A Tale of Competing Philosophies

A Special Town meeting has been scheduled in Sturbridge for Tuesday, February 24. This meeting is a tale of mixed philosophies. One, asks us to approve additional funds while increasing our tax burden for a project of questionable value, that has yet to break ground. This project, involving two aged and structurally deficient buildings is being rushed to a vote based upon what appears to be a timetable for contractors as opposed to residents. The other, an updated Master Plan, which incurs no financial burden upon residents, provides the tools for addressing challenges and opportunities that will manifest in the future.

In terms of the Town Hall project, there is little doubt - based upon projects of similar magnitude nationally - that there will be necessity for additional funds to address yet unknown structural issues. Most prominent and experienced contractors will readily admit that with projects of this nature, there is always more than meets the eye, even in the best of circumstances. Thus, with relative certainty, we can expect additional request(s) for tax dollars. At that point, there will be no choice but to comply in order to finish the project.

In light of the economic uncertainty facing many within this community, it is ill-advised to continue down a path based upon emotional attachment to a structure. To be sure, there is merit – at some point in the future- to renovating Town Hall, but for taxpayers to incur additional financial liabilities at this time for projects of questionable return on investment is a dangerous course of action.

Some have suggested that the tax increase will amount to a mere $80.00 per year. That figure is suspect at best, particularly since we have yet to expose the true challenges within these structures. Additionally, it is unwise to view this tax increase void of its aggregate impact when combined with other projects.

Bear in mind, that the much needed WWTF expansion will cost users an additional $300 plus dollars per year. Other projects will add a bit here and a bit there. Suddenly, the estimated $80.00 annual increase will become significant when viewed in its entirety with other projects. It is unwise in this climate to move forward without careful scrutiny. One has to question this rush to judgment via Special Town Meeting.

Additionally, the certain loss of additional tax revenue from business closings and housing losses will surely result in increased tax burdens for all. There is no denying that fact. All reputable economists predict ever escalating unemployment (9-10%) and further erosions to the housing market, which has already witnessed a 225% increase in mortgage forclosures since 2006. In 2008, over 160,000 retail stores closed and analysts predict that an additional 200,000 retailers will close in 2009. Sturbridge cannot escape the fallout of such dismal numbers.

As for the Master Plan, this is the right time to proceed with such as it provides a significant return on investment for every Sturbridge resident. No tool better enables a community to plan its future growth while providing a blueprint with which to exploit economic opportunities. Additionally, an updated Master Plan is a critical component of some funding requests that a community may seek from the state. Without such, our community remains a low priority for some funding streams.

The Master Plan - at a cost of $75k - will have no impact upon our tax burden, but will provide substantial return on our investment as we move towards the future. It is of much greater significance and value than the millions we will spend on renovations to Town Hall.