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Is the City Cutting Too Deeply?
(by Morgan W. Brown Montpelier - February 06, 2013)
Is the City Cutting Too Deeply?
Editor:
Prior to voting during city meeting this year, Montpelier voters should read as well as thoroughly examine the details of the proposed Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 2014) municipal budget very carefully.
In doing so, one will find that certain municipal positions are being eliminated by attrition (i.e., due to anticipated retirements). These positions include one full-time police officer, one full-time firefighter/EMT and one full-time public works street employee.
These are vital direct service positions that help maintain both the level as well as quality of services not only expected, but more importantly they are also needed.
While it might be true that the city manager and city council are empowered to develop and propose the city budget, it is also true that the last word on approving the same belongs solely to the voters.
During the final budget hearing there were some members of the city council who had cynically stated, among other things, about how if voters did not like the choices made within the budget, then voters could vote it down.
It is deeply troubling to contemplate that the only means now left for city voters to make their concerns and voices heard as well as heeded when it comes to ensuring a good and healthy quality life is to vote down the city budget at the ballot box.
In the end, individual voters will have to decide whether or not the proposed FY 2014 budget truly measures up to their own expectations, priorities and vision concerning the provision of quality municipal services and vote accordingly.
Morgan W. Brown
Montpelier
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