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Budget is a Prudent One

Guilford’s annual budget referendum is next Tuesday, April 9, and I will vote “Yes” for the budget proposed by the Board of Finance (BOF).

The budget is a prudent one, carefully crafted over many months by the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Freeman, and the BOF. In the final analysis, the BOF cut $200,000 and factored in a potential loss of state aid of almost $300,000, as well as an assumption of $166,000 for teachers’ retirement.

The debt service included in the budget is driven mainly, but not entirely, by the debt on the high school. We have a great school system with the high school being the most visible element that attracts younger home buyers to Guilford.

Our town is healthy financially. That helps drive economic development and helps keep the town’s bond rating high, which saves money on the cost of bonding.

Guilford is a great place to live. Let’s keep it that way by voting “Yes” for the budget and the three ballot questions on Tuesday, April 9.

Steve Kops

Guilford