An Excerpt from 'talkaboutgroton'
From the Editor: Groton's popular listserve, talkaboutgroton, is open to anybody wishing to post on any topic related to the town, subject to propriety. Among many posts are occasional comments and information we believe would be of interest to our readers as they grapple with understanding complex and difficult budgetary and political news. Therefore, with the permission of talkaboutgroton's owner and senior moderator, Art Campbell, we will occasionally publish excerpts from posts to talkaboutgroton which we believe enlighten, explain and shape the current debate. Our thanks to Art Campbell.
The following are selected portions of a post to talkaboutgroton by Selectman Jack Petropoulos explaining the budget and proposition 2-1/2 in general terms and encouraging citizen participation. The full text of Selectman Petropoulos' comments may be read on the talkaboutgroton listserve.
by Jack Petropoulos
"The budget total comes about through an amalgamation of items (schools + municipal) that the budget creators feel are important. Each item represents a part of the whole, and no item on its own is the cause of the need for an override.
When a budget proposal causes our need to tax to grow by more than 2 1/2% then we need to either reduce spending or get permission to grow taxes at a rate of more than 2 1/2%. All a 2 1/2 Override is a threshold for requiring that additional level of permission. Town meeting can approve taxation growth of up to 2 1/2 percent but if the proposed budget would cause taxes to grow by more than 2 1/2% then Town Meeting must first approve the budget and then the taxation limit must be approved by a Town wide vote at the ballot box.
Lastly, while indeed the Selectmen and the Fin Com have influence on what is in, and what is out, of the municipal budget, we are really only supposed to act based on what we think is in the best interest of the community. If we get no input from the community then we use our best judgment and hope that we have represented you (the community) well.
If you want us to make decisions that represent you, then you need to tell us what you think. You need to tell us what you want and are willing to pay for in terms of such things as open hours at Town Hall, Police, Fire & EMS Protection, town employee benefits, waiting times at the Transfer Station, condition of playing fields, Library hours etc. There are many ways you can do that but it absolutely starts with being informed. Start with the proposed budget which is available on the Town of Groton website.
Don't be intimidated by its size. There is a great narrative in the beginning that outlines the major initiatives, and then there is a high level section rolling up the various line items, and finally you can see the line items themselves. If you would like someone to give you the highlights ask any of your Selectmen or Fin Com members to spend some time with you (and hopefully a few friends) to go through it.
Most importantly, tune in to the Selectmen's meetings and read the coverage in the local media. Use this forum. Ask questions and state your opinion. DO NOT BE AFRAID to say something silly. We do it all the time so you will not be the first, and more than likely the thing that you are referencing will have relevance and be worthy of discussion no matter how you manage to express it.
The worst thing that can happen is that people are concerned about the municipal budget but do nothing to contribute to the direction that it takes and then lob complaints about the outcome. That is not fair to anyone."
