How Small is Too Small?

Transfers are a common item on the Legislative Council's agendas -- each month money moves from one account to another, each with the council's approval.

But Monday, one transfer stood out -- and made one council member question why it even came before them.

The transfer was between accounts in the Finance Department, but it was the amount — 27 cents — that gave Councilman Harry Gagliardi reason to pause.

The council shouldn't have to waste its time on such a minuscule amount, Gagliardi said. "Do we have a standard?"

It turns out the council can avoid such situations, but must take action before the start of the fiscal year to do so, according to Town Attorney Sue Gruen.

There is a provision in the charter that allows the council to pass an ordinance authorizing transfers below a set amount to go forward with council approval, Gruen said. But the ordinance must be passed before the start of the fiscal year and must be done every year, she said.

One was prepared before the start of the current fiscal year, she said, but was never approved.

"The council never moved it forward," she said, which is why the items appeared on the agenda.