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Get creative and cut expenses in Waterford

David A. Smith Waterford

Publication: The Day

Published 03/09/2010 12:00 AM
Updated 03/09/2010 02:05 AM

A 10 percent increase in Waterford property taxes is not acceptable. ("In Waterford, a dose of budget reality," Feb. 28.) It's time to look at other sources of income and cut some costs.

I suggest "pay-to-play," full cost, for nearly all nonbasic services, including school sports, the town beach and community center activities. A budget plan should also include fees for excess trash pickup and use of town property. These subsidized programs benefit relatively few.

I suggest cutting services: Waterford is one of the only towns with a sidewalk plow.

Cut labor and benefit expenses: Look at employee contributions to medical benefits. Are they on par with other towns?

Cut waste and extravagance: Did Waterford need electronic signs in front of the middle and high schools? These cost thousands of dollars and more money to operate.

Cut the school budget: It seems the high school is open nearly 24 hours a day. Charge a fee. Charge parking fees at the high school for student drivers. This could cover costs of traffic-control personnel and maintaining parking lots.

Sell some assets: What is being done to market the Cohanzie School property?

There's more to look at in Waterford before going back to the taxpayers.

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