THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 26, 2020 Page 7 BUDGET | FROM PAGE 1 Debbie DeMaria threw a tiny wrench into the budget process with five proposed cuts that would have saved the city $113,500. “I believe each and every line item needs review,” said DeMaria. And while she acknowledged her proposed cuts were relatively small, she added that “many crumbs make a cake.” DeMaria proposed cutting $52,743 for salaries for part-time staff at the Senior Center. She said the salaries are paid through a grant and should not be in the budget. She also proposed cutting $13,260 for a youth activities counselor at the Malden Teen Enrichment Center since the position is not going to be fi lled. DeMaria also proposed cutting the Police Department’s line item for gasoline from $100,000 to $80,000 and reducing the $50,000 allocated for bullet-proof vests to $25,000. And she called for cutting the $5,000 budgeted for prisoner meals down to $2,500. The only cut that won any support from the Finance Committee was the proposal to reduce the Police Department’s funding for gas. It was briefl y discussed and rejected by the committee. The other proposed cuts died on the fl oor for lack of a second. Controller Chuck Ranaghan said the grant that pays salaries for Senior Center staff is being used to fund three fulltime employees, and cutting the money for part-time workers would mean adding funding for the full-time employees to the budget. Committee members also had questions about the shelflife of bullet-proof vests and the requirement to provide meals to prisoners. “I’m not saying I wouldn’t vote for these cuts, but if I do, it will be in September,” said Condon Ward 7 Councillor Neal Anderson also said he felt the council should wait to hear from the state about local aid. “We’ve all been getting letters about defunding the police,” said Anderson, who added that the Malden Police Department seems to be in good shape. “I do hope we can work with the police on shifting responsibilities and stop sending them on calls that have the potential to escalate when someone with a badge and a gun shows up to confront a member of the community,” said Anderson, adding that the police should not have to respond to calls that ask them to chase kids out of city parks. The Finance Committee recommended the full council approve the budget proposal, which they did on a 10-1 vote, with DeMaria voting against it. WE’RE OPEN and Here for You In-Person and Telemedicine Appointments at Our Stoneham and Malden Locations Are you coping with an injury, joint problem, sprain or strain? Some healthcare needs can’t and shouldn’t wait. Even during this uncertain time, our expert orthopedic, pain management, physical therapy and occupational therapy specialists are here to help you. Both of our locations are open and we are offering in-person and telemedicine appointments during regular business hours. We’ll work with you to determine the best option for your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment: (781) 279-7040 • agilitydoctor.com Agility Orthopedics WE WORK FOR YOU! * Have your car repaired by Real Manufacturer Certiified Technicians * An I-CAR GOLD CLASS SHOP Highest Certificate in the Repair Industry * Premier Insurance Co. Collision Repair Shop for Geico, Liberty Mutual, Metlife, Progressive and more! * Over 30 Years of putting families back on the Road Safe & Fast! * ATLAS Stands Behind All Repairs with a Limited Lifetime Warranty 1605 North Shore Road, Revere * 781-284-1200 Visit us at: www.AtlasAutobody.com or call (781) 284-1200 to schedule your appointment today!
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