At the Second Budget Hearing held on September 20, 2016, staff was directed to eliminate the budget for training, education and associated travel in FY 2016-17 totaling $38,300 across Mayor, Council and all General Fund staff.

Staff was also directed to develop an employee retention program to present to Council in April, 2017.Due to the importance and necessity of training and continued education for all staff, as well as travel to pursue funding for specific legislation directly affecting the Town,I am requesting to reinstate the travel, training and education budget of $38,300 using the prior year's surplus funds as part of the budget amendment process.

However, in the meantime, I am recommending a budget revision to temporarily transfer $10,000 from the Independent Audit line item to cover registration, training, travel and per diem for Council and/or staff to attend training seminars between now and the adoption of the budget amendment.