[RP TownTalk] no vote will be taken at the budget hearing

[Roland Walker]

[Dwight Holmes writes]
> it does feel a bit rushed, for something as momentous as this is.

Outside the world of this email list, the budget process is neither so
rushed, nor the taxation decision so momentous.

No vote will be taken tonight -- the meeting is only a hearing, one
that is required under the laws that govern the process.

The mayor's submitted budget represents, in large part, "wishlists"
put forward by town staff, gathered up together, and proposed to the
council.

Tonight's hearing publicizes a maximum number, which our taxes cannot
exceed.  However, it is expected that the final taxation instructions
we send to the county will be lower.  The law gives us the flexibility
to move down -- but not up -- from the publicized number.  So we call
it first on the high end.

Right now, what is happening is that your councilmembers are poring
over the budget, finding items to remove or add, generally working to
bring the budget down by whittling away at staff wishlists.  One
councilmember has also found a revenue item which was missing.
Citizens have also read the budget and forwarded good money-saving
suggestions, and are encouraged to do so.

The incoming council are the ones that will actually pass the budget.
They are on point right now to see that the budget fits their policy
priorities as described to voters.

This is generally a consultative process, not an adversarial one.  Mr
Oppenheim's exhortations on the subject may be charitably explained by
noting that having served only half a term, he is not very familiar
with the process.

The final tax rate will be lower than the advertised rate.  It will
probably represent a modest rise in rates.

Vernon Archer ran for mayor in '05 on a platform or building up our
town, and was unopposed in '07.   Perhaps someone will run in '09 on a
platform of cutting police and public works.  In the meantime,
measured, steady buildup will continue.

This was the choice of the voters.

R