PUBLIC MONEY FOR PRIVATE USE



It is budget time in Enfield and this year will be extremely difficult because of the reevaluation that was just concluded. Did you get your new assessment yet? Did you need oxygen when you opened the envelope and saw the increase?

Well, many residents are already emailing town leaders, contacting Town Hall and preparing to argue their increase before the Assessment Appeal Board. I should first say that everyone involved in the process is doing their best to answer questions and calm fears about their tax bills. However, it is still becoming a stressful process as people see their taxes going up.

One issue that has hit center stage is the request from the Thompsonville Little League to have the town help in the lighting of the baseball fields at Asnuntuck Community College.

First, let me say that we all want our community to endorse and assist programs that give kids a place to play. Sport programs in any town offer our children an opportunity to get out in the fresh air and learn athletics, as well as, life’s lessons.

However, the issue is not the value of youth activities in our community; it is about how we pay for them. The big question floating around the Council Chambers is should we use public money for private use?

The question can be answered in a few ways.

First, with reevaluation this year and the unstable budget season this is not the best time to be adding new expenditures to the towns budget. We have to think about how all of this is going to affect the taxpayer in Enfield. We already have a high tax burden on the residents of our town and this is a time to hold spending down not add to the budget.

Second, is the principle of what is government’s responsibility? The government has the mandate for supplying services for its citizens. Our taxes should be primarily for public safety, infrastructure, education, and areas that all the citizens share. The big question is should we use public money for private use? Well, there may be exceptions, but overall to keep taxes low private activities should be funded with private money.

Third, we have some urgent needs that require our attention and funding. Right now we have the High School Fields project that will most likely require funding beyond what the referendum raise. There may need to be some funding from our CIP to complete the project and add bleachers and lighting. The schools may need extra funding for the Kiln situation. Cost of utilities are on the rise and plans must be set to be ready for higher rates. Then there are the unseen emergencies that the Council needs to think about and prepare to address at a moments notice.
Last, we must consider how funding the Little League Lights will open the avenue to other groups seeking funding for their projects. If you assist one you have to, in all fairness, address all groups in Enfield. This could open Pandora’s Box placing stress on the budget and putting one group against another.

Now, I know that this article will anger some and please others. It is not my goal to decrease the value of kids programs in town. I have raised three children and they have enjoyed many community organizations.

It is simply time to take our tax burden seriously. It is time to tighten our belts and reduce spending. It is time to help the taxpayers of Enfield and try our best to put more money back in their pockets.

Now, that I have entered the arena of giving my opinion about this issue I would encourage that if the town rejects this funding that we as a community assist the Thompsonville Little League with donating to any fund raising campaign they may begin. I will be happy to put my money where my mouth is and write a check. I hope you will also…that’s how we help the kids.