To the editor:

I want to discuss questions and facts concerning both budgets that were reviewed at the “Financial Town Hearing” that I attended.

First, let me say up front that due to the treatment Mr. Katz endured from the non-fact based questions asked in a condescending manner, my initial visceral reaction would be to vote for the Katz proposal. Many questioners continually hectored Mr. Katz about his non-attendance at various committee meetings. To me this was not needed and also irrelevant. In fact it did not add to the discussion of facts. After a while it was gratifying to hear the Town Clerk (Mrs Mello) asking folks to be a bit more civil toward Mr. Katz.

Here are some facts, questions and concerns regarding both budgets:

• There was some concern about the repaving needed after Armageddon struck this winter. Knowing the need for road repairs, I was surprised that the Budget Committee repaving request was less than the petitioner’s (Katz) budget.

• The Fire Department should be congratulated on the management of overtime by having fire marshal duties being removed from overtime.

• It was also gratifying to see that the police pension is now 70% funded.

• I have wondered over the past few years why the school population has been decreasing.

The answer was  brought to light by Bret Pelletier (Town Council) when he was advocating for the Budget Committee budget.  I am paraphrasing but I thought he indicated Tiverton was growing, however average household size was declining. This would back up the need for minimal school spending increases which, to their credit, the School Department has recognized.  I did hear during the meeting that there have been and will be some layoffs to keep spending under control.

My background is financial so I am a bit more conservative when it comes to reserves. Putting it into perspective, as we get closer to the 3% fund balance requirement, that level represents a week and a half of available cash. Not critical yet, however it should be watched.

Having been on the Budget Committee for two years I can attest to the time invested by the Budget committee. Also, Mr. Katz did a great deal of research, based on information he disclosed during the question and answer period. He did not just pull a number from the air.

Despite concerns about both budgets, I support the Petitioner’s (Katz) budget, as it did not appear to be draconian. It did have spending increases.

Sanford Mantell

Tiverton