Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Annual Town Election - Ballot Questions Explained

Annual Town Election
Saturday March 31st Polls open: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. SHS Gym

Ballot Question 1 2008 operational override of $2.7 million
A YES VOTE means that the town will have sufficient funds to cover the $1 million dollar shortfall in its current budget. This will ensure we will maintain current town services and also includes needed funds for:
Fire - emergency medical supplies DPW - road work, lighting, grounds Library -staff, books, programs, computer needs Police –traffic officer/ cruiser Schools - necessary teachers at all schools and yearly curriculum maintenance

The cost per household, based on a home value of $500,000, is $26.25 per month.

A NO VOTE means that there will be at least $1 million dollars in across the board cuts to current budgets. This could lead to a compromise in public safety due to cuts in fire and police staffing hours. Our library will continue to be understaffed. As for our schools, a budget cut will mean reducing course offerings at our middle and high schools, further overcrowding of classrooms at all schools, substantial cuts in art and music, and a serious threat to our high school’s graduation requirements.

The Selectmen, Advisory, and School Committee recommend a YES vote on Ballot Question 1.

Ballot Question 2 Hatherly Road Fire Station $3.5 million Debt Exclusion

A YES VOTE means that a new fire station will be built on Hatherly Road to improve response times to all residents of Scituate. It will further fund a new pumper truck to service this station.

The cost per household, based on a home value of $500,000, will be $3.25 per month.

The Selectmen, Advisory, and Fire Department recommend a YES vote on Ballot Question 2.

Ballot Question 3 FY 2009 operational override of $600,000 for 8 fire fighters

A YES VOTE means that 8 new firefighters will be added to Hatherly Station if it is approved in Ballot Question 2.

The cost per household, based on a home value of $500,000, is $5.83 per month to be added to your tax bill when the firefighters are needed to staff the new building.

The Selectmen, Advisory, and Fire Department recommend a YES vote on Ballot Question 3.

Ballot Question 4 Senior & Community Center $3.2 million Debt Exclusion

A YES VOTE means that the town will support the building of a much-needed new Senior and Community Center.
If approved the current senior center will be sold and the proceeds will help offset the cost of the new building.

The cost per household, based on a home value of $500,000 is $3 per month.

The Selectmen, Advisory, and Council on Aging recommend a YES vote on Ballot Question 4.

Ballot Question 5 School Furniture, Books & Computers $800,000 Debt Exclusion

A YES VOTE replaces broken desks/chairs, outdated computer equipment and an out of print Kindergarten to 12th grade English Language Arts program. Our current ELA daily student workbooks, replacement textbooks, and teacher guides are no longer available for purchase.

The cost per household, based on a home value of $500,000, is $1.75 per month.

A NO VOTE means that the schools will be unable to purchase the necessary computer equipment, desks/chairs and books. It currently costs $100,000 to copy the textbooks/worksheets. This money will have to be funded from the budget already at risk in ballot question 1.
The Selectmen, Advisory, and School Committee recommend a YES vote on Ballot Question 5

If all of the above questions are approved, the tax bill for a home assessed at $500,000 will increase by $40 per month.
For more information go to www.YesforScituate.org

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