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Monday, March 31, 2014

WHO'S TO BLAME?

                     WHO'S TO BLAME????

I look on tomorrow’s agenda of the Town Council and see three bonds issues.  It is truly amazing that no one can see the taxpayers cannot afford another tax increase this year.  However, due to recent events the town council has to make a decision on what to do about the burning of the Public Works garage.  This is not an item that can be put off because the taxpayers are paying a monthly rental fee of $4,500.00.  This has to take a priority over everything else and should be kept in a separate category than the other bond items.

Keep in mind that several years ago the County Commissioners wanted to consolidate dispatch centers.  They asked if Lisbon would like to consolidate our dispatch center (Communication Center) with the Androscoggin County Dispatch Center and the Town Council at the time (Mike Bowie, Lori Pomelow, Fern LaRochelle, Gina Mason, Roger Bickford, Mark Lunt and Roger Cote) voted NO.  Roger Cote was the only councilor in favor of consolidating Dispatch Centers.  Chief Brooks pushed the council to keep our Dispatch Center.  Had they consolidated Dispatch Centers our town could have invested approximately $1,500,000.00 tax dollars into our town’s infrastructure.  The town would not be struggling for money right now.

If the town had $1,500,000.00 saved, the town would be able to purchase both the Public Works building and the track with this money.  Also, there is a possibility that the town would not have had to raise our taxes every year.

If Chief Brooks had been thinking about what is best for the community, he would have let the County Commissioners consolidate Dispatch Centers and save the taxpayers all this money.  It was and still is the right move for the residents of this town for as long as Chief Brooks is allowed to keep the Dispatch Center and purchase assault weapons there will never be any money for roads, track or gym.

The Dispatch Center needs to go so this community can grow!!!!!


Larry Fillmore

1 comment:

False Deluder said...

I think the town does need to consolidate the dispatch. However, I also know that the school committee and Mr. Green have plans / ideas that would allow little impact on the town. Mr. Green laid this out in a recent school committee meeting. It has to do with interest on existing school bonds. I can't explain it as well as he can, but they do feel they have a way to pay for the improvements. Please at least listen to Mr. Green and the school board. You may be surprised at what you hear. April 9th is the schools public hearing on this where they will lay out their end. PS. I trust the school side FAR more than I trust the "old guard," and the older guard that is behind scenes. I don't know too much about the new councilors, but so far they are a good influence it seems.