As we look for ways to support the functions that our state can more efficiently and effectively do for us all than we can do for ourselves, it is important not to be taken in by cost-cutting measures that do not really solve our problem. Very often what looks like cost-cutting turns out to be cost-shifting, because there are things that simply need to be taken care of by government, and if we are not careful, our towns end up with the burden. We all know how we fund towns. Yes, property taxes.
Did you know that our towns are mandated to be the first line in caring for those of our citizens who run into trouble getting food, a roof over their heads, and medical care when they fall upon hard times? While we always try to find other sources of immediate aid, and we do require repayment if at all possible down the line, we still have to have our welfare budget, and in the recession those have been substantial.
Don’t let yourself be distracted by the apparent ease of some fiscal proposals. Make sure you do your research and ask some town and county officials what effect those supposedly easy cost-cutting measures have on us as property tax payers.
