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Let It Be Known

In the Board of Finance amended minutes for Oct. 6, 2015, board member John O’Brien noted several town departments that had budget overages for four to six of the last six years. What good is a budget when certain departments consistently spend more than voters approve? It appears there is no consequence for offenders. Why?

Voters can understand that occasionally, things happen. Consistent overspending is another matter. Budgets for the 2016-2017 year are in the process of being reviewed by the members of the Board of Finance. Hopefully both the Board of Education and the municipal government budgets reflect reality going forward!

Once again, the two budget proposals ask for increased spending. With the Grand List flat, that means the money must come from our pockets in the form of increased taxes. Many of us already have flat pockets without another increase in town taxes.

Those who care about how their tax dollars are spent should let it be known. We elected the members of the Board of Finance to oversee budgets for us. They are good people. If they hear nothing, however, it is assumed voters are happy. Are they? Would they like to see some cuts? I encourage your readers to check out the Special Budget Meetings being held on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. Details should be on the town website.

It is up to the residents to be prepared to accept or reject the next budget proposals in the spring. Hopefully more than 400 or so taxpayers care enough to do their civic duty of being informed voters. The final say is their votes.

Carol A. Manning

Old Saybrook