Town council member Michael Riccio raised the issue of council members getting reimbursement for expenses during a tight budget year, calling into question why the town paid for tuxedo rentals, admission to events and breakfast meetings.
“There’s a secret reimbursement club going on here,” Riccio said. “The point is we’re asking everyone in town to tighten their belts.”
Council Chairman John Barry asked Town Attorney Mark Sciota to read the relevant part of the town charter.
“All members of the council shall serve without compensation except for reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in the performance of official duties during the term for which they are elected,” according to the charter.
According to town documents, Barry received a $30 reimbursement for a breakfast meeting at Pepper Pot with board of education Chairman Brian Goralski and board of finance Chairman John Moise.
The documents show Barry also received $107.94 for a tuxedo rental, $45 for a retirement party, $45 for a UNICO dinner, $75 for payments to the chamber of commerce, including $55 for the chamber dinner,  and $40 for a YMCA award dinner.
Council member Art Secondo received a $120 reimbursement for the P.B.A. Ball. Council Vice Chairman Anthony D’Angelo received $107.94 for a tuxedo rental.
Council member David Zoni, who also chairs the charter revision commission, received $56.10 for buying file folders for the commission members and $24.80 for publications bought for the commission from the National Civic League. Zoni also received a reimbursement of $85.19 for a town council dinner.
At the town council meeting when Riccio raised the issue, Zoni said he could bring it up with the charter revision commission for consideration.