1966-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOARD OF SELECTMEN enlightened town such as Lexington, with inflation increasing the costs of every single pro- gram and service; with the insistent demand of the school committee for a kindergarten program; with the need to acquire open land for conservation and recreational use before that land is developed for housing; and with the obligation to maintain and advance a salary schedule for non - school administrators and employees which adequately recognizes their worth and their service to the town? All this suggests to us that if any one department or committee preempts for its own needs a major part of any increase in town income, then other departments with equally pressing needs must exist on an unjustly lean fare. Either that or else a tax increase will result, so large as to induce severe taxpayer reaction. Clearly and unmistakenly, the town's already high tax rate calls for restraint... prudent constructive restraint, but restraint, nevertheless. Equally clearly, the town must maintain existing values; it must consolidate progress already made. It would be folly to jeopardize the town's investment in past achievements. What is needed is restraint, not reaction. Before asking for new money for new programs, all departments, all committees, and the town meeting itself, owe it to the taxpayers to look searchingly at present oper- ations and to economize where economy is possible. Residents of few towns have paid high taxes less grudgingly than have Lexington's. Fairness to them requires the closest atten- tion to wise priorities. This problem of equating the many conflicting pressures is formidable indeed. Nevertheless Lexington's long history of generally handling her past problems with wisdom and vision is the best hope we have that the town will meet responsibly the social and economic challenges which press upon us now. To the degree that the Board of Selectmen can contribute to such an answer we pledge the best efforts of our hearts and minds. The Board of Selectmen L. to R.: George C. Sheldon, Irving H. Mabee, Lincoln P. Cole, Jr., Chairman, Miss Hazel J. Murray, Clerk Levi G. Burnell, and Robert Cataldo 11