Interactive Calendar Video Archive Letter to the editor wizard
What's New- November 18, 2008
Better communication between DOT, local officials is aim of new committee
The Public's Right to Know is a fundamental part of New Hampshire's democracy ( Click here to read more)
Coming soon!- Video of Selectmen Meetings 10/30/2008 (worksession), 11/6/2008 and 11/13/2008.
At the 11/13/2008 Selectmen meeting, the issue of the Fox Hollow road Rt. 25 intersection was resolved ... maybe. Approximately $135,000 will be set aside as 1/3 of the estimated total cost of the project. The DOT will pay the remaining 2/3 ...again, maybe. The maybe is whether the DOT will fund the project this coming year or ever. This article in the Union Leader talks of a possible $1 billion dollar shortfall in Highway Funds over the next decade. Short term or easy fix engineering plans will cease immediately for this intersection, but will continue for the other six roads in the Rt. 25 matrix. If the $135,000 is not used it will be placed in the road repair fund for future use.
Commentary from the MCA on the increased tax rate…( keep in mind that the tax rate is for fiscal year 2008 which is this current years expenditures not 2009 which has yet to be budgeted).
Moultonboro’s recent reassessment resulted in a net decrease in total tax valuation of approximately 1.8% ($2,878,000,000 vs. $2,827,646,039) a difference of $50,353,961. At the current tax rate of $6.99 that’s a total loss of revenue of $351,974. The new tax rate is $7.65 an increase of 66 cents or 9.4%. That’s an increase in tax revenue of $1,514,272 or approximately 7.5%. The increase in the total tax rate is clearly not solely related to the decreased assessments. Spending was up across the board. It was stated that the County increase was the biggest hit at a 22% increase. In actuality the town and school portion increased a combined total of approximately 20%, not too far behind.
The selectmen say they are looking for ways to cut the budget. They have identified some opportunities to jointly purchase some items with the school district that will save the town money. That’s a good start. We believe however, that much more can be done. As the world economic crisis continues to migrate into the Lakes region, its full impact is still unknown. We urge our elected officials to be more aggressive and proactive in cutting costs and keeping our tax burden as low as possible.
We cannot afford another 20% increase in local spending for 2009.
Why is this critical? Read this article about a woman in Somersworth that is being taxed out of her home.
To the Moultonborough School Board: The last minutes posted on the SAU45 website are for the September 2008 meeting. Two school board meetings have occurred since. This is unacceptable and not in the best interests of the taxpayers.
Post the minutes already!
MCA
It never ceases to amaze me the patronizing arrogance this board spews at their voting citizens. Even those that did not vote for them deserve more respect or as they put it ‘common curtesy’ than they offer the public. I’d like to see someone in the business world get away with their nonsense.