Charter Commission proposes 7% budget cap, a fix that won't solve the problem

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Charter Revision Commission. Budget limit debate on YouTube video starts at about 1:24:00 The Charter Revision Commission (CRC) approved a budget referendum, but only if officials proposed a budget that exceeded a 7% increase. If the budget fails in the referendum, it would automatically cap at 7%. By forcing a referendum on any budget exceeding 7%, the CRC proposal effectively imposes a budget cap. While this might sound like a way to control taxes, it overlooks a fundamental issue: property tax rates fluctuate due to factors outside the town’s control. The 2023 budget year proves this point: even with a 5.4% budget increase, homeowners saw their tax bills jump by 8-9%. The increase in taxes wasn't entirely due to spending—it happened because property taxes are affected by multiple conditions. A budget cap wouldn't have prevented these increases. Enfield's problem is revenue. Property taxes must make up the difference when other revenue sources decline—whether state aid, ...

Maybe Trump's support has faded around here?

 


Political signs are probably a poor indication of how a candidate is doing. The Trump supporters are definitely more active, with the flags and banners, but generally don't see many political signs overall. Maybe it's the lack of a town council election. Local candidates are usually sign-crazy.

I'm sure there's some Biden signs, but can't recall any.

The Trump supporters tend to big about signs. One fellow has had a Trump banner on his porch since the 2016 election. There are few with large Trump flags attached to pick-up trucks. But overall, despite a banner here and a there, and a some modest law signs (see above), there aren't manny.
Can the number of signs say anything meaningful about how people are feeling in town? Doubt it.

Interest in this election seem very high, perhaps the highest in some time. It may be that most feel everyone has made up their minds, so what's the point of putting up a lawn sign? Why irritate neighbors (no matter who you support) for no good reason? Just vote and get it over with ....

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