New Funding Mechanism Needed In Seymour

Seymour needs a leader with a vision and a plan.

This column focuses on Seymour’s infrastructure and capital improvements, both badly needed within our town.

It is no exaggeration when I say infrastructure and capital improvements are badly needed within our town. A lack of planning over the last two years has prevented us from moving forward, and the current process is little more than a department wish-list due to our lack of a consistent funding mechanism.

To properly manage the process, we need to go back to consistent funding source. 

By using a four-year, short-term borrowing approach we will be able to maintain our capital on an annual basis without any affect to the mil rate after an initial four-year investment. 

For example, four-year short-term borrowing means that $150,000 per year would allow us to purchase about $600,000 in capital each year. 

That is an eye opener, isn’t it?

This does not mean we will borrow for everything. We can still pay for smaller items in cash each year. We will still be able to purchase big ticket items considered
necessary or in need of replacement, such as fire trucks, police cars, or public works vehicles. 

However, my plan is not a fly-by-night operation. 

My plan will allow us to have a true understanding as to when these items can be purchased and for how they will be paid – again – without any affect to the mil rate after an initial four-year investment.

Proper planning will allow us to continually look for grants and other revenue sources since we will be able to see in advance what we need and when. It also
maximizes our return on investment by reducing repair and maintenance costs as well as our trade-in value. The bottom line is that it gives us a map with a key and directions.

My plan does not stop at just the funding. All capital items are required to be justified with a mechanism comprising of a solid paper trail and approval process. This
strengthens both the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance as they may plan and differentiate between the town’s needs and wants while also knowing when certain items must be addressed.

Most important for our residents, though, is when used in conjunction with good communication, the plan will make it easier for everyone to understand where we’ve
been, where we are, where we are going, and how we will get there.

Accountability, efficiencies within our town government, town beautification and community service, and community unity are also important, and will be addressed
before Election Day in November.

Someone who is a visionary and decision-maker is needed for our town today, and I have that vision and can make those decisions.

Leadership Matters!

The writer is a Republican running for First Selectman.

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