To the Editor:

Seven percent, 7 percent, 7 percent. The proposed property tax increase suggests that Brunswick exists as an island of properity in the midst of surrounding municipalities getting along with 2 or 3 percent increases.

Several weeks ago, when the budget was finally passed, the proposed increase was just over 6.5 percent. Due to deadlock between the governor and the Legislature, the final revenue sharing figures from Augusta were unavailable. At that time, I recall the Town Manager stating that he felt it was “the sense of the council” that any further reduction in actual revenue sharing should be made up by spending cuts, rather than a further increase in the tax rate.

Much of this arises because the Brunswick municipal budget process is backwards. Instead of the department heads preparing requests for the manager who then consolidates them and passes them on to the council, the council should settle on an acceptable tax rate, then task the manager and department heads to live within it.

Finally, at the recent council meeting, the manager observed that the council has traditionally been reluctant to end any existing programs. If this really is the case, then I recommend the establishment of a “Sunset Commission,” to include at least some taxpayer members, that could evaluate long-standing programs and expenditures and suggest where cuts could be made. Such a commission could offer “cover” for the manager and Council in addressing unpopular budget cuts.

Charles L. Updegraph Jr.
Brunswick