We enjoy our homes and all they offer for convenience and enjoyment. As homes age, maintenance compels us to invest in renovations. Our town’s infrastructure’s in a similar situation. There is a significant burden to keep up with the ongoing general expenses and the emergent maintenance.

We are at a point that our revenues are insufficient to accommodate the amenities we enjoy and support an underfunded maintenance. A predictable financial problem exists now. Absent a stable revenue source, conditions will only worsen.

Years ago the new construction taxes funded our obligations while accruing a surplus. New building permits are 50 or less per year compared to 200 to 300 a decade ago. Coupling that with the diminished state shared revenue leads to a shortfall. Eighty percent of our general revenue comes from sales tax and uncertain state shared revenue.

The dwindling reserves have been employed to balance the budget.

The town has trimmed costs and consolidated positions, cutting employees by a third to 55 this decade.

We are now and have been one of the lowest per-capita spending towns in the Valley.

Police and fire ($7.7 million) will consume 50 percent of the general fund. Other large capital items include $2 million-plus needed for road repair, $3.5 million for the fire station and $1 million for facilities.

State law requires a balanced budget. Without dependable income the town must predictably cut valued amenities and postpone essential infrastructure and road restoration.

Residents concerned about the looming shortfall are amenable to a stable primary tax. We cannot subsist on borrowed bond funds. The bond debt service was $2.9 million; another $8 million due by 2021. The Town’s certain shortfall is a problem now. Consider the primary property tax as a sustainable way to support our town’s future and property values.