Statement from Cindy Cartier, selectman

Folks,

I am writing in support of the current budget proposed by the Board of Finance and encourage you to vote “Yes.” Additional reductions have been made including the fact that most employees have agreed to wage concessions (thank you to our great employee workforce!!!) thereby reducing the overall tax increase to just over 4%. Although some may feel that the tax increase is still too high, if this budget does not pass, it would take us years to recover from further cuts that would have to be made. We are at a critical time in Guilford's history - we have almost eliminated the fund balance (our savings account) and have deferred many operational and capital expenses.

Even with the reduction by the Board of Finance, there is not going to be the resources needed to maintain operations and fund capital improvements including the maintenance of buildings. We are in a no win situation due in large part to the lack of fiscal planning over the past few years by the current leadership. Nevertheless, we need this to move this budget forward.

I have further urged the leadership to enact a Fiscal Task Force/Committee to look at both short and long term budgeting for the entire town. If proper planning were done now, this year, we could avoid disaster next year and in future years.

As many of you will recall, I spoke of this last year when I voted against the town budget and urged the leadership to come up with a better short and long range fiscal plan. I also urged against the town relying on the fund balance just to pay our bills!!! As such, this Fiscal Task Force/Committee could recommend both a budget plan for next year seeking ways to increase efficiencies that will have both short term and long term effects. They should also be charged with planning budgets for the next 5-10 years including facilities and other capital improvements.

I have further stated that we also need a fully comprehensive town plan that would involve a fiscal plan component and the inclusion of the other town plans, including economic development, coastal, land acquisition and the plan of conversation and development, to name a few. It is only with a full map in front of us that the entire town can come to a consensus so we can truly plan for a secure future for all residents. We should no more be bickering about a new high school as a new fire truck. All items should be included in the plan with time frames and costs associated.

Moreover, this bold action has to be in the form of restructuring how we provide services to the community, collaborating and joining departments where appropriate, utilizing and sharing all available resources in the community and thinking ahead with regard to how we can better impact and serve the citizens - our customers!!! With a 5-10 year plan for both town and education resources inclusive of projecting revenues and resources, we can begin to make proper decisions that can not only turn this situation around, but result in cost savings. These cost savings can be projected to allocate an improvement to resources and give back to the community.

Many of us chose to live in Guilford as it is a community where we feel safe, has a strong school system and offers a better quality of life. These qualities also translate into stronger property values when and if we should decide to leave Guilford. A town that not only offers pretty parks and beaches, but a community that represents strong ideals. We also expect our elected officials to consider the future of this town, not what is immediately in front of them. By doing so, the town will remain a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

I appreciate your considering these issues as they will impact our town for years to come.

I also urge you to make sure that you GET OUT AND VOTE YES ON THE BUDGET – TUESDAY, MAY 19!!!!

Please don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Cindy Cartier, Selectman

860-681-6594
cynthia.cartier@comcast.net