Town Administrator Derek Sullivan gave some in depth remarks on why the Council on Aging is one of the first programs on the town's chopping block during his report at Tuesday's Selectmen meeting.

Sullivan said when making cuts in the budget he asks three questions: Is the program legally mandated, what kind of revenue does it bring in and is the service that we're offering the best possible service.

"With the choice between other departments, unfortunately the Council on Aging is one of the programs we can afford to lose and continue to operate," Sullivan said. "The way we fund it now I don't think we offer the best possible service, it's not making money and it's not legally mandated."

It wasn't all bad news for seniors however, as the Selectmen approved the Senior Work-Off program for another year.

"Many of the people who take advantage of this it is the difference between paying their heat bill and not," Selectman Judith Whiteside said. "I think it's something that's proven to be very beneficial to the seniors of this town."

During his report, Sullivan continued to give in depth information on particular items within the proposed fiscal year 2015 budget.

He said for 2015 he's projecting to hire an assistant town accountant after speaking with the members of the state Department of Revenue and has also budgeted to hire a full-time town planner.

"For a $60 million budget, having one person as the town accountant and an accounts payable clerk it's just been too little," he said.

In other news, Sullivan said last week he met with people from Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, the town's insurance agency, to go over workman's compensation.

"That's one of the insurances that go up every year for probably all companies, but especially us," Sullivan said.

He said people from MIIA would be able to provide classes and training that could offset some of the insurance costs. Sullivan said this year, the town, "earned close to $20,000 in credits you can apply against your costs."

Sullivan also said the town dodged a bullet when a projected snowstorm missed us earlier this week. He said a large storm can cost the town "well over $80,000 for plowing and snow removal."