SELECTMEN’S MESSAGE – 2003

The Selectmen, on behalf of the town, would like to commend the boards and committees for their outstanding efforts in 2003.

We would also like to recognize the quality and the dedication of the town employees’ efforts to make 2003 a successful year.

Our community was safe in 2003 based on the outstanding work conducted by our police and fire departments. We encourage you to read their reports, which are included in this report.

We would be remiss not to recognize the civic groups of our town whose volunteerism has benefited the community through their labor and love of the community.

2003 presented many challenges to the community and were successfully dealt with. As we move into 2004 we look forward to those challenges as the town will benefit from the hard work and planning conducted in 2003.

One of the biggest challenges is how fast we are growing. The selectmen would like to thank all those who participated in the Master Plan Questionnaire. As we move into the second phase of that planning, volunteers are needed to develop a vision for our town and there are various committees that are currently soliciting help.

The state has mandated the revaluation of our community that will be conducted in 2004 with its conclusion in 2005. The selectmen encourage your cooperation with this effort.

Additionally, the state has adopted an accounting rule that would effect our bond rating and increase our costs for audits, GASB #34, which requires fixed assets to be inventoried and evaluated. This includes all the town’s infrastructure, roads, buildings, etc.

Many of our fees for services do not reflect our actual costs. These fees are delineated throughout the report and are reflected on the revenue side of our budget explanation.

The Transfer Station costs, cemetery expenses and building permits have been adjusted to reflect actual costs to our community. Fees for the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment also have been addressed to reflect actual expenses incurred.

The town is challenged by meeting the growth of our community and provides customary services that our town has enjoyed for many years. You will be asked to support many of these changes as they are reflected in the budget and warrant articles.

Remember the town meeting confirms and sets the direction for our town. Please read this report carefully as the information contained is valuable in your decision process.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.

Your Board of Selectmen

Charles Graybill

John R. Swindlehurst, III

Stephen Kennedy