Monday, December 29, 2014

Reject the Budget, NOW

REJECT THE NEW BUDGET?

Rumor has it that there may be a plan afloat to reject the budget that has been printed in this months’ Reporter.  The purpose of this posting is to present to all a scenario of what might happen were this to occur. The present budget would remain in effect.   This is the budget prepared for 2014 for a period of 12 months.

 We must, of necessity, bear in mind that there are certain major contractual obligations that will become effective at the first of January 2015.  They are increases to both the Cable and Transportation contracts at 5% and 3% respectively.  Where would this money come from?

Additionally, this budget includes the $2 per month that has been added to the monthly fees paid to UCO.  This is the money that was set aside to fund the Wi-Fi project.  The very same project that was defeated at the last Delegate Assembly; the very same money that, according to the minutes of the meeting, was approved to be added to the general reserve fund.  The very same project that was put on the “back burner”. We could use this money to fund a potential shortfall in payments to Comcast. Extra dollars would become available due to the dramatic decrease in the price of fuel.  I have no knowledge of the per gallon price Mr. O’Brien used in the preparation of this new 15-month budget.

Additional extra dollars might be obtained by re-thinking the lease/purchase of all or some of the new security cameras.  Do we really want Big Brother watching our every move?

And then, there is what has often been called an austerity budget.  That means, no frills – buy and pay for only what is absolutely necessary.
So folks, this is what is called a rock and a hard place and Mr. Lincoln had nothing to do with that.  It is important that you consider all the options, the benefit or detriment or necessity for each and every service and purchase.

Dorothy Tetro

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