LISBON'S ROAD TO BANKRUPTCY - PART 4

Lisbon's unassigned account is the account that shows us how much money we have that isn't earmarked for a budget item..  I think of it as our EMERGENCY FUND.

The GFOA (government finance officers association) recommends that governments maintain an unassigned fund balance of no less than 16.67% of general fund operating expenditures. Our own charter recommends we keep 16% or approximately 2 months of operating costs in this account.  

Use of this account  to address budget shortfalls (IMHO) often indicates serious financial conditions :

•  Declining non tax revenues 
•  Out of control spending. 
•   It is often an indicator of coming property tax hikes

This account can be compared to the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Frivolous use of this account sends a strong message to prospective businesses that may otherwise want to invest in Lisbon.

Call your Councilors and tell them you want real tax relief not fake short term fixes that just kick the can down the road.

Tell them to keep their fingers out of our EMERGENCY FUND.

Respectfully

Joe Hill

Lisbon Maine's Road to BANKRUPTCY --- Part 3

We have a problem in Lisbon.  Our Town Government isn't acting in our best interest. Councilors actions make it evident they are serving another master.  

Recently Lisbon Councilors:

• Voted against saving the taxpayers of Lisbon $200,000 dollars a year by changing dispatch to the County.
• Voted against making Lisbon residents safer by reducing emergency response times.
• Voted against the most effective implementation of the E911 service.  (E911's purpose is to improve emergency response. Adding a layer on top of the service increases the response time and negates its purpose).

These same Councilors will soon vote to take more of our money, 19.2% budget increase, to pay for their refusal to get rid of our costly and marginally E911 compliant communication system.   

When businesses see a Town that is asking its residents for a 19.2% budget increase they see a town that is HEADED FOR BANKRUPTCY.

Respectfully

Joe Hill

Lisbon Maine's Road to Bankruptcy --- Part 2 -- Cola Increase

I was surprised to see Lisbon's proposed budget included an across the board  2% COLA (cost of living allowance) for all employees. 

For 2017 Retired Social Security Recipients receiving the average benefit of $1,355 will get a measly 0.3% COLA raise, starting in January of 2017.  This equates to $5 more in their Social Security checks.

Why is Lisbon giving all employees a COLA percentage rise almost seven times  higher than what our seniors will receive in Social Security COLA? 

  A Lisbon employee making $50,000 a year (many of our employees make more than this)will get $1,000 dollars or 200 times that of the average Social Security recipient.

Giving a 2% cola increase isn't just a 2% raise in employee salaries it is also an increase in all the costs associated with those salaries. (FICA,  retirement, unemployment insurance, workers comp.  etc) 

These COLA payments also compound.  If we  pay a 2% cola this year, it will be 2% on last years income which includes last years  2% COLA.  Ten years of 2% colas  isn't a 20% raise it is almost a 22% raise in income.


Is it morally right to demand retirees, that ONLY get a 0.3% COLA, pay for a 2.0% COLA for all Lisbon employees? Remember some of our employees, when including benefits, make a six figure income.  

 COLA increases were meant for rank and file employees not department heads or salaried individuals.

In conclusion: If we must give a COLA then that raise should be tied to the increase in the cost of living not some arbitrary number. If our seniors get 0.3% COLA raises lets give the same to Lisbon's employees. 

Call your Councilors and ask them if this is fair?

Respectfully
Joe Hill

LISBON'S ROAD TO BANKRUPTCY - PART ONE

Recently Lisbon's Town Manager proposed the new 2018 municipal budget.  This proposed budget is a 19.2 % increase over last years Town Budget.

Let me put that 19.2% budget increase in perspective. If you presently are paying $2600 dollars a year in property taxes a 19.2% increase would make  this years taxes a few cents under $3100 dollars.  

The Town will argue that they are working hard to reduce the increase and within a month or so they will come back with a final increase probably somewhere between 10% and 12%. They will also tell us that they saved the town 8% to 10% on our taxes.  They will equate an increase of up to 12% as a 8% savings to the town.

Don't let them fool you.  A reduction on an inflated proposed budget isn't a savings it is AN INCREASE OVER LAST YEARS BUDGET.  This town is trying to hide its debt crisis by manipulating the language and exaggerating the initial proposal. 

By continually increasing Lisbon's taxes we are sealing our own fate. It's like a snowball rolling down hill continually increasing  in size and momentum. The higher our taxes go the harder it is to attract the businesses that could extricate us from our financial problems. 

At some point on this journey we reach the point of no return. Lisbon is now approaching that point.  We will, if this proposed budget passes, have the highest taxes in the County and one of the highest in the State.

In my humble opinion Lisbon is careening  down the bankruptcy road at an alarming speed. If we continue along this fiscal path we will inevitably end up in chapter 9 BANKRUPTCY court. 

You are the only one that can put the brakes on this runaway spending.  Call your Councilors and demand they cut our taxes.

Respectfully

Joe Hill.

 

2017-2018 MUNICIPAL BUDGET REVIEW!!!

Over the weekend, I had an opportunity to review the Town Council meeting for March 21, 2017.  In it the Town Manager, Mrs. Diane Barnes, presented the proposed 2017-2018 Municipal Budget for the first time to the Town Council.  Listening to her present this budget, it was like she was taking lessons from Nancy Pelosi (I cannot work with President Bush) or Maxine Waters (Putin invaded Korea) all over the place.  As a result, I will attempt to recap what I got out of this budget.

The first item is that Mrs. Barnes stated that this municipal budget keeps municipal services at status quo.  In the same breath, she said the budget includes a Lieutenant position in the Police Department.  To me this is a contradiction to maintaining the status quo for municipal services.  Apparently, this Lieutenant is not going to do anything so why are we going to pay him/her approximately $102,000.00 in salary and benefits?

Next, Mrs. Barnes 52.8% of the budget is in wages and benefits?  She also stated there is a 2% COLA in this budget.  Well, how do you think the wages and benefits got to be 52.8%?  You do realize for the past 6 years; the town has paid COLA at 2% each year.    Take $90,000.00 salary and using the 2% COLA; figure out how much increase this is.  Keep in mind, that this is cumulative each year so the number you start with changes every year.  Did anyone in town receive 2% COLA for these past 6 years.  I know for a fact, that Social Security has not been raise 2% at any time in the past few years so why do the town employees get it automatically when no one else does?

The Public Works Department is budgeted for $332,500.00 of equipment.  I cannot tell if this is replacement or new equipment but it certainly is a lot of money.  Also, Mrs. Barnes mentions replacing the Salt Shed at a price tag of $250,000.00.  Mrs. Barnes wants to spend some of the Unassigned Fund Balance to offset some of these cost.

Using the Unassigned Fund Balance to offset this excessive spending this year will keep out taxes down but what about next year.  You are increasing the operating cost of the town by 19.2%.  This means every year after this; the taxpayers have to pay for these increases and the Unassigned Fund Balance will not support it in the future.  Keep in mind, the Unassigned Fund Balance is supposed to be used for emergencies.

The Town Manager, Mrs. Barnes announced that the Lisbon Communication Center needs $33,500.00 for upgrades.  Isn’t it amazing that when the Town Council was discussing closing the Lisbon Communication Center there was no mention of this expenditure by either the Town Manager of the Police Chief.  Why was that?  I personally do not think it would have made a difference because the “Good Old Boys” network will never give up any control.  Also, Chairman Ward, Councilors Brunelle, Crafts and Albert have absolutely no interest in cost saving for the community.  The initial cost saving was listed at $191,095.00 for this year and if you couple this $33,500.00 with this figure it would be $224,595.00.  This is just for this year.  By closing the Lisbon Communication Center, the community would be saving roughly the same amount each and every year going forward.  The problem is these four Councilors care more about the “Good Old Boys” remaining in control then doing what is best for the community.  What a shame!!!

There are other parts of the budget but you get the idea.  If you want to stop this madness; call your Councilor or go to the meetings and register your opinions because once they approve the budget there is not changing it.  So get off the couch and get involved.

Larry Fillmore

NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY!!!!

On March 7, 2017, the Town Council voted to amend SEC. 86.1, Fund Balance Policy, to reflect a new way of computing the 12.5 % requirement.  This 12.5% is supposed to ensure the town has sufficient funds to operating in emergency situations.  However, any excess over the 12.5% can be used for other needs with the approval of the Town Council.  This new creative accounting policy freed up approximately $1.11 million dollars.

So, what is the Town going to use these funds for?  According to the Town Manager, Diane Barnes, at the March 21, 2017 Town Council meeting, these funds will be used to cover excessive spending by the Town Council.  Mrs. Barnes announced a 19.2% increase in this year’s budget over last years.  What the Town Manager is doing is trying to keep taxes down by using the excess unassigned fund balance.  In other words, she is bailing out or rewarding excess spending.  This Town Council has no clue how to manage money. 

The ONLY way to reduce taxes is to either increase revenues or REDUCE spending.  That is a fact!  The Town Council refused to reduce spending by voting to keep the Lisbon Communication Center open instead of having the Androscoggin County Dispatch performing dispatch for the town. The actual cost saving was $191.095.00 before the town started to distort the amount to make it look less than it was.  After everything is done; this figure is closer to $250,000.00.

In the Town Manager’s 2017-2018 budget is an upgrade to the communication center at a cost to the taxpayers of $33,500.00.  Had the Town Council closed the Lisbon Communication Center there would be no need for this upgrade.  These Councilors should have had this information at the time they voted on the Lisbon Communication Center.  The Town Manager, Diane Barnes, must have had this information all along.  I also mentioned this to the Town Council on numerous times so it is not like they had no clue.

The unassigned fund balance excess should never be used to reduce taxes.  You reduce taxes by increasing revenue or reduce spending.  Mrs. Barnes is increasing the town’s operating cost by 19.2% this year but what about next year?  Where is she going to get the funding to cover this 19.2 and whatever it will be next year?

This is caused by the people not paying attention to what is going on and doing stupid things like reelecting a Councilor whom has a history of wasting our money and who is a member of the “Good Old Boys” network.  Chris Brunelle was one of the driving forces behind the fight with the School over their budget and again with keeping the Lisbon Communication Center open which cost the community a lot.  People need to check their voting records before they vote for these individuals.

Now is the time to stop this madness before the Town Council approves the 2017-2018 budgets.  Call your Councilors or attend the meeting and let you views known.

Larry Fillmore

Town Council Workshop - March 28, 2017

Town Council Workshop March 21st at 0600 PM

Town Council Meeting March 21st at 7:00 PM

Special Town Council Meeting Cancelled

Please take note that tonight's Special Council Meeting is being postponed due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled for Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM

.Submitted by:  Town Manager's Office

FUND BALANCE POLICY AMENDMENT

I have reviewed the video of the Town Council video for the meeting on March 7, 2017 and have several concerns about this new policy change that was not mentioned during the discussion.

1.      The first concern is that under the new policy the School Budget is not utilized to compute the 12.5% requirement.  This is the crutch of the amendment.  If we have an emergency that the town needs to utilize these Undesignated Funds, what is going to happen to the School side?  Who is going to be responsible for the School side?  The Town needs to remember that the State has a history of never paying the full 55% they are obligated to pay.

2.     Next, there was no mention of our Debt Services and Lease pay account in computing the 12.5%.  If the town is forced to use the Undesignated Funds and these account are not considered; we could be facing defaulting on our bonds and leased requirements.  This would affect our credit rating and we would lose the ability to borrow money to recover.

3.     According to the Sun Journal and the Finance Director, this amendment reduces the amount of tax dollars the town must keep in reserve by $1.11 million dollars.  If that is the case, what is the town planning on doing with these funds?

This appears on the surface to be “Creative Accounting”.  Manipulating figures means that you are playing “Russian Roulette” with taxpayer’s dollars.  So let’s say, this scheme goes south, who is going to have to save the day; the taxpayers are going to be hurt the most.

Are we really going to put them in that position?

Larry Fillmore

SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 14, 2017

WHY CAN’T WE TAKE CARE OF OUR ROADS/STREETS/ACCESS WAYS?

I was always taught, in order to extend the life of your equipment, to perform timely routine maintenance.  I think most people now a day understand the value in this; that is with the exception of our Public Works Director, E. Ryan Leighton and our Town Manager, Diane Barnes. 

Let’s take a simple case of the Asphalt Reclaimer the people purchased to take care of potholes in the winter.  This piece of equipment cost the people $31,490.00 back in September 2, 2014.  The Asphalt Reclaimer arrived on or about January 23, 2015.  For two years and one month, the town has NOT performed any maintenance on this piece of equipment.  After two requests for the maintenance record, the Town Manager, Diane Barnes, notified me that the Asphalt Reclaimer was going to have maintenance performed on it on or about Monday, January 30, 2017.

Since July 1, 2016 until March 1, 2017 the Asphalt Reclaimer has 45 hours of use on it.  Does anyone still wonder why the town of Lisbon is full of potholes?  Anyone with common sense would start with roads/streets or access ways that are heavily traveled to repair first.  I do not know of any road/street/access way traveled more that the access way at the Public works Garage because almost everyone utilizes the Transfer Station. 

So every year, we go through the same situation with potholes throughout the access way.  What’s more, neither E. Ryan Leighton nor Diane Barnes has the common sense to put warning devices to warn drivers of these potholes until they can be repaired.  Think about this; how far does the Asphalt Reclaimer have to travel to repair the access way?

This Asphalt Reclaimer was purchased to resolve the town’s problem of potholes and has it been utilized to do this.  I think NOT.  How many other devices that should require timely routine maintenance are receiving timely maintenance?  How long are we going to be able to keep these devices operational before we have to replace it?  E Ryan Leighton does not live in town and does not have to pay for replacing these devices.  He is quick to want to replace worn out equipment but will do nothing to prolong the life of these devices.

What do you expect when you have an individual with no credentials in charge of Public Works?  We never had this problem with Button Beale was the Public Works Director.

Larry Fillmore

DISCONTINUANCE OF RECAP’S

Until further notice, I will no longer waste my time attending Town Council meeting/workshops.  I am going to enjoy watching NCIS like the rest of you.

Larry Fillmore

Town Council Agenda - March 7, 2017

LISBON LOSES AGAIN!!!!

On February 21, 2017, our Town Council took a vote on whether or not to close the Lisbon Communication Center.  The vote was 4-3 with Chairman Ward, Councilors Brunelle, Crafts and Albert voting to keep the communication center open and Councilors Lunt, Kolbe and Crawford opposed.  So let’s take a look at this decision and see who is right.

The sole reason provided to keep the Communication Center open was to keep local control.  In other words, the “Good Old Boys” must remain in total control of the town.  Councilor Brunelle pushed the issue and called for a vote and Councilor Albert seconded the motion.

Now let’s look at the impact of their decision.  The following is a listing of how this decision affects the community.

1.     The Town had an opportunity to have the Androscoggin County Dispatch dispatch our First Responders instead of having to relay the information to Lisbon Communication Center to have them dispatch first responders.  This would have enabled our First Responder to get to the emergency much quicker. 

2.     Lisbon Communication Center has no one qualified to establish an Emergency Medical Code (EMD) which is critical for the EMT’s.  This EMC code tells the EMT’s the situation on the ground before they leave to respond and to make sure they have all the necessary medical equipment to provide the best service possible for the victim.  This would have provided better medical service to our people in need.

3.     According to the handout provided at the workshop, the cost saving was $191,095.00.  This is a reduction of approximately $200,000.00 a year in the operating cost of the town.  Now, the town still has this cost and is going to be asking for additional funding to support the operating of the town.

4.     SGT Moore could return to the Police Department as a FULL time officer.  Currently, SGT Moore is split between the Lisbon Communication Center and the Police Department.  Won’t it be better to have additional officer to protect and serve the community?

5.     By closing the Lisbon Communication Center, there would be a cost saving because you no longer would need Information Technology support.

6.     By closing the Lisbon Communication Center, there is no longer a need to update the communication Center equipment.  By the way, whom do you think will have to pay for the upgrades?

I believe that the four Councilors that voted to keep the Lisbon Communication Center open did NOT have the best interest of the community.  Also, they did not gather all the information necessary to make a logical decision.  During the workshop, Chairman Ward stated he wanted to see what LA 911 and Brunswick would offer the town and wanted to visit Androscoggin County Dispatch.  He never did that but voted anyways.  I guess this makes his word useless.  Councilor Albert wanted to look into other sources and he did not; so guess what his word is good for.  DID YOU KNOW THAT NOT ONE COUNCILOR VISITED THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY DISPATCH TO PERSONALLY REVIEW THE OPERATIONS!  This should have been done prior to a vote.  Of course if you have already been told how to vote, I guess it does not any difference and is a waste of your time.

Councilor Brunelle, in my opinion, has never had the interest of the town.  Look back when he was in the middle of the dispute between the School Department and the Town Council over the budget a few years ago.  That dispute cost the TAXPAYERS a great deal of tax dollars between the legal fee and the referendums.  A Councilor is supposed to put the needs of the community before his friend and neighbors (Good Old Boys).  This has never happened; if you don’t believe me check his voting record.

Councilor Crafts does whatever Councilor Brunelle tells him and Councilor Albert does whatever Chairman Ward wants.  These are not Councilors; they are followers.  These four individuals did not gather all necessary information prior to voting so how can they say that it is in the best interest of the community.

With this type of behavior, in three to five years, our taxes will triple.

Larry Fillmore

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 21ST

This is a brief summary of Town Council meeting held on February 21, 2017.  I believe this Council meeting was critical for the future of Lisbon and I encourage each and every member of this community to review the meeting on Friday at 07:00 PM.  Also, it is available on the town web site.

Under Good News & Recognition:

1.      Lisbon Cheerleaders Proclamation – The Town Council recognized the Lisbon Cheerleading Squad for winning the Maine State Competition.

2.     Spirit of America Award – The Council awarded this to the Route 196 Master Plan Subcommittee.

3.     Presentation to Outgoing Councilor Metivier – Chairman Ward gave a present to Former Councilor Eric Metivier for his service to the community.

Under Public Hearing - ECD Director provided a slide presentation outlining the Amendment to the already approved Kelly Park TIF.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances –

1.      Healthy Androscoggin Grant Award – The Council approve by a vote of 7-0 to accept $600.00 grant.

2.     Kelly Park TIF District – The Council tabled this action under everything could be ironed out.

3.     USDA Rural Development Funding Application – The Council approve by a vote of 7-0 to apply for this funding.

4.     Dispatch Consolidation Discussion – The Council voted by a vote of 4-3 to retain the Lisbon Communication Center.  Please review the video for specifics.

5.     ATRC Project – The Council approved this project by a vote of 7-0.

Under Appointments – Mr. James Lemieux was appointed Water Commissioner to replace the late Mr. Bill Bauer.

Larry Fillmore 

Town Council Agenda for February 21, 2017

LOSS OF LOCAL CONTROL OR LOSS OF LIFE!

The Lisbon Communication Center has been a topic of discussion for many many years.  I have kept up with all of these discussions and in each case I thought I understood the situation and had answers for all the excuses used to explain why the taxpayers are paying over $350,000.00 yearly uselessly when a cost saving of approximately $250,000.00 tax dollars can be had.  This closing of the Lisbon Communication Center would improve the quality of life for all citizens in Lisbon.

After hearing the discussion at the Town Council workshop, I was truly struck by the fact that the closing of the Lisbon Communication Center rested on the loss of local control.  This was clearly stated by Mr. Fern LaRochelle and shared by a couple of our Councilors.  To me, putting the loss of local control over the loss of life is ridiculous.   However, it does explain a lot to me.  This just goes to show how the “Good Old Boys” network values the lives of citizens.

The current system used by Lisbon does not provide the best possible protection to the people.  This was identified in last Town Council workshop on this to issue.  Please review the following two scenarios:

1.        According to the EMT from Lisbon Emergency, when calls are received using 353-2500, and the Lisbon Communication Center dispatch them; they cannot and do not provide an Emergency Medical Code EMC) which is crucial for EMTs to ensure they are prepared prior to arriving on the scene.  According to the EMT, this Emergency Medical Code (EMC) greatly improves the patient’s chances of survival.  Again, Lisbon Communication Center cannot provide this EMC; only the 911 operator can provide this code.

2.        All 911 calls currently are received by the Androscoggin County Dispatcher as directed by the Maine State Public Safety Director.  These 911 operators are mandated, by the Town of Lisbon, to relay the information to the Lisbon Communication Center to have OUR First Responders dispatched to the scene.  It certainly would be more efficient and effective to have the 911 operator dispatch OUR First Responders immediately upon receiving the call thus reducing the time it takes OUR First Responders to get to the scene and provide emergency medical services.  As everyone can see there is a time delay when you have to relay information and what happens when 911 operators cannot get a response from the Lisbon Communication Center right away.  When I visited the Androscoggin County Dispatch, I asked the two operators on duty what their problems were with Lisbon and was told that numerous times they cannot reach anyone on 353-2500.  Think about the delay at that point, and imagine you or a loved one is the patient waiting for emergency medical services.

So the real question is do the “Good Old Boys” network give up local control or improve the quality of life of our residents.  To me, there is no choice and that is to give up local control.  I say this because a single life of one of our own or a love one is more important than local control. 

There are many towns in Maine who have faced this same situation and it was not a choice for them because they gave up local control and it is working well for them.  In my mind, they made the right choice when they put the lives of their people ahead of local control.

What will our Town Council decide?  Watch and see who votes to keep local control verses those Councilors who vote to save lives.  This will show you which Councilors are member of the “Good Old Boy” network and which are willing to put the best interest of the community first.

Larry Fillmore

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 8TH

 The following is a summary of the Town Council meeting held on February 8, 2017.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions, and Ordinances –

1.      Fee Schedule Amendment (First Reading) – The Council decided that there were too many changes identified; so they postponed any action until February 21, 2017.  This will give the Town Manager time to make the changes.

2.     2017 Speed Enforcement & Equipment Grant – The Council authorized the Police Chief to apply for grant by a vote of 6-0 with Councilor Albert excused.  Lisbon has been pre-approved for $2,239.65 already.

3.     Forfeited Assets – The Council approved $4,593.00 of forfeiture fund by a vote of 6-0 to be applied to the new cruiser.  Casco Bay Ford raised the price of outfitting the new cruiser.

4.     Authorization to Solicit Bids for Town Branding and Website Design – The Council voted 6-0 to authorize the Economic & Community Development Director to go out for bids on this project.

5.     Authorization to Solicit Bids for the CDBG Downtown Revitalization Streetscape Project – The Council authorized the Economic & Community Development Director to solicit bids for this project by a vote of 6-0.

6.     Lisbon Community Garden Ad-hoc Committee – The Council approved this committee by a vote of 6-0.

7.     Dispatch Consolidation Discussion – The Council postponed this until February 21, 2017.

Under Other Business –

1.      The Councilors provided a brief on department meetings attended.

2.     The Town Manager announced a Sewer meeting on February 14, 2017.

3.     Ryan Leighton briefed the Council on the first announcement by Siemen’s Energy Audit.

Under Appointments –

1.      Heather Duley was appointed to the Recreation Committee by a vote of 6-0.

2.     The following individuals were appointed to the Lisbon Development Committee by a vote of 6-0:

Tracey Steuber

Amanda Bunker

Karin Paradis

Don Fellows

Scott Hall                                                                      

Fern LaRochelle

Gina Mason

Cheryl Haggerty

Eric Metivier

The Council then went into Executive Session.

Larry Fillmore