Town board member Robin Stout explains his “no” vote on the 2010 budget

December 11, 2009
by Robin Stout

I am not in favor of the currently proposed budget, and I want to explain why in a moment, but first I want to make three brief notes:

1.  It is important that New Castle citizens understand that the finances of the Town are in good shape, particularly given the very rough economic climate we are all experiencing.  There’s been a sharp drop in revenues, and a rise in employee salary, benefits, and pensions, but nonetheless the tax increase proposed is relatively modest, particularly compared to similar, surrounding, communities.

2.  The Town Administration, with all Department Heads, and the Town Board, have worked very hard for more than eight months to reduce expenditures in this budget, and, to be clear, the total proposed 2010 spending IS LESS THAN for 2009.

3.  I believe 100% in the power and the mission of government to effectuate positive social change, both at the individual and community level. I am not a slash and burn guy.  New Castle will continue to have effective, cost-efficient government.

So, why am I voting against this budget?  Simple: Taxes are too high. In this extraordinary year, with a stalled economy and continuing unemployment, I believe we owe the taxpayers an extraordinary effort to control property taxes, and, given all circumstances, I think that even a 2% increase is too much.

So where would more savings come from?  Not surprisingly, elected officials get plenty of conflicting advice on that one.  People say, “The Police Department is too big,” but “Oh, by the way, don’t increase response times.”  People say, “Cut back on DPW expenses,” but “Oh, by the way, don’t cut snow removal or road repaving.”  People say, “Cut back on staffing,” but “Oh, by the way, I want prompt attention to my building application, or parking permit, or Rec program application.”

Cutting through these conflicting opinions, here are three places where I would dig a little deeper.

First. Fund balances. The Town Board has had what I hope is a healthy discussion about what constitutes healthy fund balances.  No one suggests spending down anywhere close to zero. But the question remains, at least for me, whether in these extraordinary times, a somewhat smaller cushion would be acceptable.

Second.  Staffing levels. Government is going to have to re-invent itself to remain relevant and respected.  Reduced resources must deliver increased efficiencies, even if it means some decrease in services.

Third.  Garbage pick-up.  I am in favor of one garbage and one recycling pick-up per week.  As I study this issue, I find that it is the right thing to do as an environmental matter, even putting the finances aside. The wave of the future will be to recycle and reuse more, and to consume and expend less. Perhaps the young people of New Castle should have a chat with their parents about this.

These ideas aren’t original with me, and they aren’t particularly earth-shattering. Each, by itself, may not amount to much, particularly when divided into per household numbers.  But when I discuss the budget with friends and neighbors, and I remind them that Town taxes are only a small percent of the overall tax bill, invariably I hear in response, “It doesn’t matter; every little reduction helps.” And I think that’s right. So I’m trying to find every little reduction I can.

I have read many e-mails that say garbage is a quality of life issue.

OK. But to me, taxes also are a quality of life issue.

To paraphrase what the Supervisor said recently, “There isn’t a right answer; there are just a lot of bad choices.”  I agree with that. It’s very much a judgment call.

My judgment would be to dig a little deeper.