I went to the meeting on the new property tax proposal this past week and found it informational. We got a lot of good information and a lot of good challenges and questions from the audience.

For example, the decline in town staff is because they are contracting out services – a wise move.

The main concern is roads; they want $4 million out of the $7 million property tax to pay for roads. We now pay $2.5 million per year for roads now and they want to raise that to a total of $6.5 million per year. As they were debating how much we should be taxed, the Council suggested $3 million. Staff wanted more and it seems the compromise was $7 million ($4 million of which would go for roads – the other $3 million is for renovations, public safety and the environmental fee).

Here is the shocking part – there is no basis for either number. A Road Improvement Study is being done that is to be released sometime in April – just as the ballots are going out. Our representatives voted without a comprehensive study of the needs or cost estimates for road maintenance and repairs.

Obviously, we all support good roads and infrastructure, but when it comes to asking the taxpayers for their hard-earned dollars, there should be sound evidence behind that request. We are asked to pay $7 million more in taxes forever, without any clear justification. Just say no until we can approach problems with carefully thought out solutions.

Would you go to a bank for a home improvement loan for roof repairs without going up on the roof, having any damage assessed or any estimate of costs? And would you ask him for that loan to be renewed every year, forever?