Board Passes Burden to Residents
Per the Amherst Bee’s Nov. 21st, 2023 article - Town Board Member Shawn Lavin stated the following:
“It is disturbing that our town government is facing financial stress at a time when our economy is strong,”
“I am concerned that a future recession, which many experts predict in 2024”
“I have introduced an amendment to the budget that allows the town board and the general public to better monitor the finances of our town government. If the board approves these amendments, we will lay down the groundwork for sustainable financial management that will benefit Amherst for years to come.”
Lavin is correct - YES! the TOA Board is facing financial troubles... too much spending, too fast, with a lack of resources to fund it responsibly. Being fiscally irresponsible & poor planning has consequences and now the Town Board has realized they dug themselves a giant hole. Instead of the Town Board doing the right thing and working to fix the problem they made and take accountability… they took the easy way out and passed their burdens onto the Amherst residents.
Lavin then notes his concern of an upcoming recession, experts saying in 2024. This adds fuel to the fire of why Amherst residents are beyond upset at the Town Board for increasing taxes by 11%, way past the ~3% cap, (hundreds of dollars more a year out of the pockets of residents). In a time of uncertainty and financial stress for the average person just trying to make ends meet with gas prices, groceries, car loans, mortgage rates, etc. and a looming recession - the Town Board still decided to squeeze the people’s budgets.
Lavin - why are you saying all of this, but still voted yes to the increase?
As Lavin concluded… I look forward to monitoring the finances that he said will be open to the general public.
Since 2018, the Board has increased taxes 36% - this trend needs to stop.
I look forward to seeing the Board’s groundwork on how they will be making better choices to achieve sustainable financial management that will benefit Amherst for years to come, sooner than later.
Next Town Board Meeting - Mon. Dec. 4th, at 7pm at 5583 Main St. (open to the public)
