To understand the failure of the Board of Selectmen to appropriately address flawed fiscal policy by continually using one time revenues or bandaid solutions, the genesis of Trash Fees is worthy of note (Additional meeting minutes available on the Town's Web Site provide more information.):
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 9, 2003
JUNE 9, 2003
Selectwoman Brunelle noted that Department Heads had presented level funded budgets. $940,000 of the problem goes back to 1990 and has never been addressed.
Mr. Healey noted that layoffs will effect 12 full-time people, 4 vacant positions and 2 part-time positions. He said each week delaying the layoffs creates more of a shortfall.
It was noted that a $200 trash and recycling fee would generated $1.2 million. It still would not give the Town the $1.8 million that it needs. It also would not give the School Department the additional $600,000 that they are requesting. Increasing Local Receipts will temporarily deal with the additional shortfall. Beyond that, permanent sources of revenue have to be established.
Mr. Healey noted that the Building Commissioner and Health Officer would like to come back before the Board to discuss fee increases.
Chairman Perkins said, if he had to make a choice, he would rather see trash and recycling fees implemented. He said a Debt Exclusion only effects people who own property.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/June%20Minutes/June%202003/June%209,%202003.htm
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 2, 2003
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 2, 2003
Selectman Eayrs noted that a fee for trash and recycling could wipe out the rest of the debt.
The idea of maximizing receipts runs the risk of leaving us in a worse position next year. However, at that point trash fees could be implemented.
