GilfordGrok

Here is an editorial cartoon submitted by a loyal reader that really nails the Belknap County budget process as observed this past cycle... I nearly split my side when I took a close look.    

Posted by Doug at 09:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That's how much more the county will be snatching from a Gilford family of four this year to fund it's ever-expanding budget.

No matter where one looks, there are events taking place, and choices that need to be made, all of which will have a profound impact on our lives—especially our wallets! Whether it’s budget votes on the ballot, candidates that will either be frugal with our monies or spend it like drunken sailors, and the question of adopting SB2 (surely a no-brainer), this is the time of year when the power is in our hands. In many instances, the choices are pretty clear between business as usual, or adopting a new degree of scrutiny and oversight. The beauty of our system funded through property taxation here in NH is that almost the entire cost and function is controlled right at the local level, and residents, should they choose to avail themselves, have a large amount of say in the final outcome. Except for when it comes to Belknap County, that is. For that, we are at the mercy of 18 people….

By now, most taxpayers in Belknap County should have heard about the looming impact posed by the need for more funds due to reductions in revenues from the state. The county portion of our property tax bills is estimated to rise some 13%. This isn’t chump change. In this prior post, Skip has calculated that this will cost an average Gilford family of four an additional $136 in new taxes, on top of an increase generated no matter what happens at the March 11 budget voting. Laconia, under the constraints of the tax cap, will have to shave some $250,000 from its budget to stay compliant. Proportionally, the story is the same in the rest of the towns in the county.

And here’s the rub—not a single taxpayer from any of the communities has any say in the county budget whatsoever—except for the 3 County Commissioners and the 18 members of the County Convention, comprised of the delegation of NH house representatives. It is their shoulders that we rely upon to keep expenditures under control in order to maintain tax stability. They are the eyes and ears of the taxpayers of the county. Based upon my recent observations, they have failed us miserably.

Continue reading "$136. " »

Posted by Doug at 02:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Most people have heard of the phrase "lawyer-up!".  Well, time to "official up!".

Why?  I'm hearing some rumbling going on - not just loud whispers and ill-tempered remarks but I believe it will be the movement of feet walking on over the Belknap County complex next week for the "public session" on the County Budget.  And it isn't just me with the angst out there.

Again, the problem is with the County Budget. You know the one - the one that our County Convention - our State Reps - approved only AFTER pushing up the budget $700,000 over what the County Commissioners wanted.

Seems like the folks who've spent a lot of time crafting local Town or City budgets that are respectful of the taxpayer money but still providing services are a bit P.O'd and will be there on MARCH 4.  I'm believing that a couple of the Gilford folks associated with our budget process are going to wander on over there.  Sounds like a bunch of the Laconia folks are doing so as well.  And a couple other towns (If I believe the Citizen report as well)

You know, it seems that the County is becoming, as Howie Carr might say, a "Outside Agency hack-a-rama".  It doesn't matter what the Fed eligibility standards are, nor the State's - the County is going to meet the needs of everyone by lowering its standards. And do so regardless of the cost.  Regardless of who it may hurt.  After all, the extra spending has to come from taxes.   

Laconia is under a tax cap - with the 13% more needed by taxes, that could mean layoffs in Laconia - did the County Convention care?  If folks cannot pay their property tax bills (higher spending means higher taxes, after all), does the Convention care?  Their officials are going to be there.

Here in Gilford, the additional amount works out to be about $34 / person - a family of four is $136.  

Now let me turn the tables, as being one that is for less or stable government rather than more, I'm the one who gets nailed by being called cold hearted, misery, selfishnes, and others. So what's that example that is always thrown my way.  Oh yeah - single mom, semi-skilled, with 3 kids, and earns $9/hour.  So now, the County believes that they can spend that $136 from that single mom better than she can for her family?  And remember, while she may not have real property, that property tax increase is going to be passed along with an increase in rent.

Why should the County be able to raise it's income by 13% without us, the taxpayers, having a say?  Because we don't unless we show up.

Oh yeah, I forgot - "officialing up"! Will any of the Gilford Selectmen or the Town Administration be there to fight for the taxpayers of Gilford?

Posted by Skip at 08:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

COUNTY TAX TO JUMP 13%

Well folks, once again you are going to dig further into your wallet to pay taxes.  While the Town / SAU taxes are trending into the right direction, you are still going to get hit - a 13% up swing!

Who is watching the store at the County on behalf of the tax payers?  Go ahead, name somebody!

Unlike our SB2 town where the BudCom and the citizens themselves get to vote on whether or not the budget passes, we normal folk have no say in this process directly at the County.  Yet, we do have to pay for their budget no matter what they do (or want to do).

Or the cost to us.  We are just ATM machines that cough it up at their behest. 

So, who does?  The Belknap County Convention does, and it is made up of of the Belknap County Representatives (look to your left for names and link).

They have the power to approve or disaprove of this - or at the very least, let them know of your disapproval.  Call them, email them, or go chase them down.

Increases are:

They will spend more until we get the gumption to say "only as much as we get more". 

Posted by Skip at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gunstock proposal w/ Bill McLean Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Or simply use the handy players below:

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Posted by Doug at 05:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)