Susan Roache: Are warrant articles in Belmont needs or just simply wants?

To The Daily Sun,

Belmont residents should do homework before voting on March 12. Between the town budget and the school budget, your taxes are going to feel the impact, add up the tax impact per $1,000. Can you afford this? Personally, I cannot afford for my taxes to go any higher. I do not want to see another reevaluation of my property (Warrant No. 31 asking for $75,000). We all need to use common sense and get involved in our town's future. I am a senior citizen, as many of you are, and it's not that easy to come up with extra cash. In this economy, you need to ask yourself, do I need this or want this, tough decision, but if you don't need it, it can wait. The information is available online and at the Belmont Town Hall to do your homework before voting. However, all salaries (town and schools) are omitted from the information. We have two incumbent selectboard members who do a great job. I have asked many questions on how they stand on this year's budget and warrants. I'm not in favor of Warrant No. 24 (asking for $500,000 to renovate mill for future move of town hall to mill building). I am also not in favor of moving Belmont seniors to the Town Hall once the mill building becomes Town Hall. Parking is not sufficient or convenient for seniors to utilize the now current Town Hall. We have plenty of parking at the mill building and easy access to the building. Please read the warrant articles very closely and make an educated decision — need or want.

Susan Roache

Belmont