Barre budget, round two? Hogwash

Some of the quotes in this article reveal the disconnection between some of the City Council members and the taxpayers.

If there are “dividends” by living in the city of Barre, then I have yet to see them. So far, since moving here in 2001, I have seen my taxes go up from $3,600 to $5,000. My house declines in value. The quote that a “$150,000 home will see their tax increase $91” is a quote I’ve heard long before Mayor Lauzon arrived on the scene. It’s one I’m sick of hearing, and it’s the ONLY thing that the council says that actually happens without fail.

As to the issue of cutting overtime, it’s a phantom cut. No one is going to tell the fire or police that they are not going out to a call for service because the budget is in overtime as the cut is in the bottom line, but the overtime will still need to be paid. Where will it come from, the water and sewer again?

If you simply don’t have the money, you economize. We have to do it, why not the city?

The budget is unsustainable. The Grand List tumbles and taxes increase. Service cuts are made (symbolically) yet spending increases are barely covering infrastructure repairs. In fact, any road or street improvements have to be a line item on the ballot to get approval. It should be a budget item. It’s a vicious circle.

The City Council needs to earn a little credibility. Just because they can ramrod a particular budget favorite through (Granite Museum, public safety building) doesn’t mean it’s good for the taxpayers. They are supposed to be the responsible ones, and I don’t buy the attitude that I’m the bad guy because I squawk.

I elected you to do this job — why should we have to ride herd? I have my own responsibilities, like trying to maintain my own income and budget.

Christopher Maloney

Barre Town EMS