To the editor:

Tiverton residents will be voting on the annual budget this week. They will have three budgets to choose from:

Budget #1 is the budget developed by the Town Budget Committee, with the School Committee and Town Council. Does this budget increase our taxes? Yes, however it maintains all services as they currently stand and allows for desperately needed building repair and maintenance, as well as replacement of poorly and nonfunctioning capital equipment, such as rescue and DPW vehicles.

The past two years, tax increases have remained near zero, only due to removing money from the general fund to cover our bills. We cannot continue this practice if we want to ensure a positive financial future for Tiverton. Increases this year are necessary to replace funds removed by the petitioner budget last year. These cuts left specific line items deficient to cover costs mandated by state law. Budget #1 is the responsible budget. It meets contractual salary and other mandated operational expenses.

Petitioner budget #2 suggests an overall cut of $957,895. This petitioner was unable or unwilling to respond when asked where he recommended cuts be made.

Petitioner budget #3 suggests specific cuts, totaling $679,741, many of which would significantly and negatively impact services if passed. A summary of some cuts if this passes:

• Litigation reduced $20,000, with known increased litigation needs.

• Recording expenses for Probate Court reduced to $0 and mandated by law.

• Code enforcement salary reduced which is contractual.

• Affordable Care and GASB 45 reporting reduced by $4,950 and mandated by law.

• Planning Department reduced by $7,500 with multiple proposed changes (casino, Industrial Park, Souza Road, increase in private home building).

• Fire Dept reduced by $152,500 including salary, equipment and emergency provider training.

• Harbor and Coastal Management reduced $7,400 to eliminate basin mooring analysis and water quality testing.

• Library reduced to $500,000 which results in loss of $428,081 in state grant in aid and town would be responsible for the full repayment for the bond of $537,750.

• On-Site Wastewater Management reduced $28,588 which allows inspections and assistance for those with failing septic systems.

• Senior Center reduced $800 for supplies and activities for our seniors.

• Winter Rec reduced to $0 (no tree lighting and no Santa).

The difference in direct cost between Budget #1, and the most detrimental Budget #2 is $13.68 per month per household. Are our services worth this? Control town finances — vote Budget #1.

Deborah Scanlon-Janick, Budget Committee

Denise DeMedeiros, President Town Council

David Perry, Town Council

Tiverton