The following was left at the Savoy Store.
FY08 BUDGET NEWS:
This year at the Annual Town Meeting Savoy voters approved a nearly level funded budget submitted by the Finance Committee and Select Board seeing only moderate increases.
Currently with the first quarter of the fiscal year complete we now have the final numbers from revenues including state cherry sheet at $818, 574 an increase of $24,812, new growth at $31,612, local receipts $114,500 and free cash at $12,500 also expenditures state and county charges at $176,433 an increase of $66,992, overly, etc. A very large increase cost in Charter School at $82,242 an increase of $28,410 and School Choice $93,593 an increase of $38,593 in tuition up by 61%.
During this time of finalizing the budget there is usually a deficit to be addressed. The methods used are to trim the working budget, use money from free cash or stabilization fund to help balance the budget or vote an override of Prop. 2 1/2.
After review of the current budget the Finance Committee, Select Board and other town officials have found ways to reduce costs by approx. $60,000 dollars including using all free cash of ($12,500).
The recommendation is to take approx. $15,000 from the stabilization fund bring the deficit to $70,000 and vote in an override of $70,000 rather than continue reducing the town's stabilization fund ($160,352.53). The override's ballot vote will be held on Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 from 12 noon to 8pm at the Senior Center.
The increase in property tax will be approx. $1.00 per $1,000 of evaluation.
Select Board and Finance Committee
Contact People
John Tynan, Select Board Chair 743-3573
Joe Bettis, Jr. 743-8132
Scott Koczela 743-0792
Finance Committee
Emile Mazur 743-1354
Jody Jardine 743-0029
Susan McGrath 743-0977
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
PUBLIC HEARING
The public hearing for Mr. Malloy’s proposed "Commercial Wind Energy Facilities Bylaw" was held October 25 at the Fire Station. Mr. Malloy explained MinutemanWind did not write the bylaw. Mr. Malloy went to UMASS to see Sally Wright, , Renewable Energy Research Lab. Ms. Wright gave Mr. Malloy a copy of the state "Model Amendment to a Zoning Ordinance or bylaw". Mr. McCauley, President of MinutemanWind, stated they took the model and developed a proposal for Savoy.
Mr. Malloy felt the Savoy Planning Board’s bylaw had too many snags and was not workable. Mr. Malloy stated the proposed bylaw MinutemanWind would present had all the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the Planning Board without the snags. (The proposed bylaw presented by MinuteManWind will be referred to as the Malloy/MinutemanWind proposal not to be confused with the Planning Board proposal.)
Steve Weisman, MinutemanWind vice president, stated they had been waiting for the Planning Board bylaw but doubted the Planning Board would present their proposal anytime soon. The Planning Board has been working on a bylaw since 2004 and, it has not been presented to the town. Mr. Reinhardt, explained the Planning Board proposal would be ready as soon as town counsel clarified legal language in the document.
When questioned why Malloy and MinutemanWind didn’t wait for the Planning Board’s proposal, Mr. McCauley explained he was concerned about their data going stale. He briefly mentioned without going into detail, wetlands and habitats. Mr. Malloy mentioned the need to move forward to take advantage of environmental and tax incentives.
Some of the residents had issues with more of the ridgelines being used for wind turbines. Mr. McCauley explained the Malloy bylaw was for the project on West Hill Road, at this time.
Mr. Reinhardt was asked what would happen if the town voted for the Malloy/MinutemanWind bylaw and then voted to supersede with the Planning Board proposed bylaw. Mr. Reinhardt explained MinutemanWind would surely apply for a Special Permit from the Zoning Board as soon as the bylaw is approved. MinutemanWind would not be bound by the guidelines proposed by the Planning Board bylaw, only future projects, if any.
Mr. Bettis was moderator in place of Eric Krutiak, who had been called out of town. Mr. Bettis, Select Board member, explained the Planning Board has 21 days to review and make a written report to the Select Board on the "Malloy-MinutemanWind proposed bylaw". Mr. Bettis stated the Select Board thinks the "Malloy-MinutemanWind proposal" is a workable bylaw. He further explained the Select Board already has ideas on changing the "Malloy/MinutemanWind proposed bylaw before being presented to the town for a vote. The proposed bylaw will require a 2/3 vote at a Special Town Meeting to pass. Mr. Bettis stated the vote would be by ballot.
There was a question how concerns of citizens would be handled. Mr. Bettis said these issues would be handled by the Select Board. Concerned citizens would contact the Select Board and they would contact MinutemanWind.
Mr. McCauley was asked to define ‘sensitive economic information". Mr. McCauley said MinutemanWind would withhold sensitive economic information if it applies to individuals.
Mr. McCauley stated MinutemanWind wants to make "payment in lieu of taxes" (PILOT). Mr. Weisman stated assessors make assumptions about what taxes should be. The Select Board would negotiate PILOT. The propose settlement would be put before the town for a vote. If PILOT failed, the fallback for the town would be normal taxation. It was suggested taxation would be based on the cost of the turbines. The rate would be the ‘residential rate’ since Savoy has only a ‘residential rate’.
Mr. McCauley stated the Department of Revenue Regulations give the developer the right to PILOT. The proposed Malloy/MinutemanWind bylaw provides for independent consultants to be paid by the applicant. Mr. McCauley stated some towns hire consultants to negotiate PILOT. The town would be permitted to seek consultants familiar with negotiating fees for wind turbines and MinutemanWind would pay the consultants.
Mr. Bettis responded to inquiries about the fees MinutemanWind would pay the town. Mr. Bettis said the Select Board won’t know what the town would receive until after a bylaw is passed and MinutemanWind applies for a permit.
Mr. McCauley stated the existing bylaw would keep the project from beginning. The project would be illegal. The current bylaw has height limitations. Also, there is language that limits type of uses for land.
Mr. Malloy and Mr. Weisman both took shots at the Planning Board, as previously noted, for not having the Town Proposed bylaw ready. What they both neglect to appreciate is the Planning Board wrote the bylaw after reviewing exiting bylaws from other towns. The Planning Board members put in hundreds of hours researching issues the residents brought before them. The Planning Board has been trying to develop a bylaw that the residents would be comfortable voting for. They listened to the residents, trying to do the right thing for the town. The Planning Board had been working on the town’s proposal before Mr. Malloy walked into Sally Wright’s office and was handed the State’s generic model.
Mr. Bettis and Mr. Rosenthal had a brief exchange that brought a halt to the meeting. Mr. Rosenthal had his hand raised and wanted to be recognized to ask a question. Mr. Bettis told him he was not going to call on him again and to put his hand down. Mr. Rosenthal stated he was not going to put his hand down. Mr. Reinhardt stepped forward and adjourned the meeting. By Brenda Smith
The public hearing for Mr. Malloy’s proposed "Commercial Wind Energy Facilities Bylaw" was held October 25 at the Fire Station. Mr. Malloy explained MinutemanWind did not write the bylaw. Mr. Malloy went to UMASS to see Sally Wright, , Renewable Energy Research Lab. Ms. Wright gave Mr. Malloy a copy of the state "Model Amendment to a Zoning Ordinance or bylaw". Mr. McCauley, President of MinutemanWind, stated they took the model and developed a proposal for Savoy.
Mr. Malloy felt the Savoy Planning Board’s bylaw had too many snags and was not workable. Mr. Malloy stated the proposed bylaw MinutemanWind would present had all the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the Planning Board without the snags. (The proposed bylaw presented by MinuteManWind will be referred to as the Malloy/MinutemanWind proposal not to be confused with the Planning Board proposal.)
Steve Weisman, MinutemanWind vice president, stated they had been waiting for the Planning Board bylaw but doubted the Planning Board would present their proposal anytime soon. The Planning Board has been working on a bylaw since 2004 and, it has not been presented to the town. Mr. Reinhardt, explained the Planning Board proposal would be ready as soon as town counsel clarified legal language in the document.
When questioned why Malloy and MinutemanWind didn’t wait for the Planning Board’s proposal, Mr. McCauley explained he was concerned about their data going stale. He briefly mentioned without going into detail, wetlands and habitats. Mr. Malloy mentioned the need to move forward to take advantage of environmental and tax incentives.
Some of the residents had issues with more of the ridgelines being used for wind turbines. Mr. McCauley explained the Malloy bylaw was for the project on West Hill Road, at this time.
Mr. Reinhardt was asked what would happen if the town voted for the Malloy/MinutemanWind bylaw and then voted to supersede with the Planning Board proposed bylaw. Mr. Reinhardt explained MinutemanWind would surely apply for a Special Permit from the Zoning Board as soon as the bylaw is approved. MinutemanWind would not be bound by the guidelines proposed by the Planning Board bylaw, only future projects, if any.
Mr. Bettis was moderator in place of Eric Krutiak, who had been called out of town. Mr. Bettis, Select Board member, explained the Planning Board has 21 days to review and make a written report to the Select Board on the "Malloy-MinutemanWind proposed bylaw". Mr. Bettis stated the Select Board thinks the "Malloy-MinutemanWind proposal" is a workable bylaw. He further explained the Select Board already has ideas on changing the "Malloy/MinutemanWind proposed bylaw before being presented to the town for a vote. The proposed bylaw will require a 2/3 vote at a Special Town Meeting to pass. Mr. Bettis stated the vote would be by ballot.
There was a question how concerns of citizens would be handled. Mr. Bettis said these issues would be handled by the Select Board. Concerned citizens would contact the Select Board and they would contact MinutemanWind.
Mr. McCauley was asked to define ‘sensitive economic information". Mr. McCauley said MinutemanWind would withhold sensitive economic information if it applies to individuals.
Mr. McCauley stated MinutemanWind wants to make "payment in lieu of taxes" (PILOT). Mr. Weisman stated assessors make assumptions about what taxes should be. The Select Board would negotiate PILOT. The propose settlement would be put before the town for a vote. If PILOT failed, the fallback for the town would be normal taxation. It was suggested taxation would be based on the cost of the turbines. The rate would be the ‘residential rate’ since Savoy has only a ‘residential rate’.
Mr. McCauley stated the Department of Revenue Regulations give the developer the right to PILOT. The proposed Malloy/MinutemanWind bylaw provides for independent consultants to be paid by the applicant. Mr. McCauley stated some towns hire consultants to negotiate PILOT. The town would be permitted to seek consultants familiar with negotiating fees for wind turbines and MinutemanWind would pay the consultants.
Mr. Bettis responded to inquiries about the fees MinutemanWind would pay the town. Mr. Bettis said the Select Board won’t know what the town would receive until after a bylaw is passed and MinutemanWind applies for a permit.
Mr. McCauley stated the existing bylaw would keep the project from beginning. The project would be illegal. The current bylaw has height limitations. Also, there is language that limits type of uses for land.
Mr. Malloy and Mr. Weisman both took shots at the Planning Board, as previously noted, for not having the Town Proposed bylaw ready. What they both neglect to appreciate is the Planning Board wrote the bylaw after reviewing exiting bylaws from other towns. The Planning Board members put in hundreds of hours researching issues the residents brought before them. The Planning Board has been trying to develop a bylaw that the residents would be comfortable voting for. They listened to the residents, trying to do the right thing for the town. The Planning Board had been working on the town’s proposal before Mr. Malloy walked into Sally Wright’s office and was handed the State’s generic model.
Mr. Bettis and Mr. Rosenthal had a brief exchange that brought a halt to the meeting. Mr. Rosenthal had his hand raised and wanted to be recognized to ask a question. Mr. Bettis told him he was not going to call on him again and to put his hand down. Mr. Rosenthal stated he was not going to put his hand down. Mr. Reinhardt stepped forward and adjourned the meeting. By Brenda Smith
An Educated Electorate
Savoy and the surrounding area is now the prime target for wind developers since the Cape Wind project was rejected. Savoy is facing the most serious challenge in its 210-year history: the question of whether or not to include commercial industrial wind plants in its rural, agricultural, residential area.
Only an educated electorate can make responsible choices. Objective, credible information is needed on wind, as a renewable energy source globally and how it will impact our Northern Berkshires locally. Without that reality check, personal subjective interpretation alone will guide perception.
The list surrounding wind plants in the world, the state and the Berkshires is long i.e.: the financial picture, private property valuation and taxes, personal health, eminent domain, environmental impacts, wind plant power production and delivery, government subsidies to developers heavily underwritten by the common taxpayer, lucrative incentives to developers from commercial foreign and domestic investing, as well as profiteering landowners. Add the fact of nature that wind is not a reliable, controllable energy source and you have large profits to the investors,developers and land leasors for very small return of renewable energy. Is it worth it in the long run? No.
The financial picture is first on this list of issues for Savoy. Does Savoy need more money? One of Savoy’s pro wind plant assessors says either we let in the wind turbines or we must pay higher real estate taxes over the normal 2.5% yearly increase. This choice is given without knowing exactly what income will be from any wind plant in town. The developer, Minuteman Wind LLC, says that sum cannot be given unless Savoy approves their commercial/industrial wind plant first. Does the developer expect us to go ahead without the income figure, to buy a “pig in a poke”? These tactics, the threat of raising taxes and withholding town income figures, both are underhanded leverages for a pro wind agenda.
People need to know what is at stake so they can answer for themselves. The Savoy Mountain News
Savoy and the surrounding area is now the prime target for wind developers since the Cape Wind project was rejected. Savoy is facing the most serious challenge in its 210-year history: the question of whether or not to include commercial industrial wind plants in its rural, agricultural, residential area.
Only an educated electorate can make responsible choices. Objective, credible information is needed on wind, as a renewable energy source globally and how it will impact our Northern Berkshires locally. Without that reality check, personal subjective interpretation alone will guide perception.
The list surrounding wind plants in the world, the state and the Berkshires is long i.e.: the financial picture, private property valuation and taxes, personal health, eminent domain, environmental impacts, wind plant power production and delivery, government subsidies to developers heavily underwritten by the common taxpayer, lucrative incentives to developers from commercial foreign and domestic investing, as well as profiteering landowners. Add the fact of nature that wind is not a reliable, controllable energy source and you have large profits to the investors,developers and land leasors for very small return of renewable energy. Is it worth it in the long run? No.
The financial picture is first on this list of issues for Savoy. Does Savoy need more money? One of Savoy’s pro wind plant assessors says either we let in the wind turbines or we must pay higher real estate taxes over the normal 2.5% yearly increase. This choice is given without knowing exactly what income will be from any wind plant in town. The developer, Minuteman Wind LLC, says that sum cannot be given unless Savoy approves their commercial/industrial wind plant first. Does the developer expect us to go ahead without the income figure, to buy a “pig in a poke”? These tactics, the threat of raising taxes and withholding town income figures, both are underhanded leverages for a pro wind agenda.
People need to know what is at stake so they can answer for themselves. The Savoy Mountain News
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
I have been attending Select Board meetings for quite a few years. The Select Board has questioned why the townspeople don’t get more involved with the meetings. Attendance is nonexistent unless there is an issue that interests the townspeople. That is normal for most small towns. I propose another reason, could it be the Select Board makes decisions outside the Select Board meetings? I have been informed by three previous Select Board members that this was a practice. Is this practice continued by the current Select Board?
What I have experienced is townspeople asking questions and some members of the Select Board being rude in their response. We all know the purpose of Select Board meetings. The Select Board meetings are for the purpose of handling town business. Also, the Select Board should be clear what information they use to make their decisions. When townspeople have to ask the Select Board to speak up so they can hear what is being discussed, does this make for a good meeting? Does the Select Board want participation from the townspeople?
At the last meeting in September several issues came up that were cause for concern. The first was Don McCauley stating how the informational meeting for the Molloy bylaw for wind turbines should be conducted. Isn’t this the responsibility of the Select Board and Planning Board? The Select Board and Planning Board should have been informing Mr. McCauley what procedures would be followed.
The property tax rate for Fiscal Year 2007 was $10.77 per thousand. Property was reassessed last year. My property increase was approximately $30,000.00. If my math is correct, my property tax bill will increase $323.10 with the $10.77 rate without the annual increase. The town is allowed an automatic annual 2.5 percent increase in each year. Why haven’t the tax bills been sent out? The property tax bills are suppose to be mailed October 1. The Select Board answered that question. There is not sufficient funds to run the town. The Select Board needs to ask for a tax increase. How do I know how I should vote when I don’t know how much the actual increase should be now? Or, is this a ploy by the Select Board to get my vote for a wind turbine bylaw? Mr. Tynan said he might not want wind turbines, but he had to do what was best for the town. Every voter is faced with the same issue. It shouldn’t be all about the money but the best bylaw that protects Savoy today and for future generations.
Since the Select Board has verbalized the need for more funds, I had to research the Massachusetts Government web site to try and understand the difference between a "debt exclusion" and "Proposition 2 1/2". "A "debt exclusion" creates a temporary increase in the levy limit to fund the payment of debt service costs for capital projects by borrowing. The additional amount for the debt service is added to the levy for the life of the debt. Exclusions do not become part of the base upon which the levy limit is calculated for future years. Exclusion questions are placed on the ballot by a two-thirds vote of the selectmen. A majority of the electorate is required to implement an exclusion." Savoy has voted for two debt exclusions since Fiscal Year 2000. Fiscal Year 2001, voters approved the purchase of a new four-wheel drive loader. Fiscal Year 2003, a modular addition to the elementary school was approved.
"Proposition 2 1/2" is a vote by a community at an election that permanently increases the levy limit. Unlike capital outlay expenditure exclusions or debt exclusions, an override vote can increase the levy limit no higher than the levy ceiling. The override ballot question must state a purpose for the override and a dollar amount.
"Proposition 2 ½ allows a community to assess taxes in excess of the automatic annual 2.5 percent increase and any increase due to new growth by passing an override. A community may take this action as long as it is below it’s levy ceiling, or 2.5 percent of full and fair cash value. An override cannot increase a community’s levy limit above the level of the community’s levy ceiling.
"When an override is passed, the levy limit for the year is calculated by including the amount of the override. The override results in a permanent increase in the levy limit of the community, which as part of the levy limit base, increase at the rate of 2.5 percent each year.
"A majority vote of a communities selectmen allows an override question to be placed on the ballot. Override questions must be presented in dollar terms and must specify the purpose of the override. Overrides require a majority vote of approval by the electorate."
If the Select Board follows through and asks for a property tax increase. Will I be able to afford a tax increase? Tough questions need to be asked, the Select Board needs to have answers, not the standard "we don’t have that information". If they don’t have the information, how can I vote to support an increase when I don’t know what my taxes should be under the Fiscal Year 2008 budget?
By the by, the Trojan Horse is at the gate filled with promises of money. After the Select Board meeting had adjourned Don McCauley and Select Board members stayed after the meeting and discussed the wind turbine project. The discussion centered around the fees Minuteman Wind would pay Savoy. Mr. McCauley was told he should be specific to the amount of money Savoy would receive, and the timeframe. Would the fees increase or decrease over the years. There was a consensus the fees would decrease each year since the wind turbines would devalue each year. What percentage would the turbines devalue? If my memory is correct, Mr. McCauley previously stated at a meeting the intent of his company was to sell the wind turbines to another company after they had been built. He made the comment he was in this business to make money. No one can blame him for wanting to make money. What is the long term expense for Savoy. Will his promise to pay the town specific amounts of money flow to the purchasing company? What if the company is an overseas company, how would Savoy be able to recoup any expenses associated with this project? What is my problem with this discussion? This discussion occurred after the Select Board meeting. Shouldn’t the townspeople attending the meeting been included in this exchange? Isn’t this town business?
Am I prepared to sell the heart and soul of Savoy for money? If my answer is ‘yes’, do I know how the Select Board will spend this money? Will the Select Board expect the taxpayers to fill the void with continued requests for higher tax increases as the fees decrease? A more serious question for me is the consideration of a proposed tax increase by the Select Board while a proposed wind turbine bylaw is being considered. The Select Board indicated they were going to be neutral. To bring up the matter of money with Mr. McCauley in attendance and the discussion after the meeting, makes this all about the money. Is this neutrality?
Savoy residents do care. I have come to the conclusion that nothing will change until we have a Select Board who is open about town business and encourages participation by the townspeople. We need to know what information they are considering when they make decisions. This is a small town and cannot have the budget of a larger town. What has happened to sensibility?
That’s my opinion. Your opinion and comments are welcome. By Brenda Smith
What I have experienced is townspeople asking questions and some members of the Select Board being rude in their response. We all know the purpose of Select Board meetings. The Select Board meetings are for the purpose of handling town business. Also, the Select Board should be clear what information they use to make their decisions. When townspeople have to ask the Select Board to speak up so they can hear what is being discussed, does this make for a good meeting? Does the Select Board want participation from the townspeople?
At the last meeting in September several issues came up that were cause for concern. The first was Don McCauley stating how the informational meeting for the Molloy bylaw for wind turbines should be conducted. Isn’t this the responsibility of the Select Board and Planning Board? The Select Board and Planning Board should have been informing Mr. McCauley what procedures would be followed.
The property tax rate for Fiscal Year 2007 was $10.77 per thousand. Property was reassessed last year. My property increase was approximately $30,000.00. If my math is correct, my property tax bill will increase $323.10 with the $10.77 rate without the annual increase. The town is allowed an automatic annual 2.5 percent increase in each year. Why haven’t the tax bills been sent out? The property tax bills are suppose to be mailed October 1. The Select Board answered that question. There is not sufficient funds to run the town. The Select Board needs to ask for a tax increase. How do I know how I should vote when I don’t know how much the actual increase should be now? Or, is this a ploy by the Select Board to get my vote for a wind turbine bylaw? Mr. Tynan said he might not want wind turbines, but he had to do what was best for the town. Every voter is faced with the same issue. It shouldn’t be all about the money but the best bylaw that protects Savoy today and for future generations.
Since the Select Board has verbalized the need for more funds, I had to research the Massachusetts Government web site to try and understand the difference between a "debt exclusion" and "Proposition 2 1/2". "A "debt exclusion" creates a temporary increase in the levy limit to fund the payment of debt service costs for capital projects by borrowing. The additional amount for the debt service is added to the levy for the life of the debt. Exclusions do not become part of the base upon which the levy limit is calculated for future years. Exclusion questions are placed on the ballot by a two-thirds vote of the selectmen. A majority of the electorate is required to implement an exclusion." Savoy has voted for two debt exclusions since Fiscal Year 2000. Fiscal Year 2001, voters approved the purchase of a new four-wheel drive loader. Fiscal Year 2003, a modular addition to the elementary school was approved.
"Proposition 2 1/2" is a vote by a community at an election that permanently increases the levy limit. Unlike capital outlay expenditure exclusions or debt exclusions, an override vote can increase the levy limit no higher than the levy ceiling. The override ballot question must state a purpose for the override and a dollar amount.
"Proposition 2 ½ allows a community to assess taxes in excess of the automatic annual 2.5 percent increase and any increase due to new growth by passing an override. A community may take this action as long as it is below it’s levy ceiling, or 2.5 percent of full and fair cash value. An override cannot increase a community’s levy limit above the level of the community’s levy ceiling.
"When an override is passed, the levy limit for the year is calculated by including the amount of the override. The override results in a permanent increase in the levy limit of the community, which as part of the levy limit base, increase at the rate of 2.5 percent each year.
"A majority vote of a communities selectmen allows an override question to be placed on the ballot. Override questions must be presented in dollar terms and must specify the purpose of the override. Overrides require a majority vote of approval by the electorate."
If the Select Board follows through and asks for a property tax increase. Will I be able to afford a tax increase? Tough questions need to be asked, the Select Board needs to have answers, not the standard "we don’t have that information". If they don’t have the information, how can I vote to support an increase when I don’t know what my taxes should be under the Fiscal Year 2008 budget?
By the by, the Trojan Horse is at the gate filled with promises of money. After the Select Board meeting had adjourned Don McCauley and Select Board members stayed after the meeting and discussed the wind turbine project. The discussion centered around the fees Minuteman Wind would pay Savoy. Mr. McCauley was told he should be specific to the amount of money Savoy would receive, and the timeframe. Would the fees increase or decrease over the years. There was a consensus the fees would decrease each year since the wind turbines would devalue each year. What percentage would the turbines devalue? If my memory is correct, Mr. McCauley previously stated at a meeting the intent of his company was to sell the wind turbines to another company after they had been built. He made the comment he was in this business to make money. No one can blame him for wanting to make money. What is the long term expense for Savoy. Will his promise to pay the town specific amounts of money flow to the purchasing company? What if the company is an overseas company, how would Savoy be able to recoup any expenses associated with this project? What is my problem with this discussion? This discussion occurred after the Select Board meeting. Shouldn’t the townspeople attending the meeting been included in this exchange? Isn’t this town business?
Am I prepared to sell the heart and soul of Savoy for money? If my answer is ‘yes’, do I know how the Select Board will spend this money? Will the Select Board expect the taxpayers to fill the void with continued requests for higher tax increases as the fees decrease? A more serious question for me is the consideration of a proposed tax increase by the Select Board while a proposed wind turbine bylaw is being considered. The Select Board indicated they were going to be neutral. To bring up the matter of money with Mr. McCauley in attendance and the discussion after the meeting, makes this all about the money. Is this neutrality?
Savoy residents do care. I have come to the conclusion that nothing will change until we have a Select Board who is open about town business and encourages participation by the townspeople. We need to know what information they are considering when they make decisions. This is a small town and cannot have the budget of a larger town. What has happened to sensibility?
That’s my opinion. Your opinion and comments are welcome. By Brenda Smith
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