Letter to the Editor About the Proposed Upgrades to the Police Station

On November 5th, Groton will vote on 2 referendum questions. A $5.345 million Police Station upgrade bond and a $9.9 million Flanders Road water and sewer upgrade bond. 

Last week we covered Flanders Road, now let’s dissect the Police Station:

I was told by the Town officials this referendum was an ‘all-or-nothing’ package, and we cannot separate the project. With a total cost of $8.4 million, I feel we owe it to the tax payers to cut out the unnecessary things, especially when projected revenues in next year’s budget are going to be $2-3 million lower than last year.

I agree that there ARE some things that are needed. However, we can do without the car-port, repaving the lot, adding on to the sally-port, a revamped firing range, and the additional cells. 7 of the 8 ranges are working, and the crime statistics do not support additional cells. Moreover, we can also save $90,000 by replacing the boiler that doesn’t work, not BOTH.

We need to save our borrowing power for our schools. Good schools and low taxes attract residents and businesses. If we keep borrowing and adding to our debt without reducing spending and raising mill rates annually, Groton will continue to decline. Groton has had a bad history of putting forth expensive projects. (Phase I and II of schools, Thames St and the Roads) In declining times successful businesses tighten their belts and cut back. What would you do with YOUR money?

Respectfully,

Scott Aument/ Groton RTM