Should Templeton be in the ambulance business while it struggles financially. When the fire department had to scramble to buy new air tanks and pump repairs concerning fire safety. The new rate increases, some 100% and with talk and demands of the state agency overseeing ALS service, of the need for more full time employees to man the ambulance, should Templeton look to a private agency or business to provide this service for a fee, that is they pay Templeton an amount of money for the privilege of serving Templeton. Templeton could maintain ambulance service, just be prepared for a tax rate approaching or at $25.00 per thousand. The Town is currently at $16.47, then the police station debt will be on for 2 years, the new school will be on for 28 years, the "old" high school debt from 1996 will stay on for another 28 years, per information from the special town meeting of November 9, 2015. The increases that will come for health insurance and retirement along with salaries and future labor contracts. It all adds up to increase in tax rate, increases in property valuations which do not always end up in a reduction in property tax bills. As an old commercial said, "it is not what you make, it's what you keep". I am looking at history, financial trends and the costing of services and it all shows you keeping less and less and getting less in return. Watch the cut in hours and services. These are my opinions, other than factual information which I have paper work to back up. Go to Templeton website, town of, look under board of selectmen, contracts and agreements and look at the police chief contract, contract with local 39, etc. and you can see what these cost you beyond salary.



posted by Jeff Bennett