The reason that road maintenance is routinely not increased (it is NEVER cut completely) in yearly Groton Town budgets is that there is ZERO attempt by to eliminate, scale back or reduce spending in any way. In fact the 2013 budget was a level services budget with a hefty tax increase for some. As revenue sources are decreasing the Town continually places a greater burden on the taxpayers without NO corresponding decrease in spending.
Please note that in the 2013 Budget $1,031,320 was approved for roads.
$500,000 for the Town
$400,000 for the City
$131,320 for Groton Long Point
Another cause for concern is the $2.3 million dollar interest charge for bonding the Road Ordinance. This cost would not be a part of a capital improvement expenditure. Additionally, information regarding the $2.3 million dollar interest charge is not clearly spelled out in the explanatory text which was sent to Groton households. It is hidden in the mil rate information and a calculator is required to figure it out, that is, if you understand mil rate calculations.
The Town of Groton must prioritize projects WITHOUT additional burden to the taxpayers. If the Town Manager determines that a $13.5M Road Project is essential, worthwhile, and an appropriate use of taxpayers hard earned dollars, then $13.5M needs to be decreased from the budget by eliminating and scaling back items that are nonessential or of lower priority.
