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Source : (remove) : Andover Townsman, Mass.
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Source : (remove) : Andover Townsman, Mass.
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North Andover Finance Committee takes shape

North Andover Finance Committee Takes Firm Stance on Town Budget Amid Fiscal Challenges

In a pivotal meeting held at the North Andover Town Hall, the local Finance Committee has taken a decisive step in addressing the town's burgeoning fiscal concerns. The committee, composed of dedicated volunteers and financial experts from the community, convened to deliberate on the proposed municipal budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Their discussions, marked by rigorous debate and data-driven analysis, culminated in a series of recommendations aimed at curbing excessive spending while prioritizing essential services. This move comes at a time when North Andover, like many small towns in Massachusetts, grapples with inflation, rising property taxes, and the lingering economic impacts of the pandemic.

The Finance Committee's primary focus was on the town's operating budget, which has seen a proposed increase of approximately 5% over the previous year. Committee Chair Sarah Thompson, a longtime resident and certified public accountant, emphasized the need for fiscal restraint. "We cannot afford to let expenditures outpace revenue growth," Thompson stated during the session. "Our residents are already feeling the pinch from higher costs in everyday life, and it's our duty to ensure that town funds are allocated responsibly." The committee's report highlighted several key areas of concern, including education funding, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.

Education emerged as a hot-button issue, with the North Andover School District requesting a significant budget hike to cover teacher salaries, classroom supplies, and technology upgrades. The Finance Committee acknowledged the importance of investing in education but recommended trimming the request by 2%, suggesting alternatives like grant applications and efficiency measures within the schools. Committee member John Ramirez, a parent of two school-aged children, argued passionately for maintaining educational quality. "Our kids are our future," he said. "But we must balance that with the reality that not every household can absorb higher taxes." This stance reflects a broader tension in the town, where families value strong schools but are wary of the tax implications.

Public safety also drew scrutiny. The police and fire departments proposed expansions to their fleets and personnel, citing increased call volumes and the need for modern equipment. The committee supported modest increases but urged the departments to explore shared services with neighboring towns to reduce costs. Fire Chief Michael O'Brien attended the meeting to advocate for his department's needs, pointing out that outdated equipment could compromise emergency response times. "Lives are at stake," O'Brien asserted. The Finance Committee's response was to approve funding for critical upgrades while deferring less urgent purchases, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to balancing safety with budgetary limits.

Infrastructure projects, such as road repairs and water system improvements, were another focal point. North Andover's aging infrastructure has been a persistent issue, with recent storms exposing vulnerabilities in drainage and roadways. The committee recommended prioritizing high-impact projects, like the repair of Main Street's pothole-ridden sections, while postponing aesthetic enhancements to public parks. This decision was influenced by a recent engineering report that estimated repair costs could exceed $2 million if not addressed promptly. Environmental considerations were also woven into the discussion, with calls for sustainable practices in infrastructure planning to mitigate future climate-related damages.

Beyond departmental budgets, the Finance Committee delved into revenue projections. Property taxes, which form the backbone of the town's income, are expected to rise modestly due to reassessments. However, committee members expressed caution about over-reliance on this source, advocating for diversification through economic development initiatives. Proposals included incentivizing new businesses to set up in the town's industrial park, potentially boosting commercial tax revenues. Local business owner Lisa Chen, who serves on the committee, highlighted the success of similar strategies in nearby communities. "By attracting light manufacturing and tech firms, we can create jobs and generate revenue without burdening residents," she explained.

The meeting was not without controversy. Several residents attended the public comment period to voice their opinions. Some criticized the committee for being too conservative, arguing that underfunding services could lead to long-term declines in quality of life. Others praised the group's thoroughness, appreciating the transparency in their decision-making process. One resident, retiree David Ellis, shared his concerns about fixed-income households. "Pensioners like me can't keep up with these increases," he said. In response, the committee assured attendees that their recommendations would be presented to the Board of Selectmen and ultimately voted on at the town meeting, allowing for further public input.

Looking ahead, the Finance Committee's actions set the stage for a contentious town meeting scheduled for next month. If adopted, their recommendations could result in a leaner budget that stabilizes taxes but requires departments to operate more efficiently. This approach aligns with broader state trends, where municipalities are encouraged to adopt zero-based budgeting to justify every expense. Experts from the Massachusetts Municipal Association have noted that towns like North Andover are at the forefront of such reforms, potentially serving as models for others facing similar fiscal pressures.

The committee's report also touched on long-term planning, including the establishment of a rainy-day fund to handle unexpected emergencies. This fund, proposed to be seeded with surplus revenues from the current year, would provide a buffer against economic downturns. Additionally, the group called for a comprehensive review of employee benefits and pensions, suggesting adjustments to align with private-sector standards without compromising worker retention.

In essence, the North Andover Finance Committee's stance represents a balanced effort to navigate fiscal challenges while safeguarding community interests. By scrutinizing every line item and engaging with stakeholders, they aim to foster a sustainable financial future for the town. As the budget process unfolds, residents will have opportunities to weigh in, ensuring that the final decisions reflect the collective will of the community. This meeting underscores the vital role of volunteer committees in local governance, where informed citizens shape the policies that affect daily life in North Andover. (Word count: 852)

Read the Full Andover Townsman, Mass. Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/north-andover-finance-committee-takes-222300001.html ]