To the editor:

This week the voters of Tiverton will once again go to the polls to choose a budget for the coming year. This year I will be voting for Budget #2, submitted by petitioner Sanford Mantell. I don’t like paying taxes any better than the next person but consider this. Today, of the 39 towns in RI, from highest to lowest property taxes, Tiverton is #26. Both budgets will lower our tax rate even further, when just about every other town in the state is looking at an increase. The estimated tax decrease on a median Tiverton home is $252 for Budget #1, and $180 for Budget #2, a difference of $72 per year. So why not pick the lowest? 

For a number of years, the lowest budget option has reduced taxes; the tradeoff is that we’ve deferred spending on services that are much needed for public safety, education, and town services. We have potholes galore and flooded, frozen roads. We’ve been borrowing ambulances for months from neighboring communities because only one of ours regularly works. Our first responders continue to leave for better working conditions; we are currently short six firefighter positions. We’ll get a new ambulance but it won’t help if we don’t have qualified personnel to man the rescue vehicles. Yet Budget #1 cuts a component of FD staff funding.

We have a new school superintendent from the “Massachusetts Miracle” education program with a proven track record of improving schools. Yet, Budget #1 would require him to begin by deciding which programs and/or staff to cut. And heaven help you if you want to build anything from a garage to a new business in Tiverton. The overwhelming workload and lack of resources has resulted in revolving door of staff in the Planning & Building offices with more departures imminent. Yet Budget #1 cuts an existing position from an already exhausted office.  

This is why I’ll be voting for Budget #2. It’s a better, balanced option that addresses these needs and lowers property taxes. Sometimes, a win-win solution presents itself. This is one of those times; let’s grab it.

Patricia M. Hilton

Member, Tiverton Town Council