Barre Balances Budget, Future Without New Taxes or Fees

Barre Council has admirably balanced its need to invest in the future while at the same time keeping tight reign on the tax rate for the March vote. Councilors reached a compromise that serves the city well.

Councilors chose to increase funding for economic development without adding new taxes or fees on residents or those businesses already providing jobs, goods and services in the city. Council members deserve applause for both their foresight and their restraint.

In the shadow of a weakening economy, manager John Craig presented councilors with a very lean budget, and council was determined to see that it required no increase in the city's overall tax rate.

At the same time, there was sufficient commitment to Barre's future to trigger an increase in the allocation to preserve jobs, market the community, and assist businesses - current and prospective.

Council was able to fund the work of the Barre Area Development Corporation and the Barre Partnership at levels higher than last year, but below requested levels and without increasing the total tax burden above 2008 rates. It was a compromise that serves city voters and local employers very well.

The development organizations had previously taken the bold step of hiring full-time professionals to elevate their levels of service to existing businesses and prospects. Council provided a portion of the additional expenses these groups will incur in the year ahead.

The investments will pay dividends, and now is a critical time to lay foundations for success. The goal is to improve employment opportunities for area residents and maintain a strong, vibrant community.

"We're all in this together," echoed repeatedly throughout the discussions. "We" included the development organizations, residents, businesses, the city and the town.

Residents clearly demonstrated their desire to be part of the solution by shopping locally this December. While holiday sales were down slightly for local retailers, they fared far better than their counterparts nationwide. Merchants remarked that many customers were making a very conscious effort to shop locally.

Mayor Lauzon said the community would pull together and be better and stronger down the road. That sentiment was obviously shared by councilors.

Special articles encourage voters to make important investments in road and infrastructure improvements.