1967-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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"We would re- emphasize that our concerns are no longer insular. We are actively involved with our neighbors in other cities and towns. We are interdependent, and as time goes on we will be faced with those inevitable economic pressures which suggest work- ing with others yet more closely for our mutual advantage. Such areas as transportation, sanitary refuse disposal, conservation, air and water pollution, and a variety of other matters will surely command the best of a board of selectmen for many years to come." bility and restraint - not reaction on the part of our several agencies which make up the government of Lexington. We do so again. For as we consider the greatest good for the greatest number, the needs and desires for public services and accomplishments, we must recognize that the privilege of taxation must come from the consent of the governed in a democratic and free society. The assets of town business are represented in the assessed valuation of taxable property as well as in the intangible values. We have again seen an increase in the number of building permits is- sued in comparison with the previous year and increased activity in the construction of valu- able industrial properties, particularly along Hartwell Avenue. The liabilities of our town are reflected in the bonded indebtedness as well as in the costs of doing business, of providing the daily services from a town office and in the several departments. We are concerned that our career employees be properly and adequately paid for their labors. These employees who serve us in time of need, who look after our children and guide them in their formative years, and who staff our offices are essential in the main- tenance of good, orderly and business -like government. We must be alert to the opportunity to eliminate waste, either in terms of manpower or materials, as a part of this stewardship. If taxation on an ever - rising, inflationary spiral is inevitable, as some economists tell us, then we must be sure that our investment in town services and capital expenditure is soundly made and administered. The tax rate of Lexington continued to be one of the highest in the commonwealth. We believe that we have made effective, overall progress in terms of our public utilities, educa- tional facilities, and in the necessary public services. We also believe that in the years ahead we may be relatively more fortunate than some communities which are now beginning to ex- perience the pressure of growing populations and mandatory major investments. We must, however, bear in mind that many of our residents have fixed or relatively less affluent income opportunities and that many are rearing larger families. As we study the balance sheets and operating statement of the year's town business, we know that our income must come from ourselves, either directly or through state and federal channels. We believe that our people want high standards of quality in government and its services. We believe that they will value community improvements and investment for their safety, protection, general welfare, recreation and education. But we must caution that these things must be accomplished only with a sense of reasonable balance and good judgment. Prudence in fiscal affairs will require that we take into account the inevitable depreciation of many of our public buildings and equipment. The desire for new investment must be analyzed in terms of comparative costs and the relative values received from one course of action or from alternatives. The questions of population density, public services required, public services de- sired, and alternative actions are vital considerations to be spot - lighted in our anticipated 11