This is such a tough issue to get a grip on. How to reconcile Abbott’s claim: “the new Charter won't cost any more in new taxes that weren't already in the Town budget for the next year (minus modest stipends for the two additional Select Board members).“ with Bolotin’s: “another 8.5 full time employees will be needed, and the additional cost to the taxpayers for this new Charter would be $1.47 million for the first year and $950,000 each year after that – a number which will increase as the cost of salaries, benefits, consultants and attorneys goes up.” Abbott says Town Meeting members would be better informed. Bolotin says they'd be less informed. Where lies the truth and how can we figure it out. (Me, thinking out loud.)
This is such a tough issue to get a grip on. How to reconcile Abbott’s claim: “the new Charter won't cost any more in new taxes that weren't already in the Town budget for the next year (minus modest stipends for the two additional Select Board members).“ with Bolotin’s: “another 8.5 full time employees will be needed, and the additional cost to the taxpayers for this new Charter would be $1.47 million for the first year and $950,000 each year after that – a number which will increase as the cost of salaries, benefits, consultants and attorneys goes up.” Abbott says Town Meeting members would be better informed. Bolotin says they'd be less informed. Where lies the truth and how can we figure it out. (Me, thinking out loud.)