Response to a Comment about the Electric Department

We recently received a comment about the Electric Department that contained a personal attack and no supporting facts. It is not our policy to print such comments, but we felt that we should respond with some facts about the Electric Department and the town. The Electric Department is the town's most important financial asset. The department just reduced its rates and has the lowest rates in the area. The department has considerable capital reserves to offset future expenses. It has invested in new equipment, and it has kept its equipment and buildings in good repair. The rates and excellent service help promote economic development and maintain our business base. Let's compare this to the town. The taxes in Ashland are the highest in our economic region. Taxes will increase again this year and for many years to come because the town has not planned for the future. The town has $20,000,000 in accumulated depreciation, which means that it will have to spend at least that much to replace or repair existing assets some time during the next 10 years. Other than the $125,000 in capital reserves for roads, the town has no capital reserves, which means that large capital expenses must be paid for by raising taxes. The town has almost no cash for emergencies in the unassigned fund balance. The town has huge long term debt. The town has no long term economic plan. The town has no economic development plan. We have serious cash flow problems. It is likely that we will not be able to sustain the town as it is in the long term unless we reduce our expenses, build reserves, plan for future, and promote economic development. The longer we wait to deal with these problems, the fewer choices we will have to solve them. What about service? When I call the Electric Department, they come. When I ask a question, they answer it. When I go to their meetings, they let me express my concerns. When I recently called the town to fix my road which is nearly impassable, they do not respond. When I ask questions, the Select Board does not always answer them even though they should know the answers. When I go to meetings, I am not allowed to talk. One more point. When I have a complaint, I get courteous service from the Electric Department. I can't say that I have always been treated courteously by the Select Board or town employees. I am not alone. I have witnessed others being treated discourteously as well.