When I delve into things, like many people, I initially get anxious
because there are many numbers and relating them to each other takes
some time. But there are many aspects to financial management other
than just the number crunching. Good management requires accurate
facts, unbiased opinion and knowing enough to not to make judgment
until everything is considered and there is full understanding of the
situation.
Given this, it sometimes appears that a town's tax rate is the result
of excess spending or reflective of less than adequate management. In
reality, it is the result of many challenges that are all too common
among Vermont towns and also the fact that it takes money to run a town
or any organization. In Moretown, for instance, we have recently had to
face the prospect of long overdue maintenance of our town hall; defend
our town rules from those who do not agree with them; maintain our
roads in normal conditions and at a time of natural disaster; build
necessary facilities; and all the while anticipate what is needed.
These issues are not unusual nor are they exclusive to Moretown and
they don't happen in a convenient sequence of time. As with many other
towns, the money needed has had to come out of our pockets because
there are not enough businesses to obtain revenue from nor enough
governmental monies available. Our options are to let our assets and
equipment deteriorate, let outsiders dictate our neighborhoods and
rules, make long detours, cut essential services and not pay our
bills--all of this being irresponsible.
For a part-time board, dealing with these issues and with people who
are worried about their economic well being, is not an easy job. Many
board members have full-time jobs, families of their own to consider,
and they also pay taxes. Board members spend a considerable number of
hours on issues, don't get paid a large sum of money, and have to
figure out ways to get things done with limited funds and limited
taxpayer patience. In addition, the funding for town needs has to be
managed or juggled over a period of more than a year. So the real way
to evaluate a tax rate or the spending is to measure how efficient or
effective it was and not just the total. Did we get our money's worth
or was it too lavish? That is what should be asked and it is a
subjective call on decisions which board members have to make.
To go along with this, better communication on the board's part would
probably help taxpayers understand the situation and this is what they
should ask for. I am not making excuses nor asking people to agree with
every decision that is made, but rather to better understand what it
takes to run a town along with the responsibilities and needs, and
finally to put all the pieces together before making a judgment or vote.
A better way for understanding would be to get involved, and if you
have a better idea or opinion, all the more reason to take an active
role. If you are not from Moretown, think about what I said with regard
to your own town. Being involved is truly an education, and
experiencing it, even if only for one term, is worth the time and
effort.
Roberts is a member of the Moretown Select Board.
