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strongly advises that the first appropriation <strong>of</strong> those funds be made to<br />
rebuild our reserves, that is the Stabilization Fund, rather than initiate new<br />
spending. We absolutely must restore our savings.<br />
By reestablishing this key financial pillar, we will contribute to<br />
the security <strong>of</strong> our bond rating and create a cushion to absorb future<br />
financial blows which undoubtedly and unexpectedly will arrive. With the<br />
recommendations in this warrant, we’ve started to take some positive<br />
steps that will get us back on solid financial footing. But beyond these<br />
short-term solutions, we must also consider decisions and actions which<br />
position us for afford-ability <strong>of</strong> <strong>Town</strong> and prosperity in the future.<br />
So what are some <strong>of</strong> the strategies for future fiscal stability?<br />
First, as consumers <strong>of</strong> municipal services, taxpayers in our town must<br />
weigh the question <strong>of</strong> whether we are burdening our <strong>Town</strong> government<br />
with requests for services that we’re financially unable to meet given our<br />
current level <strong>of</strong> taxation.<br />
Do we honestly know what services we really need? Or are<br />
there some services that a few <strong>of</strong> us simply want? How much are we<br />
willing to pay for them? And what <strong>of</strong> those who are less able to pay?<br />
Second, in conjunction with answering those questions, our<br />
taxpayers deserve to know what our services cost. This means looking<br />
deeper, beyond just the bottom-line budget in each <strong>of</strong> the departments.<br />
We need to look at the programs that are embedded and supported within<br />
Tinkham Reporting<br />
(508) 759-9162<br />
1-<br />
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