By JACKI?COMELLO

OBSERVER?News Correspondent

The Persia Town Board moved to authorize a budget transfer of approximately $25,000 from the Highway Department savings to cover expenses resulting from the numerous road repairs after the August floods at their recent meeting.

"Thank goodness we have those funds available," Supervisor Mel LeBar said. "Hopefully at some point in the future we'll get a good percentage of all these funds back from FEMA and the state."

Both LeBar and Highway Superintendent Dan Ackley met with FEMA representatives last month and Ackley stated he has a tentative meeting scheduled later this month to review damage sites and project worksheets.

Looking ahead to next year's budget, LeBar scheduled a budget workshop meeting for Monday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. "I'd like to get it put together so I can meet with our accountants and see where we're at," he said.

Gowanda Free Library President Cynthia Dishman asked the board to consider increasing their contribution to the library as they work on the 2010 budget.

For the last several years, the Town of Persia has donated $1,000. Dishman explained that other funds come from the school, the Village of Gowanda and the Towns of Dayton and Perrysburg. "Everyone chips in so we can keep the library going," she said. "The library is a wonderful asset to the community."

LeBar said he and the board would take her request into consideration.

In other news:

Court Officer Paul Bowers reported that the metal detector that was installed several months ago was used for the first time during Tuesday's court night. Bowers reported that the main purpose was to test the new procedures. About 12 to 16 people passed through the detector with 2 or 3 having to repeat the trip due to metal objects in their clothes. No illegal or prohibited items were found.

Assessor Mary Bailey presented board members with a copy of a report from the NYS Office of Real Property Services. According to the report, which lists counties with the highest property taxes, Cattaraugus County ranks sixth.

Town Clerk Kristen Schaus advised residents that representatives from H.E.A.P. will be at the Town Hall beginning next month. They will be available on Thursdays between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. on the following dates; Nov. 19 and 26, Dec. 17, Jan. 21 and 28, Feb. 18 and 25, and March 18 and 25.

Prior to adjourning the meeting, bids were opened for a new four-wheel drive pickup truck for the Highway Department. Of the six bids received, Gowanda Ford submitted the lowest with a price of $18,769.71.

The board will meet again on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

Submitted by Jacki Comello