Another budget year mostly completed and it looks like town side taxes will be increased by .16 cents begining in July 09 budget.
Councilors spent the last two weeks reviewing the 09 budget line by line and came out with a budget that did not spend up to the tax cap. The allowed tax increase via town tax cap which is deterimed by the prevuious years CPI index would of allowed a .21 cents increase ( my previous post made .23 cents was incorrect) however the sitting councilors found savings of about $153,000 from the Administrators recommendations.
Items cut were: a vacant librarian position (Derry public Library)
$8000 in Health Dept's personnel line
A part time custodian position from Public works ( Funding of position)
And we had savings from insurance that helped lower the numbers.
Most important is that the majority of councilors allowed the police chief to hire two officers ( which were previuosly flagged for elimination or/ combo 1/2 elim with funding) However we recognized the fact that these are not 2 new positions but replaced postions with retiring officers.
Another good job by this council on a good budget process.
What do you think about budget process??? Share your thoughts!
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6 comments:
So you gave them 99.6% of everything the administrator asked for. Perhaps Brent can put you in for a "Profiles in Courage Award".
I think you guys did a decent job considering the conditions you were working with. This year was tough and next year will be tougher. I feel that the council, the adminiistration, and the management will certainly find a way to get things done.
In response to anon 7:51...
I'm sure the extra few dollars in your wallet would have felt so much safer to you at 2:30 in the morning when someone is kicking in your front door than the 2 officers who would have been responding to that call to help you.
Fortunately that is not the case and you *might* someday be thanking them for being there.
BC,
Its time for another open forum. I watch the ZBA replay tonight and was appalled. The members are all well intentioned, but unprepared for their workload. They fumbled through the cases. The record and/or tape will be used by any competent attorney in filing appeals. Too many of the experienced members were let go. Its going to hurt the Town. Our legal costs will rise as we defend our ill conceived decisions.
Even with the "small town side increase", we are facing huge tax bills here in Derry. Can someone tell me what ever happened to if you were employed by the town you had to live in town. Most of the high earners in this town reside outside of Derry. The employee unions are never going to settle for less, why should they, most members don't pay property taxes in this town. Everyone says that the town administrator should own property in town, but why not other department heads, Fowler, Cote, etc. (there is quite a lengthy list) don't live in Town. They get the benefit of the high salaries paid in Derry, but Derry doesn't benefit from revenue from taxes on their properties.
Anon 12:21 You're right. I watched the replay and was saddened by what I saw. Cecile Cormier appears to be the only one who knows what is going on and how things should be done. When she had to tell Mr. Virr (the Chair) that Mr. Dimmock shouldn't be arranging chairs in the audience that was enough for me! .
Anon 11:33 My concern is not for my safety, the 9MM next to my bed and the 10 gauge pump (00 Buck)nearby will dissuade intruders. My concern is more for those families having to face the sheriff (carrying eviction papers).
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