At the May Town Meeting, every article on the warrant was approved,except for the $700,000.00 for the design of the property located on great MeadowRoad, where the Fire Chief would like to put a new fire station which would cost$6 million of tax payers money.This was withdrawn because of too much confusion regarding the article. Burlington spends about $115 million a year. The largest part of the budget ($52million) is for schools, almost half the town budget. Burlington has one of the highest paid teacher’s salaries's in the state, unfortunately with the lowest student scores around 80. The school committee keeps asking for a 4% raise every year, exceeding the bounds of reason to support teachers salaries increases and other unnecessary spending. This is not sensible or reasonable and at some point has to no longer continue. Tax payers should know that our Town Administrator receives $177,345.00 more than any other Administrator of other similar towns like Wilmington$138,715.00, Tewksbury$153,979.00, Reading $144,000.00 and MORE than the Mayor of Boston who receives $175,000.00 for managing a major city. These salaries are all public record. Concern of the town residents is on the rise with all of the spending occurring. Real estate taxes increase every year and it is always reasonable for the tax payers to be asking questions as to what they believe is excessive spending of their tax dollars. Tax payers are perceptive and more aware than ever, with all of the draconian spending going on year after year. The Selectmen need to start showing leadership by directing their attention to reducing spending and concentrate more on the reduction of real estate tax increases every year It is time to start moving forward in this direction. With all that Burlington has to offer with commercial real estate taxes, and some reduced spending, there is absolutely no reason why this challenge can't be achieved. Until we can get more concerned tax payers voting in the elections and to run for elected office, our increase in taxes will persist and might even intensify. It would make sense to shift the town election to the date of the national elections, in November. This would certainly achieve greater voter turnout and also eliminate the expense of a town election in April.
Gary B. Kasky Town Meeting Member Precinct 6
