We’re glad to see the village of Fredonia is keeping a close eye on expenses after their 54% tax hike debacle last spring. We note that sarcastically.

Before the end of October, those high spending board members with an $11 million budget that keeps growing decided to bring back a retired Department of Public Works supervisor back as a consultant. In a 4-1 vote, Scott Marsh was approved to make $35 per hour on an “as needed” basis and can’t make more than $10,000 in a fiscal year.

As this corner has noted before, mutual aid — and sharing of services — is acceptable in a number of cases. Why not this one that would cost nothing extra?

Marsh, who received more than a 20% pay bump in 2023 to boost his pension for a sweeter retirement last month, has already benefitted from some of these generous board members who have no problem passing on higher costs to those who pay property taxes and water fees in the village.

Trustee Michelle Twichell voted “no,” without comment. However, she said during the Board of Trustees workshop that she didn’t want to spend the money on Marsh’s consultation.

“I don’t feel comfortable hiring him back, and I don’t know if you want me to talk about that in public,” she added. Twichell did not further explain that comment, either at the workshop.

We do not know what she is referring to, but we will state that controlling spending in the village cannot be a priority if this is the direction board members are going. Even if it is minimal, this cost is not necessary.