Positive Signs

I have been focusing on problem areas in town in the Blog, but there are a number of positive things taking place. It seems clear that the town needs to get it finances in order, plan for the future, and attract sustainable economic development if we are to maintain the essential character of the town and our rural lifestyle. It will take combined and coordinated effort by the town government, the utilities, and the townspeople to achieve these goals, but there are signs that we are beginning to move in that direction.
I have already written about the Water and Sewer Department's plan to raise its rates to cover its short-term and long-term operating expenses. While no one wants to see rates increased, the department must cover its expenses in order to continue to operate. The department is also looking at ways to increase its dumping revenues, and is looking at the possibility of building a receiving station for sustainable long-term growth.
It appears that the Electric Department's new contract will keep the rates at their current level while improving the department's finances. Since this is a long term contract, it is important that the department explain the conditions of the contract with the townspeople as well as get an accurate accounting of the department's finances. It is important to point out the Electric Department's strengths. We did not lose power during the hurricane, and we have rarely lost power during major storms that have crippled towns and states around us.
Plan New Hampshire completed a design charrette and will have a final report for us later this fall. The report will contain ideas about improving the downtown, lower village, and river front, including ways to attract economic development, change the traffic flow, increase parking, increase the size of Memorial park, make better use of use of the mills, historical artifacts, and buildings.
The Budget Committee met with the Planning Board to discuss developing a capital improvement program (CIP). Voters gave the Planning Board the authority to develop a CIP in 1984. A CIP is a planning document that establishes the town's long-term capital needs, estimates the costs, and establishes priorities for purchasing capital equipment, improving facilities, and repairing roads. The object of a capital improvement program is to establish long-term savings accounts for for these expenditures to help pay for them or at least offset their cost. Voters have the final say in approving funds for capital improvements, but the CIP will help both government officials and voters make more informed decisions. An effective capital improvement program takes several years to develop, but we need to begin the process now. Town Administrator, Paul Branscombe, is looking at long-term capital needs with the town department heads, and the budget committee is also looking to include capital improvements in this year's budget.
Much work needs to be done in all of the areas mentioned above. We can help by staying informed, especially about current and future finances. Like many of us, the town has been focused on meeting current obligations but has not put away enough money to meet future expenses. It is very likely that we will have to borrow to cover large capital expenses, at least over the next few years. But, we might begin to think of the cost of operating the town as a combination of current and future expenses. Saving for capital improvements will help stabilize the tax rate, make it easier for us to get grants and loans, and make the town more attractive to sustainable economic development. Economic development can help to reduce taxes in the long term.