1975-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOARD OF SELECTMEN an interruption in a long upward climb or whether it suggests a stability or even the beginning of a rever- sal must await passage of time. A continuing decline of the past growth pattern would have significant implications. SOME OMINOUS POSSIBILITIES Solid waste disposal is far and away Lexington's largest current operating problem. Pressures from the commonwealth to close the sanitary landfill are in- creasing constantly because of non - conformity to en- vironmental standards. The whole technology of solid waste disposal is still in an undeveloped, experimen- tal state. Although the board of selectmen recognize the need for correction it has hoped that the action could be postponed until more effective disposal methods could be tested and established. At issue is whether the town should abandon a sanitary landfill annually costing $150,000 to operate in favor of still unproved techniques possibly costing $600,000 annually. The need of making such a choice is more than a cloud in the sky. It is a distinct probability. A second ominous consideration is the apprehen- sion we feel that the current dishevelled budgetary problems of the commonwealth may result in diminished state aid to towns and cities. At this state we can only speculate. If we should experience the combined leverage of reduced state aid and a compulsory solid waste disposal program, all of it in addition to in- flationary costs generally, the effect would be a severe increase in the tax rate. This brings us to an observation about priorities. Lexington in 1976 will have many requests to expand its service to its citizens. Most of these requests will be desirable in their way and would make Lexington an even nicer town. That, though, is only part of the question. We must sternly balance our desires with ability to pay. We must consider each proposal in the light of how it fits into the total needs of the town. Lexington, we confidently expect, will main- tain fiscal policies which will enable it to maintain its cherished Triple A rating. But we point out that discipline will be necessary to all levels of govern- ment together with determined resistance to projects where expense does not equate with high priority of need. The dedication to his responsibilities of Town Manager Walter C. O'Connell has been outstanding. We are conscious that his effective execution of board policies has contributed very materially to the town's well being. We are fortunate indeed to have him as a cornerstone of our official family. Lastly, 1975 has been a year characterized by singularly fine service by town employees particularly those involved in the bicentennial. And, as always, the town boards, officers, committees and commissions have been generous and effective beyond words in their discharge of their responsibilities. We wish there 7 Lofty Refurbishing