News

Palesky proposal on Council agenda
By Janet Neal

Gray - At the next Gray Town Council meeting on Tuesday, March 2, Councilors will debate a resolution opposing the Palesky referendum question. The resolution was proposed by Councilor Matthew Sturgis at the last meeting on February 17th. During the preliminary discussion at that meeting, Sturgis said he was moved to propose the resolution because "when you look at something that's wrong….by God you have to act."

Councilor Lynn Olson stated that she was not in favor of voting on state-level legislation. Councilor Richard Barter likewise expressed reservations about having such a vote. He was concerned about all other tax proposals and questioned whether the Council would be inclined to take a position on all of them. He recommended that individual Councilors be vocal in their opposition, but that he probably would not support a resolution.

Chair Pam Wilkinson said the Council should do it all, and Councilor Jack Goosetrey said "We should do something".

Town Manager Mitchell A. Berkowitz expressed grave concern regarding possible passage of the 1% cap. He calculated that the current year's municipal budget would have been reduced by $1,560,000 if the cap were already in place. He reported that a reduction that size would wipe out all money earmarked for capital reserve accounts, plus up to $800,000 out of operations.

The resolution states in part "Whereas: The Town of Gray believes in responsible budget management in providing…services to the best of its abilities to the Citizens of the Town of Gray with the least impact to the municipal tax rate. Therefore: Be it resolved …that: The Town Council for the Town of Gray is opposed to the Property Tax Initiative titled "An Act to Limit Property Taxes to 1% of Full Cash Value", as it would result in direct inequities in property taxes, eliminate essential public services, and result in loss of local control of such issues as fiscal management, education, public works, and public safety."