Greenville selectmen draw line on further cuts in departments

GREENVILLE – With one exception Wednesday, selectmen chose not to make further reductions in the police, fire and public works departments as requested in a petition signed by about 100 residents.

Nor were they willing to place an article on the June 2 annual town meeting warrant to determine if residents are interested in privatizing some or all of the public works functions.

The board did agree, however, to lower equipment rates in public works for an estimated $34,400 reduction. But they were reluctant to make any further cuts in reserve accounts, especially after spending weeks crafting a budget they believed would be palatable to residents.

Selectman Bonnie DuBien said Wednesday that board members also pay taxes in the community. She said the board had spent “multiple, multiple hours” refining the budget to be palatable to residents. “I think we did a good job,” she said.

DuBien said there had been so much hostility aimed at board members, who some believe just sit at meetings, raise taxes and irritate people.

Her sentiments were echoed by Selectman Alan McBrierty. “I think we’ve done a real good job,” he said.

Petitioner and businessman Rodney Folsom said an effort should be made to rein in spending considering the local economy and the job losses.

He suggested that town officials consider flat funding the municipal budget this year, which currently reflects about a 4 percent increase. Such a move, Folsom said, would send a “signal” that the board is willing to make some hard decisions.

As for the issue of privatization, which was mentioned in the petition, Folsom said the move was not to disassemble the department, but to investigate the feasibility. He suggested that a committee be appointed to study the issue and report back to selectmen.

Board members said the town did investigate privatization in 1994. And most recently, town officials were unsuccessful in finding a local contractor willing to clear snow off sidewalks.

“It isn’t that the board hasn’t tried to do that, we have,” McBrierty said.

Town Manager John Simko said that education and high lakefront property sales are driving up property values. Even if the budget is flat funded, he said, taxes will still increase because of the state valuation.

Resident Roger Guay called it dangerous for the selectmen to make any further reductions in the budget when the state is in a budget crisis. He called it wise to have a little bit in reserve, especially with state funding unknown.