From the Eagle Tribune;
February 11, 2011
Timberlane voters quickly dispense of school budget matters
By Doug Ireland direland@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Fri Feb 11, 2011, 12:58 AM EST
PLAISTOW — School district voters made quick work of the proposed budget and other spending proposals last night, plowing through a list of warrant articles in less than 40 minutes.
Nearly 100 people turned out at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center to consider articles that included the proposed $62.4 million school budget and a $300,000 plan to renovate the Pollard School kitchen.
Despite the large crowd, only a few voters stepped to the podium during the annual deliberative session to ask questions about the articles, including Kate Russell of Danville.
Russell asked school officials where the district would cut seven positions that Budget Committee Chairwoman Michelle O'Neil said would be eliminated. O'Neil gave a brief presentation on the proposed budget before the discussion began.
Superintendent Richard La Salle outlined the cuts, which include a custodian, two support staff positions, and also teaching jobs at the elementary schools.
A declining number of elementary school students means fewer teachers are needed, La Salle said. The superintendent also presented the proposal to spend $300,000 on renovating the Pollard School kitchen.
When the district began renovating its buildings several years ago, the kitchens were never upgraded, La Salle said.
"During the renovations, one of the areas in the schools that was not addressed was the kitchens," he said. As a result, they are inefficient and do not meet code.
The district is now making the upgrades a priority, renovating the Atkinson Academy kitchen last summer and the Danville Elementary School kitchen two years ago.
The $300,000 would come from a capital reserve fund.
Although no one voiced their opinion on the article, resident Martha Fowler questioned how much money was in the fund.
"It would essentially use the money that is there," La Salle said of the renovation project.
The capital reserve fund contains a little more than $300,000 and would be replenished through another article that asks voters to add $200,000, the superintendent said.
There were no public comments on that article as well.
The $62,437,055 operating budget outlined by O'Neil is a decrease of less than 1 percent compared with the previous budget. The default budget is $62,708,119.
All five articles were quickly approved and sent to the March ballot after little or no discussion.
As one resident approached the podium, longtime town and Timberlane moderator Barry Sargent said the meeting was one of the shortest in memory.
"It is the quickest one I've had in 20 years," he said.
Perhaps it had something to do with the upcoming tipoff between the Celtics and Lakers, with Boston star Ray Allen looking to beat the NBA record for making three-point shots.
"Not to mention the Lakers and Celtics start in less than an hour — make it quick," Sargent joked.
Atkinson Town Hall
The Norman Rockwellian picture of Atkinson
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
39 people effectively add over $250,000 in fluff to the Town budget.
If we let it pass the ballot!
From the Eagle Tribune;
February 6, 2011
Voters approve article calling for land purchase
By Jillian Jorgensen jjorgensen@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Sun Feb 06, 2011, 12:03 AM EST
ATKINSON — Residents will have a chance to vote on purchasing land in the town center at the polls this March.
The proposal to buy less than an acre of open space for $161,000 was moved on to the ballot at the town's deliberative session yesterday, along with everything from an amended operating budget, to new generators, to a new roof at the fire station.
The article asking voters to purchase the .83 acres of land across from the library was amended yesterday. The land was originally slated to be used only for open-air activities, with "all future construction limited to a gazebo or bandstand and restroom facilities."
But Selectman William Bennett suggested an amendment that added "until 2021" to the end of the article, restricting the use for just 10 years. Several people had expressed reservations about buying the land and using it only as open space, saying future needs for the property could change.
Resident Carol Grant spoke about past land purchases in town where property went unused for years, but later became town recreation areas, the Fire Department and the current Town Hall.
"I would just ask that the townspeople look to the future," she said.
But others took issue with the cost, which they said was above market value. An amendment would have lowered the amount raised by the warrant article to $130,000, but it failed.
Bennett said he had spoken to the landowner, and said he might be willing to sell for $160,000, but not $130,000.
Residents also moved forward an article asking voters to spend $12,500 to irrigate baseball fields at Woodlock Park. An amendment proposing to ask for donations for the sprinkler system, rather than raising money for it, failed.
Other items moved to the ballot included a new $50,000 generator for the library, half funded by a donation and half by money in the library trust fund, which voters will be asked to dissolve; a new fire vehicle for $40,000; and road improvements on Hovey Meadow Road, Hoyt Circle and Merrill Drive
From the Eagle Tribune;
February 6, 2011
Voters approve article calling for land purchase
By Jillian Jorgensen jjorgensen@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Sun Feb 06, 2011, 12:03 AM EST
ATKINSON — Residents will have a chance to vote on purchasing land in the town center at the polls this March.
The proposal to buy less than an acre of open space for $161,000 was moved on to the ballot at the town's deliberative session yesterday, along with everything from an amended operating budget, to new generators, to a new roof at the fire station.
The article asking voters to purchase the .83 acres of land across from the library was amended yesterday. The land was originally slated to be used only for open-air activities, with "all future construction limited to a gazebo or bandstand and restroom facilities."
But Selectman William Bennett suggested an amendment that added "until 2021" to the end of the article, restricting the use for just 10 years. Several people had expressed reservations about buying the land and using it only as open space, saying future needs for the property could change.
Resident Carol Grant spoke about past land purchases in town where property went unused for years, but later became town recreation areas, the Fire Department and the current Town Hall.
"I would just ask that the townspeople look to the future," she said.
But others took issue with the cost, which they said was above market value. An amendment would have lowered the amount raised by the warrant article to $130,000, but it failed.
Bennett said he had spoken to the landowner, and said he might be willing to sell for $160,000, but not $130,000.
Residents also moved forward an article asking voters to spend $12,500 to irrigate baseball fields at Woodlock Park. An amendment proposing to ask for donations for the sprinkler system, rather than raising money for it, failed.
Other items moved to the ballot included a new $50,000 generator for the library, half funded by a donation and half by money in the library trust fund, which voters will be asked to dissolve; a new fire vehicle for $40,000; and road improvements on Hovey Meadow Road, Hoyt Circle and Merrill Drive
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Atkinson voters asked to OK land purchase
From the Eagle Tribune;
January 26, 2011
Atkinson voters asked to OK land purchase
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Wed Jan 26, 2011, 12:13 AM EST
ATKINSON — Voters will be asked to approve the purchase of 0.83 acres of land on Academy Avenue. But the purchase price is in question.
A warrant article calls for $161,000 to buy the parcel, but Selectman Bill Bennett said the price could be amended at the deliberative session Feb. 5.
Selectmen put their support behind the article, but the Budget Committee didn't — because the sale price is above the assessed value, Bennett said.
"That is probably above market value at this time, so we will be negotiating the price with the seller and probably will amend the value at Town Meeting," he said. "The Budget Committee didn't want to put their recommendation on that higher value."
Bennett said the land would expand the town commons area and remain a green space for concerts and other town events, if voters approve it.
The Budget Committee was a little more fiscally conservative than selectmen when it came to backing warrant articles with significant price tags.
"All the departments were made aware that we are still in economic difficulties and they should come in at the bare minimum of what is needed," Town Administrator Philip Smith said. "Some things just have to be done. Some stuff is safety, like generators and fire protection. The voter has to balance and decide what's important to them."
The 34 warrant articles total $883,000.
The Budget Committee did not recommend articles calling for $60,000 to update the fire protection system at Town Hall, $50,000 for a generator for the library, $35,000 for a generator for Town Hall and $9,200 for a part-time clerical position at Town Hall.
Bennett said a new sprinkler system at Town Hall is not a frivolous expense.
"The Town Hall sprinkler system does not offer adequate fire protection," he said. "Though the budget committee took the attitude it's been OK for all these years, I can't, in good conscience, support waiting."
But there was some agreement. Both boards recommended $spending $10,000 for repairs to the Atkinson Community Center.
"The floors of the center need to be resanded and refinished," Smith said. "It's an old building and needs yearly repairs."
Smith said the other big issue is road repairs.
"The roads are really falling apart. People call in to say they can't drive on them," he said.
Bennett agreed and said not keeping up with road repairs would be "penny wise and pound foolish."
Both boards recommended the town spend $132,000 to reconstruct 0.4 miles of Hovey Meadow Road, $12,300 to repair 0.12 miles of Hoyt Circle and $109,000 to reconstruct two parts of Merrill Drive. Those repairs also were recommended unanimously.
The town's deliberative session is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Atkinson Academy.
January 26, 2011
Atkinson voters asked to OK land purchase
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Wed Jan 26, 2011, 12:13 AM EST
ATKINSON — Voters will be asked to approve the purchase of 0.83 acres of land on Academy Avenue. But the purchase price is in question.
A warrant article calls for $161,000 to buy the parcel, but Selectman Bill Bennett said the price could be amended at the deliberative session Feb. 5.
Selectmen put their support behind the article, but the Budget Committee didn't — because the sale price is above the assessed value, Bennett said.
"That is probably above market value at this time, so we will be negotiating the price with the seller and probably will amend the value at Town Meeting," he said. "The Budget Committee didn't want to put their recommendation on that higher value."
Bennett said the land would expand the town commons area and remain a green space for concerts and other town events, if voters approve it.
The Budget Committee was a little more fiscally conservative than selectmen when it came to backing warrant articles with significant price tags.
"All the departments were made aware that we are still in economic difficulties and they should come in at the bare minimum of what is needed," Town Administrator Philip Smith said. "Some things just have to be done. Some stuff is safety, like generators and fire protection. The voter has to balance and decide what's important to them."
The 34 warrant articles total $883,000.
The Budget Committee did not recommend articles calling for $60,000 to update the fire protection system at Town Hall, $50,000 for a generator for the library, $35,000 for a generator for Town Hall and $9,200 for a part-time clerical position at Town Hall.
Bennett said a new sprinkler system at Town Hall is not a frivolous expense.
"The Town Hall sprinkler system does not offer adequate fire protection," he said. "Though the budget committee took the attitude it's been OK for all these years, I can't, in good conscience, support waiting."
But there was some agreement. Both boards recommended $spending $10,000 for repairs to the Atkinson Community Center.
"The floors of the center need to be resanded and refinished," Smith said. "It's an old building and needs yearly repairs."
Smith said the other big issue is road repairs.
"The roads are really falling apart. People call in to say they can't drive on them," he said.
Bennett agreed and said not keeping up with road repairs would be "penny wise and pound foolish."
Both boards recommended the town spend $132,000 to reconstruct 0.4 miles of Hovey Meadow Road, $12,300 to repair 0.12 miles of Hoyt Circle and $109,000 to reconstruct two parts of Merrill Drive. Those repairs also were recommended unanimously.
The town's deliberative session is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Atkinson Academy.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
TImberlane reports fewer dropouts
From the Eagle Tribune;
January 25, 2011
TImberlane reports fewer dropouts
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Tue Jan 25, 2011, 12:12 AM EST
PLAISTOW — Fewer Timberlane students are dropping out of high school.
The dropout rate fell from 2.7 percent to 0.7 percent in the past five years, according to Superintendant Richard La Salle.
The data is part of the district's annual report to the School Board, comparing information from the 2005-2006 school year to 2009-2010 school year to track progress.
"The dropout rate is the number we're most proud of," La Salle said at a recent School Board meeting.
He laid out the numbers as an example of the success of new programs at the district's schools.
Assistant Superintendant Winfried Feneberg said the change in the dropout rate can be traced back to programs specifically for kids with lower grades.
"The high school has really worked extremely hard to provide alternatives for children that struggle in school," Feneberg said. "We provide evening divisions and GED options, a lot of alternatives apart from and in addition to the standard diploma."
Feneberg said these options are preventing students from dropping out, but they still can't graduate without the necessary knowledge.
"The standards of the school have not gone down, it's actually increased," he said.
La Salle said the number of college-bound students also increased over those years, going from 74 percent to 86 percent.
"We have more kids going to two-year colleges than four, but that's a good option for some students," La Salle said.
Feneberg said two-year colleges have become a trend in the district.
"The ability to transfer from a two-year college into a four-year college is, in part, an economic decision parents and kids make," he said.
The data on the report also included ups and downs in New England Common Assessments Program scores, with a trend toward the positive.
"It's a whole lot of positive indicators that we feel came with hard work," Feneberg said. "There's certainly more that can be done and will be done. It's our goal to make everyone successful in high school.
January 25, 2011
TImberlane reports fewer dropouts
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Tue Jan 25, 2011, 12:12 AM EST
PLAISTOW — Fewer Timberlane students are dropping out of high school.
The dropout rate fell from 2.7 percent to 0.7 percent in the past five years, according to Superintendant Richard La Salle.
The data is part of the district's annual report to the School Board, comparing information from the 2005-2006 school year to 2009-2010 school year to track progress.
"The dropout rate is the number we're most proud of," La Salle said at a recent School Board meeting.
He laid out the numbers as an example of the success of new programs at the district's schools.
Assistant Superintendant Winfried Feneberg said the change in the dropout rate can be traced back to programs specifically for kids with lower grades.
"The high school has really worked extremely hard to provide alternatives for children that struggle in school," Feneberg said. "We provide evening divisions and GED options, a lot of alternatives apart from and in addition to the standard diploma."
Feneberg said these options are preventing students from dropping out, but they still can't graduate without the necessary knowledge.
"The standards of the school have not gone down, it's actually increased," he said.
La Salle said the number of college-bound students also increased over those years, going from 74 percent to 86 percent.
"We have more kids going to two-year colleges than four, but that's a good option for some students," La Salle said.
Feneberg said two-year colleges have become a trend in the district.
"The ability to transfer from a two-year college into a four-year college is, in part, an economic decision parents and kids make," he said.
The data on the report also included ups and downs in New England Common Assessments Program scores, with a trend toward the positive.
"It's a whole lot of positive indicators that we feel came with hard work," Feneberg said. "There's certainly more that can be done and will be done. It's our goal to make everyone successful in high school.
Charlie McCarthy to retire!
From the Eagle Tribune;
January 25, 2011
Atkinson celebrates longtime crossing guard
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Tue Jan 25, 2011, 12:28 AM EST
ATKINSON — Officer Charles McCarthy was brought to tears yesterday morning at Atkinson Academy.
The elementary school students and teachers surprised McCarthy with a special assembly to honor his 31 years of service as the school's crossing guard.
The assembly began when a student found McCarthy at the back of the gym and led him by the hand to a chair at the front of the room.
Students sang and spoke to McCarthy, thanking him in many ways.
"No matter what the weather, you were there to keep students safe," said Ryan Beaulieau, a fifth-grader.
Atkinson police Chief Philip Consentino awarded McCarthy a certificate of appreciation for his years of service and the school gave him a blue ribbon. At the end of the assembly, the students all stood and sang, "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" and applauded.
After the ceremony, McCarthy said he was overwhelmed by the attention.
"I didn't know about this; it was a surprise," he said. "I worked part time here all these years. I try to stay in the background and then to have everyone do this for me." He shook his head and smiled.
McCarthy's children and grandchildren attended Atkinson Academy. He said he was happy to be involved and do something in the community for so many years.
Another member of the Atkinson Police Department will be assigned to fill his position.
Principal Kathy Dayotis said they tried to keep the assembly a surprise.
"He thought just a few police officers would be here to say goodbye to him," Dayotis said. "We've been very fortunate for the past 31 years. He's been here as long as I have."
She said he has directed every bus and made sure every child crossed the street safely.
"The kids were really excited to do this for him," she said.
Before heading back to class, many students stopped to give McCarthy a hug and say "thank you" before they left.
• • •
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January 25, 2011
Atkinson celebrates longtime crossing guard
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Tue Jan 25, 2011, 12:28 AM EST
ATKINSON — Officer Charles McCarthy was brought to tears yesterday morning at Atkinson Academy.
The elementary school students and teachers surprised McCarthy with a special assembly to honor his 31 years of service as the school's crossing guard.
The assembly began when a student found McCarthy at the back of the gym and led him by the hand to a chair at the front of the room.
Students sang and spoke to McCarthy, thanking him in many ways.
"No matter what the weather, you were there to keep students safe," said Ryan Beaulieau, a fifth-grader.
Atkinson police Chief Philip Consentino awarded McCarthy a certificate of appreciation for his years of service and the school gave him a blue ribbon. At the end of the assembly, the students all stood and sang, "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" and applauded.
After the ceremony, McCarthy said he was overwhelmed by the attention.
"I didn't know about this; it was a surprise," he said. "I worked part time here all these years. I try to stay in the background and then to have everyone do this for me." He shook his head and smiled.
McCarthy's children and grandchildren attended Atkinson Academy. He said he was happy to be involved and do something in the community for so many years.
Another member of the Atkinson Police Department will be assigned to fill his position.
Principal Kathy Dayotis said they tried to keep the assembly a surprise.
"He thought just a few police officers would be here to say goodbye to him," Dayotis said. "We've been very fortunate for the past 31 years. He's been here as long as I have."
She said he has directed every bus and made sure every child crossed the street safely.
"The kids were really excited to do this for him," she said.
Before heading back to class, many students stopped to give McCarthy a hug and say "thank you" before they left.
• • •
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
Timberlane students learn financial realities
From the Eagle Tribune;
January 15, 2011
Timberlane students learn financial realities
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Sat Jan 15, 2011, 12:09 AM EST
PLAISTOW — Cam Altobelli spun a large, brightly colored wheel passing by a $500 inheritance to stop on a $40 fee for a bounced check.
Cam, an eighth-grader, frowned and wrote the number on a worksheet. The game represented real costs of living, all a part of Timberlane Middle School's second annual Financial Literacy Fair.
Teacher Sharon Skinner said the fair is part of her consumer education curriculum.
"Students choose a career and go to a website that will tell them the education and training needed for the career and expectations of a work environment," she said. "It also gives projected yearly salaries for the career. They take the yearly salary and deduct taxes, Social Security and the kids are left with a monthly budget."
Schools from around the state participate, including Woodbury School in Salem and West Running Brook Middle School in Derry.
At Timberlane yesterday, students lined up at various booths to "buy" a car, an apartment, clothes and food.
"During the fair, they have to budget their lives," Skinner said. "They pick housing and transportation they can afford, based on their monthly estimate. Kids who want to be doctors can pick out the sports car they want. Kids who want to be an artist are looking at taking public transportation because they can't get a car."
Eighth-grader Sarah Cole chose a career as an art director and had $3,976 a month to spend.
"I really like art so I wanted to find a way to make a career of that," she said. "I spun the wheel and lost $250 on car repairs. I think my balance is still OK though."
Cam said he chose a career as a head football coach with a net salary of $2,700 a month, after taxes.
"I want to be a coach and football coaches make the most money," he said. "I have to get a degree in sports management."
He said he's learned a lot from the project.
"This is pretty stressful," Cam said. "I bought a car for $17,000, I'm paying $82 a month for cable and Internet, and $10 a month for a gym membership. I decided to share a house with friends to save money."
Maekalah Macleod and Diana Aresio both chose to be hairdressers and each have $1,500 a month to spend.
"We're going to live together in a small, two-bedroom apartment," Diana said.
At the end of the two-hour program, students meet with a credit counselor to go over their list of expenses.
"If they're in the negative, they have to go back to a booth and get a cheaper car or lose a cell phone," Skinner said. "They can't be in debt at the end of the day. It's a good lesson; some adults should take this, too."
January 15, 2011
Timberlane students learn financial realities
By Cara Hogan chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Sat Jan 15, 2011, 12:09 AM EST
PLAISTOW — Cam Altobelli spun a large, brightly colored wheel passing by a $500 inheritance to stop on a $40 fee for a bounced check.
Cam, an eighth-grader, frowned and wrote the number on a worksheet. The game represented real costs of living, all a part of Timberlane Middle School's second annual Financial Literacy Fair.
Teacher Sharon Skinner said the fair is part of her consumer education curriculum.
"Students choose a career and go to a website that will tell them the education and training needed for the career and expectations of a work environment," she said. "It also gives projected yearly salaries for the career. They take the yearly salary and deduct taxes, Social Security and the kids are left with a monthly budget."
Schools from around the state participate, including Woodbury School in Salem and West Running Brook Middle School in Derry.
At Timberlane yesterday, students lined up at various booths to "buy" a car, an apartment, clothes and food.
"During the fair, they have to budget their lives," Skinner said. "They pick housing and transportation they can afford, based on their monthly estimate. Kids who want to be doctors can pick out the sports car they want. Kids who want to be an artist are looking at taking public transportation because they can't get a car."
Eighth-grader Sarah Cole chose a career as an art director and had $3,976 a month to spend.
"I really like art so I wanted to find a way to make a career of that," she said. "I spun the wheel and lost $250 on car repairs. I think my balance is still OK though."
Cam said he chose a career as a head football coach with a net salary of $2,700 a month, after taxes.
"I want to be a coach and football coaches make the most money," he said. "I have to get a degree in sports management."
He said he's learned a lot from the project.
"This is pretty stressful," Cam said. "I bought a car for $17,000, I'm paying $82 a month for cable and Internet, and $10 a month for a gym membership. I decided to share a house with friends to save money."
Maekalah Macleod and Diana Aresio both chose to be hairdressers and each have $1,500 a month to spend.
"We're going to live together in a small, two-bedroom apartment," Diana said.
At the end of the two-hour program, students meet with a credit counselor to go over their list of expenses.
"If they're in the negative, they have to go back to a booth and get a cheaper car or lose a cell phone," Skinner said. "They can't be in debt at the end of the day. It's a good lesson; some adults should take this, too."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Regionalized Policing. Atkinson is perfect for it.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
PLEASE POST THIS ARTICLE:
Regionalized Policing. Atkinson is perfect for it.
All over the country towns are banding together to realize the cost savings by eliminating redundant overhead costs associated with redundant facilities, insurance, utilities, police cars and computers. Atkinson could outsource its police department and save half of its police budget which if tallied accurately is now close to $1 Million. Instant savings of $500K per year which is $5 Million over 10 years.
How did such a small town grow such a large PD budget with all its unnecessary and redundant assets, cars and don't forget the detective, oh yes how many crimes solved by that unnecessary position, think about it really. Too bad we have no crime stats to base the need for so much expense. The demand simply doesn't exist. We have 12 police cars? Really? WHY? And don't quote me the 1 police officer per x number of residents BS, that formula works for towns like Derry or Salem where they have crime and commercial districts. Our police costs are twice what they were less than 10 years ago. What will they be in another 10 years? And what happens when they push for a new police department. The current PD building is insufficient so taxpayers better get ready for a new $1 Million police facility. Bend over. We have to create a full time chief position cause a nice guy is involved and he'll need a nice new building.
People I have bills to pay and am sorry the current arrangement is driving my taxes up and having a different colored police car driving around would make zero difference.
We could outsource to Plaistow or Salem since we only need 3, 8 hour shifts covered (1 shift 24/7). No more extra salaries or insurances or lawsuits or vehicle maintenance or free gas and cars to the privileged few which happens NOWHERE ELSE. And with all of the workforce administration eliminated we free up the town hall personel to do real work for us taxpayers. No more personnel complaints. No more dealing with payroll and benefits of all the extra unnecessary staff. It would be like a vacation working at Town Hall.
I's the law of supply and demand. We have an oversupply of a police department for small amount of criminal demand. We cut a deal with say Plaistow to keep the current full timers for at least one year, guaranteed and after that the chips fall where they may. We sell all the police dept assets and raise like $400,000 to pay down the tax rate or pay towards the library bond.
WE DON'T NEED THIS BLOATED Dept. Someone please prove to me with facts we need it. PROVE IT I DARE YOU! It is the 21st century. As long as we have 24 hour coverage, that's all we need. I know the notion of not having a PD is foreign to everyone. Do some research for yourself. Regional policing is common practice. Imagine for a moment the reverse was true where we had regional policing today and someone proposed establishing a police dept with a building and cars and computers etc. It would NEVER pass the voters because it would be to costly! You know I'm right.
With the savings, we hire a part time person to run Elderly Affairs and heck we can increase the EA budget.
AND with the $500K per year savings we can pay off the library bond in 3 years and save another few hundred thousand.
The bloated PD is so much overkill its beyond ridiculous. When you have to move line items out of your budget like insurance to hide the bloatedness of your budget, the writing's on the wall.
We live in Mayberry RFD. There's no crime here. Why are we paying like its Haverhill?
Regionalized policing. We save a fortune and have the lowest tax rate in the state. Love the idea. The 21st century is coming soon to Atkinson.
January 10, 2011 5:55 PM
PLEASE POST THIS ARTICLE:
Regionalized Policing. Atkinson is perfect for it.
All over the country towns are banding together to realize the cost savings by eliminating redundant overhead costs associated with redundant facilities, insurance, utilities, police cars and computers. Atkinson could outsource its police department and save half of its police budget which if tallied accurately is now close to $1 Million. Instant savings of $500K per year which is $5 Million over 10 years.
How did such a small town grow such a large PD budget with all its unnecessary and redundant assets, cars and don't forget the detective, oh yes how many crimes solved by that unnecessary position, think about it really. Too bad we have no crime stats to base the need for so much expense. The demand simply doesn't exist. We have 12 police cars? Really? WHY? And don't quote me the 1 police officer per x number of residents BS, that formula works for towns like Derry or Salem where they have crime and commercial districts. Our police costs are twice what they were less than 10 years ago. What will they be in another 10 years? And what happens when they push for a new police department. The current PD building is insufficient so taxpayers better get ready for a new $1 Million police facility. Bend over. We have to create a full time chief position cause a nice guy is involved and he'll need a nice new building.
People I have bills to pay and am sorry the current arrangement is driving my taxes up and having a different colored police car driving around would make zero difference.
We could outsource to Plaistow or Salem since we only need 3, 8 hour shifts covered (1 shift 24/7). No more extra salaries or insurances or lawsuits or vehicle maintenance or free gas and cars to the privileged few which happens NOWHERE ELSE. And with all of the workforce administration eliminated we free up the town hall personel to do real work for us taxpayers. No more personnel complaints. No more dealing with payroll and benefits of all the extra unnecessary staff. It would be like a vacation working at Town Hall.
I's the law of supply and demand. We have an oversupply of a police department for small amount of criminal demand. We cut a deal with say Plaistow to keep the current full timers for at least one year, guaranteed and after that the chips fall where they may. We sell all the police dept assets and raise like $400,000 to pay down the tax rate or pay towards the library bond.
WE DON'T NEED THIS BLOATED Dept. Someone please prove to me with facts we need it. PROVE IT I DARE YOU! It is the 21st century. As long as we have 24 hour coverage, that's all we need. I know the notion of not having a PD is foreign to everyone. Do some research for yourself. Regional policing is common practice. Imagine for a moment the reverse was true where we had regional policing today and someone proposed establishing a police dept with a building and cars and computers etc. It would NEVER pass the voters because it would be to costly! You know I'm right.
With the savings, we hire a part time person to run Elderly Affairs and heck we can increase the EA budget.
AND with the $500K per year savings we can pay off the library bond in 3 years and save another few hundred thousand.
The bloated PD is so much overkill its beyond ridiculous. When you have to move line items out of your budget like insurance to hide the bloatedness of your budget, the writing's on the wall.
We live in Mayberry RFD. There's no crime here. Why are we paying like its Haverhill?
Regionalized policing. We save a fortune and have the lowest tax rate in the state. Love the idea. The 21st century is coming soon to Atkinson.
January 10, 2011 5:55 PM
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