Developing the budget for fiscal year 2024-’25 was a real challenge for the Board of Finance (BOF) and the Board of Selectmen. We had to consider sharply rising electricity costs, contract-mandated payroll costs, and large increases in Region 4 expenses.

The budget we’re presenting for a citizen vote on Monday, May 20, includes no provision for capital expenses. On a long-term basis, this is not ideal planning or solid municipal governance. Even without providing for capital increases, the proposed budget increases the mill rate by 1.5 mils, giving Deep River the highest mil rate in the Tri-Town area.

To keep to this level of increase, we had to say “no” to many good requests from department heads, the fire department, and engaged citizens. We hope that these “nos” will not be forever. As the BOF chair has pointed out, budget management is a fluid process. As additional revenues are attained through the possible sale of unused Town property and from the results of initiatives driven by the Economic Development Commission, we may have the financial latitude to support some of the requests during the course of the year. In two years’ time, a major sewer bond will be paid off, allowing us to take on new debt obligations to cover capital costs while maintaining a steady bond interest expense level. Considering everything, we think it is most respectful to the majority of town residents who are struggling to manage their family budget in this inflationary time to limit the proposed mill increase as much as possible.

Please come to the town meeting on May 20, ask questions, and vote your mind. I hope you will vote to approve the budget.

Kathryn Russell

Deep River

Kathryn Russell is a member of the Board of Selectmen.