Citizens for Responsible City Management

    Editor’s note: The following statement was prepared by the Citizens for Responsible City Management for the June 29 City Council but the group was not allowed by the mayor to read it during open session. It was provided to the Aroostook Republican by group spokesperson Doug Morrell.
    During several council meetings over the past couple of months, there have been discussions on how to trim the 2009 city budget. This is certainly welcome news for the Caribou taxpayer. Indeed one council member made the statement, “we have cut the city budget some $94,000.” These cuts and/or reductions were made without knowing the RSU (school) budget for 2009.     Although there are some concerns for the math and statements contained within the school budget, the net result was an approximate one mil savings. Because of the difference between fiscal and calendar year account reporting, this equated to a half mil being returned to the taxpayer in 2009, and another half mil to be returned 2010. These savings, along with the reductions that have been discussed for the city budget, would mean a one half- to three quarter-mil decrease for the 2009 tax year for the citizens of Caribou.
    At the June 23rd council meeting, however, city management discussed the possibility of maintaining the 24 mil tax rate for 2009. This action is being considered to establish an overlay or buffer account for the upcoming year.
    This is unacceptable!
    As you are aware, cities all over the country are cutting back, doing their best to hold or reduce spending. We are sure you all know someone who has been terminated from his or her job. It has been reported that approximately 150 employees at the Maine military Authority have been notified that their jobs may be eliminated this fall. These folks could certainly use a break, no matter how small!
    Instead of building a buffer, let’s instruct each department to not only stay within its budget, but also to cut expenses by one percent or more. Families all over the country are being forced to cut their expenses. Why can’t we?
    We are concerned with the re-evaluation scheduled for 2011 and the subsequent tax bill in 2012. All residents will see a dramatic increase in taxes. You can help control this increase by starting to reduce the city’s expenditures now. The people of Caribou elected you to do just that. The purpose of forming the RSU was to save money. Shouldn’t you, the members of the Caribou city council, strive to do the same thing? This is what city management is all about. It is your job to control spending. The taxpayer on the street is counting on you!
    Thank you.
Citizens for Responsible City Management