[RP TownTalk] Budget in Town Crier

[ABragg7393 at aol.com]

I was very happy to see a copy of the proposed budget in the June issue of  
the Town Crier.  In looking it over, I don't have any objections to Police  or 
Public Works.  One item is a concern to me and I would like to hear what  
others think.  The Econ Development Promotion.  When I attended a  recent Economic 
Development meeting, one issue that came up was that Kennedy  Smith who was 
hired by the town to promote Ec D still had not submitted her  report.  I 
understand she lives in California.  I remember attending  the first meeting 
several years ago when Kennedy Smith showed a power point  presentation, which was 
basically a resume.  It was my understanding at  that time that the town would 
hire her as a consultant for $5000.  Now I  understand we have paid her many 
more $$$$.  She is not someone who is  noticeably seen around town nor have I 
seen her at the Economic Development  meetings, nor at the Riverdale Park 
Business Associaiton meetings and I don't  see where we have benefited from her 
consultations.  I do notice that our  Rep Eric Olson is doing a great job with 
EcD and he is FREE!  I object to  the $35000 if it is going to pay for her 
without results.  I also think  that Econ Development Promotion expenses should be 
upon the backs of those who  benefit from the promotion - (read Developers)  
If we can't impose a tax on  owners of vacant buildings, there certainly are 
some things we can do.   Maybe charge for town owned parking spaces even if the 
buildings are  vacant.  Maybe set up some codes to encourage owners of vacant 
buildings to  get them rented.  Maybe give owners of rented buildings a break 
on license  fees and impose a very large license fee for vacant buildings.  
Maybe put  together a task force to come up with ideas to encourage smart 
development  in our town and discourage empty buildings.  I would like the $35000 
line  item for EcD to be deleted and I would not mind if it went to the Police 
or  Public Works.
#2  I also read about the idea of "privatizing trash  collection:".  I am 
very much against this. I would like to see the  town continue to pick up trash.  
(It was one of the reasons we incorporated  in the 1920's)  If money needs to 
be saved, then I would suggest not  purchasing bucket trucks, street cleaning 
machines etc which are very large  expenses and instead outsourcing these 
particular jobs.  If we want to  outsource town services, then let's not stop at 
trash collection let's go all  the way and dissolve our town charter and go 
back to an all county service  area.
Audrey
 



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