The Board of Selectmen is reviewing the requests for departments and boards under its jurisdiction on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Selectmen have set aside time for citizens to comment on three specific items proposed as additions to the "level services" budget guideline issued by the Finance Committee.

The Police Department is seeking funds for the long-vacant police officer position eliminated in 2003 when the town offered early retirement incentives to reduce payroll. The need for the position is based on current calls for service and workload, as well as additional demands placed on police services by Wayland Town Center development. Restoration of the position was anticipated when the Town Center project was approved. The supporting information will be posted on the town news announcement tomorrow on the website. The additional salary expense for the police officer is $60,300.

The Fire Department is seeking an additional firefighter/paramedic to provide better coverage on certain shifts and to provide flexibility for administrative and inspection services.  The supporting information will be posted on the town news announcement tomorrow on the website.  The cost of the additional salary expense for the firefighter is $69,000.

The five-year Federal grant supporting the Wayland Cares substance abuse prevention and education program expires on September 30, 2013.  A temporary advisory committee appointed by the Selectmen earlier this year studied the effectiveness of the program and has recommended that the core elements of the program be maintained to continue these services and to enhance coordination of efforts by other departments and agencies. The program would be supported by local property taxes; however, grant sources will be pursued to offset costs to the extent possible. The cost is $102,671.

Selectmen invite interested citizens to comment on these initiatives as the Baord weighs whether to include the funding requests in the proposed budget to be presented to the Finance Committee on Monday, January 14, 2013. Citizens have the final say on these additions at Annual Town Meeting. Come to the Board of Selectmen's meeting on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at 8:15 p.m. in Town Building should you wish to comment. Written comments can be sent to Selectmen by email to selectmen@wayland.ma.us.

This statement was provided by Town Adminstrator Fred Turkington.