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Are we an SB2 town?  Unfortunately we are.  You don’t have to know anything…just vote.

It’s not unusual for politicians to hold taxpayers in contempt these days but our elected officials have enjoyed unbridled growth in spending and patronage.  What are they unhappy about and what would our taxes be if they did not have to deal with SB2?

Here is the petition to for the ‘citizens’ warrant to repeal SB2 (not too many citizens on it).  By a vote of 914 to 146, the rest of us rejected their petition.

Be sure to watch this meeting so that you do know something when you vote.

 

 Danville Planning Board Meeting 12/09/08 : Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Area Selectmen’s meeting focused on the AMR and CART problems.  Both services are third-party-payer.  Subsidy is not needs based.  In the cast of CART, $2 rides within the service area are subsidized by grants and taxes.  Not surprisingly, the popularity of the program has grown as gas prices have risen.  The question is, should we be subsidizing a private taxi service? AMR is a private ambulance service which is subsidized by taxpayers.  Again, subsidy is not based on need.  I’m not really concerned with AMR’s failed business model, but I’d like to understand how the PD, FD, and AMR provide ambulance service, what it costs me, and who is consuming the services.

The last part of the meeting was held behind closed doors — something that is becoming a tradition at town hall and the SAU.

 

 Area Selectmen’s Meeting: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

More discussion of the capital expenditure plan. The presenters suggest that now is a good time to build since construction costs are down and state aid is still available. Mr. La Salle proposes that the School Board may want to get something on the ballot this year.

 

 TRSD School Board Meeting 12/04/08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The December meeting of the Conservation Commission complete and unedited. Enjoy!

 

 Danville Conservation Meeting 12/04/08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Planning Board, Cable Committee, and Zoning presentations.  Discussion of the role of the Master Plan — desire to coordinate with SAU spending to stabilize tax growth.  Suggestion that there ought to be about $422k in warrant article spending.  Cable Committee is looking into broadcasting meetings for those who do not have cable.  Lots of technical and legal issues…still no interest in putting the meetings on the internet.  Zoning budget is DOWN 23%.

 

 Danville Budget Committee Meeting 11/25/08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We’re trying to be fiscally responsible. Our town employees do a great job and we support them, but we also have 6,600 residents we represent. Given the (weak) economy, we couldn’t justify the cost of living raises. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make the Board of Selectmen popular with the town employees.

No, that’s not our Board of Selectmen.  Atkinson is tightening its belt as taxpayers deal with a slow economy.  In Danville, we are giving out raises (COLA and level) and hiring new employees.

Lawrence Eagle Tribune

Article 2008-22 Historic Webster Stagecoach Stop & Store
To see if the Town will vote to accept title to the building known as the Webster Stagecoach Stop & Store and to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty-four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-two Dollars ($34,782) to relocate the building to Town-owned property at the corner of Sandown Road and Main Street (Map 1 Lot 39). This appropriation to be entirely offset by DOT grants, LCHIP grants, Heritage Fund and donated services. Upon completion of the project, any residual funds will be placed into the existing Heritage Fund. NO TAX IMPACT.

Facilities presented and the BOS unanimously approved a budget 13% higher than last year’s (4194.10, $78,632).  ‘Free’ stagecoach project to increase recreation costs beginning in 2009 (landscaping) and will be perpetual (maintenance) burden to taxpayers.  BOS was ‘blindsided’ with recently revealed contractual obligations of accepting the grant that could result in future cost to the town.  Not accepting the contract would result in LCHIP funds being withheld (we’ve already spend that money).  Construction problems may require tax dollars too…what are we going to do with this?

 

 Danville BOS Meeting 12/01/08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download