To the editor:

Tiverton’s Petitioner’s Budget #2 can turn the tide for all Tiverton taxpayers by lowering taxes and providing adequate funding for important town services.

Under Budget #2, the tax rate drops from $16.39 to $15.81 (estimated) for a savings of around  $180/year for an average taxpayer with a home assessed at $306,000.

Budget 2 also provides funding which:

• Allows infrastructure improvements such road paving and the  purchase of a new rescue vehicle.

• Adequately funds the School Department that allows Tiverton’s new superintendent to begin initiatives which will improve the schools, maintain programs and avoid cuts (after five years  of budgets with no local increase to the schools). Unlike Budget #1.

• Restores Tiverton Library hours, that had been cut due to lack of funding.  The main branch, which had been closed on Tuesday mornings will now be open all day on Tuesday and Union Library will be open on Tuesday and Saturday. Unlike Budget #1.

• Allows the building official’s salary to be increased to attract qualified candidates which will attract and retain qualified candidates rather than experience consistent turnover in this position due to the demands of the position and low salary.

• Maintains the part-time zoning officer to enforce zoning, diminish legal disputes and the resulting costs.  Unlike Budget #1.

• Ensures safety by funding a qualified per diem program and overtime, which will cover six open fire department positions. Unlike Budget #1.

• Lowers dependence on town savings to plug budget gaps. Unlike Budget #1.

• Slightly increases the Town Council emergency fund so Tiverton can be better prepared for the unexpected. Unlike Budget #1.

• Avoids legal challenges due to the misappropriation of school capital funds, and a 35% rebate from the state for school capital. Unlike Budget #1.

Only Petitioner’s Budget #2 lowers your taxes and adequately pays for important town services.  Vote to approve Budget #2, Saturday, May 19, at Tiverton High School, at the Financial Town Referendum.

Barbara Martin

Tiverton