It's no secret, that nationally we face the most significant economic crisis since the great depression. Just yesterday, 75,000 American jobs were lost and predictions have suggested a 9% unemployment rate by year’s end. This is unprecedented in recent American history.
Bankruptcies are skyrocketing, home foreclosures are at record rates and the bottom has still not fallen out. In 2008 alone, foreclosure rates rose 81% and have increased 225% since 2006.
These national issues cannot be viewed in a vacuum as though they do not impact Sturbridge. Job loss, salary reductions, foreclosures and or stressed mortgages are happening to and affecting every aspect of life here in Sturbridge.
We are all well aware of threatened service reductions and possible job losses here locally and our financial prospectus will only deteriorate as national cuts lead to state aid reductions, ultimately leading to more economic strain here in Sturbridge. The remainder of this post can be read by accessing the READ MORE link below.
The decisions and policies implemented by our elected officials over the next 3 years will have consequences - good or bad - for residents over the next 15 – 20 years. It is imperative that those decisions be based upon pragmatic, deliberate, and comprehensive evaluation in order to best navigate the challenges ahead. We need to scrutinize every expenditure to ensure that our approach is in the best long-term financial interests of the town, while rigorously protecting and improving those vital services we deliver.
Town Hall/Center School Project
We have been considering a nearly $6 million dollar expenditure for the Town Hall and Center School - projects which I previously supported - while families lose their jobs and homes, and our community is faced with municipal service reductions and/or job cuts. Back in December when suggestions surfaced about reconsidering this project and reviewing it’s feasibility considering the current economic climate, there was initial skepticism expressed by appointed and elected officials about considering alternatives.
Recently however, in light of the growing concern among Sturbridge residents, we have learned of a possible alternative site now under consideration. This is certainly refreshing news as it demonstrates a deeper appreciation of the current economic climate, yet we should be cautious not to limit our options.
Sturbridge Landfill/Recycling Center
Our fiscal 2009 budget for our Recycling Center is $280,000 and we are now facing a $200,000 shortfall in our landfill cap fund, which will be needed this year in order to close cell #2. Yet, there has been some reluctance to undertake a study of our current landfill practices, which might provide insight and direction about a more financially viable approach.
As part of our financial review of the recycling center, we should also embark upon a course of proactive education in terms of energy and resource conservation. With reduced revenues and ever fluctuating energy prices, the importance of maximizing our energy efficiency while decreasing overall goods and energy consumption will become an important tool locally.
We need to consider these and all expenditures in much broader scheme, while applying greater scrutiny to the manner in which we spend taxpayer money.
Senior Services
Reductions at the regional level, have reduced elder bus schedules to the point to where many seniors are now forced to spend an entire day out of town at a doctor’s office. These individuals are forced to pack a day’s worth of supplies such as snacks, lunches, diabetic medications, etc., as we focus our attention on what may appear to some as non-essential expenditures. This past year has been instrumental in highlighting a range of issues our seniors struggle in silence with.
We must become more engaged in policy discussions with our seniors and more proactive in our approach to addressing their concerns.
Burgess School
Children and teachers at the Burgess School find themselves in less than “ideal” conditions that will only continue to deteriorate. Our educational system in one of the many highlights within our community and is recognized by all of us for its excellence. We must endeavor to identify resources with which to facilitate the construction of a facility that is more conducive to our children’s needs. Our children are our future and an investment in them and their needs, produces long-term benefits within our community and our region.
Financial Practices/Philosophies
In the 2009 Finance Committee Report, issued in April of 2008, the FinCom identified the need to “…search for additional revenue streams to meet our goals rather than spending our reserves or cutting back on services”. Publicly at least, there has been little comprehensive discussion or dialogue about any additional revenue streams being pursued, in order to help “…meet our goals”. Certainly, there may well be efforts underway to identify such, which should include grants as well and this would be welcomed news. If such is the case, then it is vital to educate, update, and include residents in that process.
The FinCom report also indicated that for the “…third year in a row…we come to Town Meeting unable to pay for our operational expenses without dipping into our reserves” and that “taking free cash to pay for operating expenses equates to our living beyond our means”.
This practice – though somewhat palatable for some as a short-term solution – will become ever more dangerous and detrimental to our economic well-being were it to continue. It is imperative that we actively embark upon a path of fiscal restraint, long-term planning, and revenue generation if we are to ensure the delivery of essential services while protecting our viability as a community.
Certainly, there are many dangers in the failure to implement a more fiscally pragmatic approach, not the least of which is the temptation to grasp onto any form of development as a means of increasing our tax base. Attracting and encouraging development will be an important instrument of our recovery, but it needs to be calculated in terms of the long-term benefit and/or detriment to the community.
Master Plan
We need to engage in broader discussions about the future of our community and the manner in which we approach growth. A new Master Plan will be critical in determining the direction of our journey as we move forward. Without such, there is no blueprint nor guidance with which to guide our decision making. If we are to properly position ourselves for economic resurgence, a commitment to an updated Master Plan must be made.
Comprehensive Policy Discussions
To that end we should take a more proactive and substantive approach towards engaging the Planning Board, Board of Health, EDC, Recreation, Trail, and Open Space committees, among others, in policy discussions and determinations. This will ensure that all matters concerning future growth are properly evaluated and vetted.
Vital to the future direction of Sturbridge, will be the input and guidance necessary from an engaged and proactive Board of Health. Determinations about sewer service areas and future needs for sewer and water access, should be based not upon politically ideologies, but upon engineering, health, and environmental concerns. When one considers the importance of our lakes and streams and their proximity to significant numbers of septic systems, one need be concerned about the dangers faced from failed systems. Equally so, the Board of Health has a broad range of responsibilities and challenges that need to be better integrated into our policy development. We need to actively solicit their engagement on a wide range of challenges facing our community.
As well, we must weigh heavily the counsel we receive from our Department of Public Works, recognizing the responsibility they are tasked with in physically managing our water, sewer, and other infrastructure systems. This however, does not alleviate the need for cost vs. benefit overviews of all expenditures.
Casino Gambling
We should recognize as well, that as the economy continues to deteriorate, there may be increased pressures to authorize casino gambling at the state level as an additional revenue stream. This will require a great deal of effort and focus by local municipalities who may be impacted in a manner inconsistent with the general wishes of residents. Sturbridge has previously indicated its opposition to, and concerns with what many agree to be the detrimental impact a nearby casino could have upon our community. Careful scrutiny by appointed and elected policy-makers in conjunction with exhaustive efforts among surrounding communities and state leaders, will be necessary in protecting and preserving the quality of life in Sturbridge.
The challenges we face both known and unknown, will require a strong proactive and pragmatic approach by our elected and appointed officials if we are to ensure the future prosperity of Sturbridge. It will require the willingness for us to take inventory of our approach in all manner of governance. It will require the need to recognize and understand the national trickle down effect in terms of economics and policy decisions, as we engage local issues.
Regardless of any final decision arrived at in terms of the submission deadline for any candidate’s nomination papers, it is critical that we engage in the practice of restraint, review, and reason as it relates to our overall approach to the financial management of our town. As taxpayers, we should recognize the need to more closely scrutinize our entire budge in terms of the larger picture.
It is my sincere hope that at the very least, the initiation of a possible candidacy by myself will lay the groundwork for the necessary dialogue by others who may be inclined to run for office.
1 comments: