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From the sublime to the ridiculous ... here we go

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After years of property taxes steadily increasing, most of the time outstripping by far the rate of inflation, it's time for some belt-tightening here.

Taxpayers have to stay on a budget that keeps within their means, and so should the town. We can't afford a 7 percent increase in our taxes. By the way, we'd like to know whose pay went up 7 percent this year, that is besides selectmen. Their pay nearly doubled!

So when you step into the voting booth tomorrow, think about what the town needs, not what it wants.

To that end let's look at some of the more important budget items that are looking for large chunks of money.

First off we have already said voters should vote no on the Lebanon Fire budget. It will revert to last year's budget so they'll still be funded. Meanwhile, we urge a yes for the Rescue Budget, including their per diem staffing. Then it will be up to the new fire and rescue chief to try to implement new efficiencies such as cross-training personnel to ensure greater fire protections as well. Readers can look at Sunday's editorial to read more about this issue.

But there are other large budget items that should also be rejected.

First, we urge a "No" vote on Question 10. Some selectmen and budget committee members recommended a no vote, and we do, too. We are not against the fire department building up a reserve account, but with an extra $100,000 going out to fund per diem staffing at Rescue as well as other increases, this is not the right time.

Secondly, we urge a "No" vote on Question 27, which urges taxpayers to raise and appropriate $80,000 for the town contingency fund. Again, we agree that this fund should be built up, but not this year for the same reason given above. Perhaps next year selectmen will get smart and select a smaller amount. We would be more likely to get onboard with such a scenario.

If the town is looking to shore up its financial position we suggest that they use more oversight with town departments like the Road Department and the Transfer Station.

For one thing, the transfer station doesn't need a "manager" to manage mostly family members.

Here's another one. The next road commissioner should be charged with oversight of transfer.

In Milton one supervisor runs the road department, the transfer station and public works. What a concept.

In Milton they have a fleet of town trucks, so you're not paying $60 or $70 an hour to lease trucks to run around town putting up signs. What a concept.

Maybe if the $80,000 sought for the contingency fund had been to buy a truck we could've gotten behind it.

Maybe someone will think of that for next year.

We also urge a yes vote on Referendum 12, which combines fire and rescue. All we can say is, "What took you so long?"

And now we go - and we never thought we'd ever see this phrase printed in The Lebanon Voice - from the sublime to the ridiculous: Please vote "No" on giving selectmen benefits. In fact, if we see any "Yes" votes on this we will hunt you down and give you a "pink belly." That's a promise.

We do believe that the road commissioner should get benefits, however, he shouldn't be able to lease a truck to the town and dispatch his own truck. In other words, vote for him to get benefits. But - and this is addressed to the future town manager and selectmen - don't let him lease a truck.

Lastly, we urge a "No" vote on Question 1, the $1,500 for the Lebanon Festival. Milton has a wonderful Pride Day each year and guess what? No public funds. What happened to fund raising in this town?

We had a perfectly wonderful Lebanon Fest last year, and it's only going to get better. We shouldn't need public money to pay for a community event. We're the community! Let's do it ourselves! Where's the volunteerism?

I'm sure Noble students needing community service hours would be happy to help, and would learn something about community involvement and volunteerism, too. Maybe, just maybe, it would even rub off on us.

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