In just over two weeks, Harvard citizens will be asked to cast crucial votes for the future operation of our town. The omnibus budget, which covers all areas of operation, requires a tax override of $650,000. Much has been written in the press about the process town boards have engaged in to reach this budget. We, the undersigned members of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and School Committee, wish to clarify one important point: we agree on the importance of passing this override.
Together, in the best democratic fashion, we have hashed out our differences through examination of the data, careful questioning, and honest debate. Despite the sparks that occasionally fly, we respect each other, and share common cause. We all love this town and sincerely seek the best for its future.
None of us takes lightly the responsibility of spending taxpayer dollars; none of us seeks any increase without a strong sense of the impact on our most vulnerable citizens. The budget citizens will see enumerated in the warrant booklet mailed to every Harvard household includes necessary increases in several key areas, including town services and schools. It also includes costs for opening the new library that were widely disclosed when the project was approved. Finally, it funds increases in energy and special education costs that grow at rates well in excess of normal inflation. None of these increases was the result of a rubber stamp. The original total projected override, as widely reported, was well over a million dollars.
When we come together at Town Meeting March 31, we urge you, our fellow residents—our friends, colleagues, and neighbors—to join us in voting for Article 4.
Randy Dean, Robert Eubank, William Marinelli, and Lucy Wallace are members of the Board of Selectmen. Willie Wickman, Mark Hardy, Jeff Shaw, and Will Verbits are School Committee members. Debbie Ricci, Paul Donovan, George McKenna, Terry Mead, Cindy Russo, and Marie Sobalvarro are Finance Committee members.
