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Post by oldetowne on Apr 14, 2004 7:17:31 GMT -5
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Post by Dr.Ken Sokolowski on Apr 15, 2004 19:37:32 GMT -5
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1
Silver Member
ONE - second to none
Posts: 26
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Post by 1 on Apr 15, 2004 19:56:12 GMT -5
A whopping... you say, how about a good old fashion mugging. We all expected taxes to increase but this is a little too much. The rest of us poor slobs either took a pay cuts during this recession or very minimal if any increases to our wages. What am I getting for a 20% increase besides paying salaries to over paid teachers?
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Post by oldetowne on Apr 16, 2004 8:03:17 GMT -5
Leaving aside for the moment the size of the proposed tax increase, I have to say that I am very impressed with the town manager's message and her willingness to answer questions about it so that people understand what it is that is going on here. There is always too much confusion, grumbling and emotion surrounding almost every budget in town and I find it to be a huge breath of fresh air to have someone who actually understands what's going on stand up and be willing to explain and discuss things with the taxpayers.
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msg001
Silver Member
Posts: 25
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Post by msg001 on Apr 16, 2004 9:11:40 GMT -5
This tax increase is going to hit all of us in Town young and old, Sports minded and ones not interested in sports. The problem is and has been that the Towns needs have been put on hold for so long due to no one wanting to pay more in taxes, that we have no choice at this point. Our town has fallen into a deep hole. I like many have unfortunatly seen my income drop in the past few years. This will hurt my family as it will hurt everyone else, but I understand this has to be done. Maybe if the previous Town Council members had any backbone they could have stood up to the many whinners that have held us back and we would not have to be playing catchup now. I am not on the current Town Council and do not have any freinds or family members involved with it. So for the constant whiners and finger pointers, I have no hidden agenda here. In fact it is you that are the ones that have compained and fought any progress planned for this Town, you are the reason we are all getting stuck trying to play catchup. Thank you for nothing. Face it we have no other choice at this point.
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Post by LouS on Apr 16, 2004 10:39:13 GMT -5
Good Post.
There are two plans of action or thought processes playing out here.
One is proactive and the other is reactive.
One is, do we continue to band aid everything we do in Wethersfield and continue down the same path that has brought us to the needs, questions and concerns that plague us now and go with the minimum budget, which will continue to put off and worsen these issues, which are already at a critical point?
or
Two, do we have some foresight and pass a budget, that although will be a huge increase, will in the long run benefit Wethersfield by taking care of some of the needs that should have been addressed continuously over the past years?
The first is a passive response and the second is an active response. We are at a time when Wethersfield needs to make a bold statement, which will help us not
to fall into more of a backspin. Wethersfield needs to be seen as a community that cares and not only cares but acts.
This will be seen as The Beginning. It will either be the beginning of more positive developments in town or it will be the beginning of Wethersfield's sinking into the
abyss of becoming something that I am sure all residents do not want to have happen.
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Post by oldetowne on Apr 16, 2004 10:50:54 GMT -5
I hear you and agree. At the same time, I think we have to sit back and look at the various components of the budget and at least consider whether there are some things there that should be reviewed or changed going forward.
Since a prominent amount of the budget is going to personal services (salaries and fringes), insurance, etc., we may have to consider harder bargaining at the time of contract renewals or at least acknowledge that those are what is driving much of the increase.
We also have to pay attention to the continued slippage in the proportion of the tax burden that is being borne by commercial and industrial properties. As long as things continue even roughly on the same trend, each four year revaluation will result in a tax increase for homeowners regardless of what the budget makers do. Focusing on economic development is the only way to change this.
Finding ways to preserve open space is another way to prevent the spending side of the budget from growing faster than the income side. But this has to be systematic and can't be a knee-jerk thing. And there has to be some real consideration given to the purposes of the open space that is acquired - is it truly meant to be passive open space, preserved as farm land, or will it be yet another neglected park or playing field?
Finally, a meaningful and orderly approach to maintaining and improving the town's infrastructure is essential to our future. The capital budget process in this town has always been designed to fix the worst problems in the least expensive way - not to prevent the problems from getting bad in the first place. Changing this philosophy is not cheap, but the consequences of continuing down this path are nasty.
Off the soap box, going to lunch, so shoot at me while I am away.
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Post by LouS on Apr 16, 2004 11:06:48 GMT -5
Oldetowne.
Absolutely, the budget lines need to be looked at to determine what appropriate measures can be taken as we move forward.
I am hopeful that frank discussions can take place to make sure the future looks good.
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Post by seedfarmer on Apr 16, 2004 12:45:05 GMT -5
I too am impressed with the town manager. I feel as though she is really reaching out to us. That's more than I can say for the rest of the council.
What the heck happened to this town anyways? Why are we in such bad shape? I bought my house 5 years ago and have already had 2 tax increases and here comes number 3. I should have researched more before I bought here.
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Post by SenatorBlutarsky on Apr 16, 2004 21:52:33 GMT -5
Seedfarmer, The manager is very blunt, this problem didn't just sneak up on us. This has been going on for 20 + years. Instead of spending say $5,000 to maintain a roof, lets put it off and hope it fixes itself. Next thing we know the bill is $100,000 and everone is outraged! I think the board budget is to high, when 83% goes to saleries and benefits, that doesn't leave a whole lot for everything else. I find it hard to believe that a budget of 3.4% increase means "significant cuts to the police and fire departments, the elimination of almost all of the projects on the town's capital improvement list, and significant cutbacks in a host of areas including the library, the boat launch and the senior Dial A Ride program" If we go with a 7.45% increase it will still not cover all the town's operational needs, but will cover increasing "employee benefits and contractual increases". Maybe it is time to play hardball with all the unions. The teachers have never stepped up and gave back even in the early 90's when everybody else did. There isn't many towns around that can afford 3-4% every year, when the private sector, which is the taxpayers remains negative or just above even. The council should be pushing binding arbitration reform and in a hurry, but the way the unions have the legislature by the short hairs, that is just a dream.  |
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Post by LouS on Apr 27, 2004 7:58:26 GMT -5
I was very impressed with the turnout at the budget hearing Monday night into early Tuesday morning.
Approximately 95% of those that spoke offered support to the elected officials that it was about time to straighten out the years of the "band aid" approach. They were elected by a mandate to be progressive and there is a confidence that they will do the right thing.
There was limited, less than 5% by my calculations, negative feedback but it was from the same group that doesn't ever want anything positive to be accomplished in town, and often speaks about catastrophic outcomes, but when you cry wolf too many times...well you know the ending.
It is too bad that the group is so disparaging and belittles our elected officials as much as they do. Why? Because often there is some truth in what they bring up but that tends to fall on deaf ears.
This will hopefully be the beginning of getting our town back on track.
Current system waste and redundancies must be scrutinized to ensure appropriate usage of funds. As well, the benefit structure of employees needs to be addressed...not salaries per se, but benefit funding must approach the real world percentages. Any movement in this sector would definetly impact the bottom line in a positive way, however it is an uphill battle.
The town has, mandated through the election and again last night, directed the council to proceed and puts their trust in this group to make the right decisions.
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Post by oldetowne on Apr 27, 2004 9:13:01 GMT -5
Like Lou, I watched most of last night's budget show. And like Lou, I was impressed by many of the eloquent and compelling arguments made by the speakers in favor of the proposed budgets. Finally, I also agree that there are too many things that have been postponed or done part way in town and that it's time to set them straight.
We part company on several issues however. First, I don't believe that the campaign last fall ever discussed the merits of tax increases of nearly 20% - the focus was on personalities, party loyalty, Cottone Field, the Cove, and the pace of economic development. The turnout was the lowest in 50 years - hardly a mandate for anything.
Second, while the proposed budgets will allow existing initiatives and functions to continue, they do not even attempt to address any of the structural and organizational issues that have allowed us to get into this position. We will still be faced with a referendum to finish the town hall and library (due to somebody's mistake five years ago), we will have to consider whether we want to bond $3-4 M for road repairs, the debt service that was discussed will continue for the next five to fifteen years at roughly the same levels, health insurance and workers comp premiums will continue to rise, and most of the union contracts that have led to the increases in the "fixed costs" will continue in effect next year.
The budgets reviewed last night make no mention of either the improvements to Cottone Field or the costs of the revisions to the Nott Street project. There are also some pending civil suits against the town which may need to be resolved by writing a check. These will be added on to the figures that were discussed last night.
The turnout last night, as one of the WTXA guys accurately said, was a testament to our democracy. Yet it can hardly be assumed to be absolutely representative of the populace of the town. Only those with special concerns for various items funded in the budget and the few who view themselves as the watchdogs attended and spoke. Many more watched from home, but many more have given up believing that their opinion matters. Just as 60% of the voters stayed home last November, 99% of the residents stayed home last night.
I don't mean to be unduly negative - I am just trying to throw a small dose of reality into the mix and establish a little perspective. People working second or third shift, those who couldn't find a sitter, those who are too afraid to confront their neighbors or too proud to admit that they are having financial problems (especially when the message of "if you can't afford it, sell your house or move out" was once again heard) were not represented last night. But they will be among the thousands of us writing checks in July for these services and amenities. While the public good, as well as contractual obligations, demands that these items be funded, to assume 95% support for it is disingenuous.
I will willingly pay more next year. But as a quid pro quo, I will expect that my elected officials will do their best to make sure that the money is well spent and not misdirected. I also fear that the same 10-11% increase that was not attributed to revaluation will exist next year and the year after and for as long as it takes this town to make some meaningful advances in the field of economic development. If the past is any guide to the future, that will be a long time.
Sorry for the rant - maybe I need more fiber in my diet.
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Post by LouS on Apr 27, 2004 10:15:10 GMT -5
oldetowne, you mention some good points.
I guess my excitement is based on the potential of working with a council and board that may be able to work together and are not afraid to move forward on issues. The operational wording being move forward.
In business, when there is a plan it needs to be funded. Based on this level of buy in there is an expected return on investment. If this plan of tax increase and spending is acheived and monitored the end results going forward will hopefully springboard us further. Our current systems need to be scrutinized and the dead wood and waste needs to be removed allowing for better returns. There is much work to do.
As far as voting, there are probably many reasons why the vote was low this year. Whether anyone has a pet project or not the onus is on the voter to state their will during election time. When we elect state and federal reps, we give them the backing to represent us. We can disagree on whether there are mandates tied into the election but everyone I spoke to and I was registered with the state, spoke about progress, moving forward, "out-of-the box" thought process and welcomed new perspectives and attitudes brought to the table by our elected officials.
As my dad stated when asked recently to sign a petition about some sort of "no tax increase issue"...being 80, and having no children in the school system and not part of the taxpayers association, "when my kids were in school others paid for town accomodations, education needs...and now it is our turn to support education and our town.
Make no mistake, Wethersfield is on the brink of choosing a direction it wants to go. One is becoming a part of Hartford (in its negative sense, not diversity wise but functionality wise). The other is returning to where Wethersfield is again seen as a town to be part of.
In order to jumpstart this new direction, the fully funded budget should be passed and then the work of the BOE and the Town Council starts, as they will need to listen to our years of speaking to waste, duplication of services, cost effective measures that need to be taken and other ideas that will save the town money.
I have been actively seeking changes for over 10 years. I have testified at the union negotiation process and hopefully we will make more headway there.
What excites me is that for the first time I can remember there are officials (8 of 9) on the council that will listen and actually hear what is being stated and are not afraid to act.
For the short term there is really not much to loose. If we do not start this process we will never know what could have been. The voters can then "speak their mind" at the next election.
As far as the town hall and other projects, etc., we seem to have these sorts of problems frequently. In my short term memory I recall the High School renovation and specifically Cottone Field. The revelations there pointed to obvious contract shortfalls and misrepresentations that were not followed up on by our town official that were suppossed to be monitoring the work. I project, at this point, that any referendum that would support the finalizing of this project would pass.
We need to hold responsible those individuals that have control over town projects, budgets, etc. We then can fire them, applaud good results for employees and choose to reelect or vote out our elected officials.
I am starting to ramble. Give me some feedback.
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Post by oldetowne on Apr 27, 2004 11:06:58 GMT -5
I ramble, you ramble, other people ramble, it's all because there is so much at stake and so many different variables to consider.
Maybe I am just more cynical by nature than you are, but I am not as exuberant in my optimism that the Council and Board members will make all of the right choices and hold anyone accountable for anything. The majority's shameless jumping on bandwagons and following the public sentiment on many issues - most recently the 180 on blasting at Nott Street, soon to be followed by another 180 when they can't figure out how to fund the alternative - gives me concerns about their ability to think long-term and progressively.
I continue to be impressed with Bonnie Therrien as the town manager and believe that she is able to think strategically and with foresight and will actually MANAGE the town side of the ledger in a way that will get the most out of every dollar. Perhaps some degree of accountability will actually creep into some of our departments in town hall.
I do not have the same comfort level with the Board or the superintendent - there is simply too much administrative inertia and union greed to make any real headway there, especially when well-intentioned parents do their dirty work for them in the public hearings.
That is all the short term view. With respect to the long term, I agree that we are at a point where we can choose (to some degree) the town's destiny. And, as you said, in the short term it's a no-brainer. Pay the tax increase and at least stay where we were before reval.
The thing that troubles me, and I must confess I have little comfort that our elected leaders have a clue about this, is (1) meaningful economic development and (2) structural changes in how our town runs.
We need to grow the grand list - everyone agrees - because we cannot continue to sustain even the maintenance level budgets on the back of residential taxpayers. To go beyond that and start making the improvements and increased services that some people have suggested may give the town an equally unpleasant reputation as one with unmanageable taxes.
But there will be absolutely no political will to support any development at Putnam Park or in the Meadows and the prospect of redevelopment will require either condemnation of private property or massive bonding proposals for purchases. To rotate dollar stores and Chinese restaurants through our shopping centers doesn't help anyone. The naysayers will rear their heads in opposition when these proposals are made and, this is an undeniable fact, many of them are the same individuals who spoke up last night in favor of the proposed budgets.
You're right, Lou, we are at a crossroads, but the range of options was narrowed, not five or ten years ago, but sixty years ago when the development patterns of the town were first established. The historic district, which at that time was the only real business center, was deemed to be sacrosanct, the Silas Deane and the Berlin Turnpike were set up as narrow strips of small businesses catering to through travelers and residents, and the rest of the town was small lot single-family residential subdivisions. The only place to build a large project was the dump and that took monumental efforts to overcome the opposition of many of our residents. The next two or five years will not change this unless there is some absolutely amazing reversal in how people view the issue and, ironically, that may arise as a result of a few more 10-20% tax increases.
Darn, I have rambled on too much again. We should do this over a beer sometime so all of the other poor folks don't have to read the postings.
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Post by LouS on Apr 27, 2004 11:42:28 GMT -5
I agree about everything, including the beer.
I guess my feelings are based on a good number of years of knowing and hearing what we both have written and not feeling empowered to act on it.
There is a wave involvement (proactiveness) that I believe may just let us pursue to positive results the items you mention.
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18.86% TAX DOLLAR INCREASE! 
