — The Town Council adopted a 23.65-mill tax rate Tuesday evening for the 2010-2011 fiscal year budget.
The current plan is to replace this bridge with a structure that can withstand up to 40 tons. Contractors will be hired and, after permits are granted, work is expected to begin in late June.
Jim Wren, town finance director, said short-term, one-year bonds will be issued to be paid in a five-year period.
“These are not long-term, 15- to-20 year period bonds,” he said.
John Pajor, superintendent of public buildings, gave an overview of the chilling/cooling tower. Built in 1973 the tower has a manufacturer’s suggested life span of 25 years.
Pajor said he had observed steel filings from the chiller indicating the cooling system “was on its last legs.” He added that “it can probably make it through one last summer.” However, the entire structure needs to be replaced. Work is expected to begin in late September.
Wren urged the town to renew its lease with Konica Minolta on 12 copiers in various departments. After the upgrades, he said the total annual lease costs for all copiers would decrease by approximately $2,100 and the annual maintenance cost would also decrease by approximately $3,500.
A public hearing has been set for Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. in town hall council chambers regarding renewal of that lease agreement.
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