Fairhaven Budget Working Group will look at all departments
By Ken Blanchard, Chair of the Fairhaven Budget Working Group*
The Budget Working Group is made up of concerned Fairhaven residents/ taxpayers who have volunteered something that is increasingly difficult to find, personal time. I don’t believe any one of us would be here if we did not genuinely care about the financial future of our town and the preservation of the services our residents depend on.
The voters have spoken clearly on two recent occasions, there is no appetite for Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. To me, that sends a clear and important message; before asking taxpayers for more money, we have an obligation to determine whether we are operating as efficiently and as fiscally responsible as possible with the money they have already entrusted to the town.
I believe that is the fundamental reason the Budget Working Group exists.
Our responsibility is not to criticize department heads, employees, boards or committees. We are not here to question anyone’s professionalism, leadership or committment. Quite the opposite. We want to work collaboratively with the people who know the operations best.
Our approach is simple: Understand the operation. Understand the costs. Identify the facts. Examine alternatives. Determine whether there are opportunities to save money within the governing laws and regulations, without sacrificing the quality, reliability or safety of essential services.
If the facts demonstrate that an alternative does not make financial or operational sense, then we will say so and move on.
However, if the facts demonstrate that there is an opportunity to reduce costs, improve efficiency, transfer operational risks or provide taxpayers with better long-term value, then that opportunity will be presented to the appropriate authority for their consideration.
The wastewater treatment plant deserves particular attention because Fairhaven is making a major long-term investment in a new facility. That makes this an important decision point.
The question before us is not: Is the BPW operating the wastewater treatment plant properly?
The question is: Is there a more fiscally responsible and operationally effective way for Fairhaven to operate and maintain this major new town asset?
We are not here to advocate that outsourcing is necessarily the answer. We are here to determine whether it is an option that deserves a serious fact-based evaluation.
That distinction is important.
We will apply the same process and principles to every municipal service we consider.
We will present our findings on each matter to the board or committee that has the authority and the fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers to make those decisions. I am confident in their ability and know they will make the correct decision either way.
*This opinion is mine alone and not that of the FBWG.
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