Clearing the dusting

Pretty eye opening piece in The Standard Times concerning the finances in a local community. There is talk there of seeking a $3.5 Million override. The main point for that is, which is often left out of discussions for such matters, by 2020, even is the override passes absent major changes in government structure, the huge shortfall reappears.

We, i.e. Fairhaven, aren't there yet.  Emphasis on yet. Requests have to be reduced somewhat yes.  We have to tighten the belt in some areas.  We have to carefully pick and choose the money we spend, the very little money we spend, outside of operations. 

We have to deal with the reality the the "new" sources of revenue if found and obtained, have to be seriously looked at for use to maintain what we have.  There is a significant portion of the populace, in and out of government, that view such things as an opportunity to do more.  Perhaps, if you can generate enough money to make such things self sufficient.  

Any new item, service, position that is funded from"new revenue" but relies on GF in any part or aspect, has to be looked at with a very fine tooth comb.  The time for nit picking must be before implementation.

If we as a town somehow manage to do another juggling act for FY 2015, it will have to be a tight, precise and technically flawless juggling act; and,  it is going to be at the expenses of the immediate year following. 

The catch 22, always the catch 22, do we do some fine slicing and dicing this year to fund the following year?

Couple the story mentioned above with another appearing in The Standard Times on page A8 (sorry can't find the link) about the economy and asking if this is as good as it gets, and you can see the potential funk financially everyone one is facing and should be paying attention to.

We have to constantly assess and ask ourselves just how good can we afford to be or get in any one area. To be the best in any one aspect, what are we willing to do at less than best?

For example, and this winter has provided a perfect example of a service some see as very good and some see as very poor, the same being snow and ice removal.  If you feel it needs improvement, this one can really only be improved with more money.  

Sure a tweak or two on how you do what you do with what you have to do it with might result in some improvement.  Biggest complaint I hear from people is how long it takes to get to their streets.  If you want a shorter response that means more plows and more drivers.   We could send out sanders/salters with the frequency the state does.  Again more trucks, more drivers, and more supplies.  

Want the plows out, say even on a snowfall we had overnight, maybe an inch plus or minus where you live?  See above solution.  

To improve on this service means money.  That simple.  

Does it make sense?  Do we need bare streets after every and any event?  Can we afford it?

As an FYI, I think the town does a pretty good job in this particular service.  Where it is lacking, which isn't an issue for removal, well not totally, is the failure to keep the walkways/sidewalks/crosswalks free and clear.  

Another story for another day.

Speaking of another day, anything further will have to wait.   

Be safe.