To the Editor:

Marion Town Meeting is being held on May 9. Time to familiarize yourself with the articles on the warrant on which you will be voting.  If you are not in attendance to vote, a small percentage of the populace could possibly pass a 2 1/2 override which will raise your taxes sky high, AND set an unfortunate precedent for future articles. It’s best to be knowledgeable.

Marion has hefty expenses ahead concerning the multi-million dollar sewage system, which will benefit us all and has been mandated to be completed.

The Finance Committee struggles to consolidate and efficiently make the best and fair use of town income and I commend them for their work and also the Boards which opted not to receive a pay raise.

The $603,000 override was pursued by ORR and involves a 5-year program for alarm systems and furniture. The first year installment is $ 318,400. Is the remainder of the money put into the general fund?

The ORR budget is 14,300,974.

Professional staff up 2.8 percent – $8,588,036

Non-professional staff up 5.2 percent – $1,366,711

Other salaries (tech, custodial, etc) up 5 percent – $838,194

Health up 8.5 percent – $289,370

Retirement – $69,094

Total (80 percent of budget) – $11,151,405

Add contracted services – $1,112,478

Total (85 percent of budget) – $12,263,883

For students: $2,037,091

If money is at such a premium, perhaps ORR should consider eliminating School Choice for 70 out of district students who pay $5,000, while it costs us taxpayers $15,000 per student to attend.

How much can we afford tax bills to rise? One cannot eradicate debt by spending more and/or borrowing more with the explanation that the payments will be the same – [through 2040?].

I believe it is irresponsible to put the burden of continuing exorbitant costs on the taxpayer.

We need a MORATORIUM on all spending, not an OVERRIDE. The debt exclusion will have to wait.

Ruth Nicolaci
Marion taxpayer