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, ...
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WHY do stores bother with one-way signs? Because large numbers of people ignore them

 


So I'm trying to understand why one way signs in grocery stores are increasingly ignored. I post on Enfield's Facebook page raising this question and wait for the responses. Here is a summary of the main arguments: 

1. “The virus isn’t that communicable. It’s been overstated.” 

2. “I am not a sheep.” 

3. “If six feet apart works, why the mask?” 

4. “Some people don’t pay attention to the signs.” 

The only one I get is 4. People do blank, don't notice, are pre-occupied etc. Following directional signs in a grocery store isn't in their DNA. 

The rest of the reasons are mostly nonsense. People reach their own reasons for rejecting the science, or view it -- the sheep comments -- are imperial overreach by the federal virus storm troopers. 

I think we’re all reaching a point where the virus is in our collective rear view mirror, and that’s in part due to the decent job we did in this state to bring it under control. But until this thing goes away, or treatment or vaccine arrives, we still got a problem.

I do see elderly people in the stores. They can’t afford the home delivery (it really adds to the costs) and they may not have the support, friends or relatives, who can shop for them. I watch some of the and they can be super cautious. There’s others like that as well who really try to avoid others. For many, there's a still a real fear.

Even if you have strong objections, don’t see the point and don’t have the time or interest to follow the arrows, at least be careful around those who are uniquely vulnerable because of age. It’s just being polite. There’s nothing wrong with doing that and it's so simple.
Location: Enfield, CT 06082, USA

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