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

[Dwight Holmes]

Roland--Thank you for the information here you've given us that I was not
previously aware of, and which is good to know. The value of this thread
continues to accumulate. However, I'm puzzled a bit by your citing of my
earlier email. What I wrote was "Like some have already said, I think it's
too bad the discussion couldn't have started somewhat sooner -- it does feel
a bit rushed, for something as momentous as this is. But it is good to know
that there are at least a few meetings to go before things are finalized."
You took a piece of that out of context.  I think it misconstrued the
meaning of what I wrote.

And whether we are eventually talking about tax hike of 27% or 18% or even
10%, I think it's fair to say that it is momentous.  I would argue at the
very least that it *should* be seen as such.  I'm not advocating for or
against any particular proposal at this point. As a new homeowner in  the
town, I want and need much more information. That's why I've appreciated and
expressed as much for the current thread(s) we've got going here.  Without
this email list I would know nothing of any of these issues.  It's really
too bad more of our residents don't join in.  But mainly, I'm just saying
that a tax increase of any amount in that range (10 - 27%) is certainly not
inconsequential, is certainly significant, and may be seen by many on tight
budgets as momentous.


On 5/21/07, Roland Walker <walker at pobox.com> wrote:
>
> [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
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