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Start Making Changes Now

When do Guilford’s annual expenditures reach a level where we say “enough”? I, and others, have asked this question, but received no answer. Some believe that a three-plus percent increase each year is no problem, arguing that spending cuts result in service reductions. I disagree.

Each year people speak against the budget It’s easy to vote “No” to a proposed budget. It’s more difficult to publicly speak out in opposition. Harder yet is to propose a solution to rising taxes, because someone or some group will earn less, pay more, perhaps receive a reduction in service, the latter being subjective in nature and difficult to measure.

Only three people came forward and asked critical questions during this year’s public budget meetings, yet there are many who are tired of 20 years of annual tax increases. Voting “No” at the last minute isn’t the way to put the brakes on our spending spree. Rather, we need to start making changes now to prepare for next year’s budget with an eye to cutting costs.

Guilford’s per capita income was flat from 2010-2014; however, our budget (driven largely by salaries and benefits) was up more than 13 percent. Is it unfair to suggest that Guilford’s employees have years in which salaries are flat?

Student enrollment has fallen dramatically. The feasibility of closing a school (put the Food Bank in one and save the state $400,000) and other potential education savings warrant consideration. Cuts to the $l.5 million Park & Rec budget, $1.06 million library budget, town planning budget, $2.38 million Public Works budget, and other departments should be considered. Consolidation of finance departments and sharing functions with adjacent towns needs further evaluation.

Now isn’t the time to turn down this year’s budget. Now’s the time to start work to cut next year’s budget!

Ken MacKenzie

Guilford