To the editor:

At the emergency December 4 Town Meeting, Westport voters will be faced with a critical decision: whether or not to spend $65,000 to fix the mess the town treasurer has made of our finances. There is really no choice here. It must be done.

The town’s bank account has not been reconciled since July 2017. That means that the people who are entrusted to keep tabs on our tax dollars don’t know precisely how much money we have or don’t have. They also don’t know if items have been correctly recorded or if there has been any misuse or theft of funds. 

The problems in the treasurer’s office have been ongoing over several years. We’ve already paid once to have an outside auditor come in to try to straighten things out. I can see why some people might be tempted to vote “no” out of sheer frustration and anger. But as justifiably upset as you might be about this situation, voting “no” is only shooting yourself (and all of us) in the foot.

The town must report a reconciled account to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue within a few months. If that is not completed by the mandated deadline, the town will be assigned as a “high financial risk” by the state for mismanagement of its funds. There will be fines, penalties, and loss of state aid and grants. Municipal personnel layoffs could also be required. Over the long run that scenario would cost Westport taxpayers far more than the $65,000 being asked for in Article 2. 

This situation must be dealt with swiftly. Thankfully, there will be another time and place to express your frustration: the treasurer is an elected official and will come up for reelection in 2020.

Meanwhile, please join me in voting “yes” on Article 2. After our town’s financial future is better assured and if you still have an overwhelming need to freak out over this outrage, I will be more than happy to join you.

Heidi Correia

Westport