NEWBURYPORT — Voters looking for information on the proposed $7.8 million debt exclusion before heading to the polls in November can find out more details on the city's Web site.
Under a plan by Mayor John Moak, the debt exclusion, if passed, would free up about $900,000 for next fiscal year's budget and about $850,000 for FY2010 by moving existing debt from the city's operating budget and into the funding method set by the debt exclusion.
The average tax bill in Newburyport — for a home assessed at $500,000 — would see an increase of about $140 during the first year. The plan would be paid for over 10 years, with the taxpayers paying less each year.
Moak is spending the next several weeks attending events — from a Chamber of Commerce breakfast to School Committee and PTO meetings — and holding forums to educate the public about the debt exclusion and just what it means.
A successful passage would enable the city to increase funding for the school system and restore electives and classes at the middle and high school that have been cut, such as foreign language. It would also allow the city to make improvements to the city's infrastructure, implement a vehicle and equipment replacement plan, and establish a retirement account, the mayor has said.
A complete list of documents relating to the debt exclusion proposal can be found on the city's Web site, including an explanation of what a debt exclusion is, how the money would be used, cost analysis, a copy of the ballot question and a copy of the mayor's request to the City Council to put the question on the November ballot.
Also included is a list of upcoming public forums where the mayor will speak about the proposal and answer questions from residents.
If the debt exclusion doesn't pass, it would have an impact on the schools, as the city wouldn't be able to maintain programs and services that have been brought back to the system this year, Moak said yesterday.
And if the city only has the 21รขÑ2 percent increase and new growth numbers to work with next year, there will be no room in the budget for building repairs and other facility maintenance, he said.
"2010 will be one of the toughest years I've seen since coming in, if we don't get the debt exclusion," Moak said yesterday.
The city's Web site is: www.cityofnewburyport.com.
MOAK'S PUBLIC FORUM SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
South End branch library
Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 to 10 a.m.
City Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Library program room
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 to 8 p.m.
Firehouse Center for the Arts
Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 to 10 a.m.
City Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7 to 8 p.m.
Pita Hall
Thursday, Oct. 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
West End Fire Station
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