Override discussion tonight
There is an effort underway to pass a Prop-2 1/2 override this year with the money being earmarked for the school system. I am not involved in this effort and have not totally made up my mind on it – which implies that I’ve partially made up my mind.
This post was on my forum today:
Themocracy
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sherri Hartlen-Neely, Mark Belanger. Mark Belanger said: Override discussion tonight – http://bit.ly/8VA9Ub [...]
I would not be in favor of this unless and until all departments cut their budgets by 5-10%. All raises are suspended for two years, and all department heads, ie. Town Manager, IT, Planning, Health, Asessor, DPW, Conservation, Building, Water, take a 10% pay cut. These positions are overpaid. Middleborough isn’t Wellesley!
As I’ve said before, today’s budget problems come from yesterday’s contracts.
Pay, raises, and benefits have to reflect the fiscal reality they way they do in the private sector.
Can you imagine a company that had guaranteed raises regardless of company financials, bookings, or financial outlook?
Lets banish Middleboro past ways refered as “Status Quo”. No pay increases, regardless of what the F$%^&&* contract says. I’m getting vey tired of hearing the word contract.
Throw out the contracts.
Then we can talk about a 2.5 override. I’m not going to support this without the Town giving me something back.
I urge taxpayers to send a message and vote NEY on all budgets that do not freeze salaries. Including the School Department even with an over-ride.
[...] attended the first 30 minutes of the override meeting. IMO, the people running the override need to work on the reasons the override is needed. It is [...]