I have been asked several times what the budget shortfall is. Well, believe it or not, still too early to tell.
Rest assured however that come the conclusion of the Annual Town Meeting the shortfall will be $0. We will have a balanced budget. We just might now have the same operations we used to.
It is still a bit early however to tell what is in issue until some of the stuff outstanding gets resolved.
Less than two weeks to the STM.
Special Town Meeting will help add a few pieces to the puzzle for the FY 2015 budget. A couple of significant pieces will still remain missing, and we may find ourselves scrambling to fit them in at the end of the day, or the first thing in the morning of the schedule Annual meeting if history is any precedent.
It is traditions like that that make Town Meeting an event to look forward to.
Have we had our fill on trash talk for the moment?
Interesting piece in the Fairhaven Neighborhood News on the proposed "subdivision" on Narragansett Blvd. Several significant points made by individual board members, the first being "that just because the board has approved similar measures in the past, does not mean they should again" and "There's a reason for the by-laws." Words to live by going forward for all boards and committees.
I have been receiving a number of interesting questions and comments about the Town Government Study Committee survey. My boiler plate response is and will continue to be you need to contact that Committee for answers to your questions and should contact and provide it with your comments.
I can't explain the "why" that committee has done something. The rumblings of discontent should be brought to the attention of that committee. The web site for it has a contact page with a feedback box, an e-mail address and a telephone number. The committee also provides public comment time during its meetings.
Folks if you have an issue or concern (and "folks" includes citizens and town employees/officials/boards/committees folks) the time for input and questions is now.
At least from following the minutes, seems we will see a town administrator proposal for the annual; something relative to the BPW and something relative to an IT strategy/program. At least there are place holder articles for the same for the annual warrant.
Hopefully the specific language will be released sooner rather than later. It needs to be vetted. People need enough time to digest the information properly.
The one lesson to be learned from the past few years for any "new" proposal in this town is people want the specifics and they want them with enough time to properly digest them. Time will tell whether the timing provided for that will be sufficient.
Speaking of time, this piece is has received all the time it can get for the moment.
Be safe.
According to a front page article in The Advocate today there is an attempt being made to revitalize the Dog Park Committee. Is the creation of a dog park going to cost the town money? The article lists three potential sites. Is the town donating the land so a private organization can build and maintain it? The article mentions it would be beneficial to have a water source. If it's not privately owned, who will pay for maintenance of the site and water? Will it be noted that the town is not liable for any injuries to dog or man that may occur from use of the park? I love dogs. But is this just another item that will be added to the budget without a clearly defined long term way to pay for it?
ReplyDeleteThe desire for a dog park is the perfect opportunity for an entrepreneur to start a small business, consider it a doggie social center. Someone can rent or buy the land, build according to his needs, and manage and maintain the property. Users can pay a membership fee that would cover costs, including insurance.
ReplyDeleteIt's time for those who want to satisfy their demand for something to build it themselves instead of hoping the town will share the burden. Or in this case, tell us what department should give up a portion of their budget to maintain a dog park?
If you think about it ,its a social gathering for the owners also.Most cities an towns section off small ares in existing parks.Disposal containers are already there for the regular trash ,so there is no need for any department to worry..
ReplyDeleteAgain, where should the money come from to maintain it? The materials and labor for the fencing might be donated. But what's the maintenance plan? The bike path was built, but there's still a cost incurred for periodical maintenance. Why should the town take on another burden without knowing where the money is coming from? For all of the parks, bike path, grass at the Fort, and other places to walk the dogs, why do we need more? To let the dogs run leash-free? Annoyingly, they seem to do this at the parks, Fort, and bike path already. Show me the money.
ReplyDeleteYou could be right ,maybe just add more bag kiosks an hope the dog owners use them.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that people refuse to understand or admit that things cost money? Everything will be donated, just add some of this and a little of that and we're all set.
ReplyDeleteIt costs something to have 'something.' And no one is proposing where the money will come from.