To the editor:
On Nov. 4 the voters of Newburyport will be asked to consider Question 4 on the debt exclusion. I am very aware of the difficult economic times before us and the timing of this request. My husband and I are struggling to meet ever increasing college tuition costs and overall increases in food, utilities and fuel that we all face. As a property owner and taxpayer I am being asked to give approximately an extra $100 a year for the next eight to10 years in order to free up about $600,000 to $800,000 per year in the city's operating budget that currently covers our $7.8 million in debt service. What could I spend $100 on the course of a year — a few tanks of gas, paint for a room in our house? Or do I contribute my $100 to help repair years of cuts to our school programs? I am particularly frustrated with the loss of foreign languages in the middle school; we should be adding foreign languages in the elementary school, not waiting until the ninth grade! This is a very unfortunate status considering the global world we live in and the expectations that will confront our children. My contribution will also help build the K-12 literacy program and address long overdue capital needs in our schools. A debt exclusion was also one of the recommendations of the School Funding Task Force.
On the city side my contribution will help to stop the crisis fiscal management we continue to find ourselves in when an unanticipated cost arises. We will be able to establish a city-wide vehicle and equipment replacement plan, fund pensions, as well as build our reserves.
As a city councilor and chair of Budget and Finance, I have spent many long hours reviewing our budget and monitoring expenses. Overall the budget has been held to 2-3 percent annual increases in the last several years including a 3 percent health care increase and 2 percent to union contracts. The budget is very tight with the largest portion allocated to fixed costs, salaries. So anytime an unanticipated cost arises we have to bond or borrow the funds at 4.5 percent. Any new initiative to raise revenue requires upfront costs and we cannot depend on the state for assistance. In fact, if revenues do not increase for the state in the next quarter, we could be faced with further cuts in school funding and local aid to our city.
The debt exclusion is time limited and will ensure our fiscal stability going forward. Abatements and programs to assist elders on fixed incomes are available within the city. Please think seriously about the impact your additional, time-limited tax increase would have and vote to support this initiative.
Donna Holaday,
Newburyport city councilor-at-large
SB XLVI: Adam Sandler
Bronx Zoo Selling Valentine's Day Roaches
Adam Levine: Shame on Randy Jackson
Tim Tebow Addresses His Fans and Faith
Gossip Girl's Steamy Spread
AG Holder defends actions in heated hearing
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
First Look: Kim Kardashian on 'Last Man Standing'
Panetta said to expect Israel attack on Iran in spring
Madonna channels Victor Cruz
Christina Hendricks Stuns in Sexy Dress
Raw Video: Snow Causes 20-Car Pileup in Italy
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
College Football Prospect Chooses Team Based on Chick-Fil-A
EXCLUSIVE: Katy Perry's Sims 3 Commercial BTS
Ads get social at Super Bowl
NY Police Shoot Dead Unarmed Man
Man Adopts 42-Year-Old Girlfriend
Kim Kardashian Looking to Start Bible Study Group
Raw Video: Punxsutawney Phil Sees Shadow
