Cuts Didn't Come Easily

We have heard residents' message: Even though town budgets have been historically low, times are tough and we need to cut spending even more. We support the Board of Finance's budget that, if there were no debt service, is an increase of less than zero! With debt service included, the increase is 1.36 percent. If approved, this budget has a tax impact of less than one percent on residents' tax bills. The exact number will be determined by the Board of Finance.

These cuts didn't come easily. Programs, people, and projects were eliminated. But the resultant, lean budget is responsible. Changes include: the Town Garage Salt Shed, Daniel Hand High School sidewalk, Academy School parking lot and softball field, and other projects have all been eliminated; both town planner and senior director positions have been removed; police hiring has been delayed to take effect later in the year; three town employees' jobs have been eliminated or curtailed; and total expenses have been reduced by more than $700,000 since the first referendum.

The reason Madison historically receives such high financial ratings is that we maintain "reserve accounts." If we need a new roof every 10 years, we squirrel away a little each year. There are many categories of accounts. Some have argued that we should begin reducing our reserve accounts in maintenance and capital projects. While some funds have been reduced, notably $100,000 from LOCAP, our small capital account, we don't recommend attacking Madison's future and bond rating by wholesale reductions in these funds. It's the road to higher taxes in the long term.

Section 10.6 of our charter says that the Board of Education budget cannot take effect until the town budget has passed. We need a whole town budget to move forward! We encourage your readers to vote on Tuesday, July 27!

Joe MacDougald
Al Goldberg
Noreen Kokoruda
Bill Gladstone
Selectmen
Madison