1 week Ago
As a concerned resident and the chairman of the Town of Lee Republican Committee, I would like to address a recurring concern regarding the town’s financial strategy and its impact on the community. While I greatly appreciate the long-standing leadership and fiscal discipline that retiring Democrat John Urtz and his wife Deputy Supervisor Eileen Urtz have brought to the town. I feel it’s important to have a conversation about the delicate balance between managing reserves and providing adequate services for the town’s residents.
The town’s ability to function without property taxes has long been a point of pride, and I commend the efforts that have gone into this achievement. However, as with any long-term strategy, there can be unintended consequences when a single approach is applied too rigidly. The recent lawsuit settlement of $3.
2 million by the town's insurance company related to the injury of a child on town playground equipment, along with the subsequent proposal to spend $200,000 to replace the equipment and bedding, serves as a prime example of how an overly frugal approach can sometimes lead to greater costs down the line. It seems that a more balanced approach, one that includes adequate investment in maintenance and services while also managing reserves, could have helped avoid such a significant financial burden. Had the town been more proactive in maintaining the playground equipment, the risk of costly lawsuits could have been mitigated, and the need for such a large expenditure on replacement might not have arisen.
This situation highlights an important aspect of governance: being "pennywise but dollar foolish" can be detrimental, as it may result in higher long-term costs and a reduction in the quality of life for our residents. The true challenge in governing is not only knowing how to effectively manage reserves but also understanding the importance of balancing the preservation of fiscal health with the provision of essential services. By not investing enough in preventive measures or adequately funding key public services, we risk creating situations where the town faces larger, more damaging financial consequences in the future.
While maintaining a strong reserve is important, it should not come at the cost of ensuring that public spaces, infrastructure, and services are up to par and safe for our residents. I believe that the Town of Lee, with its strong financial reserves, has the capacity to strike a better balance between fiscal responsibility and investing in the community's long-term well-being. The town’s residents deserve to have both secure financial oversight and the assurance that their public services are being maintained at a high standard.
Joseph Mooney Jr.and Sarah Madonia with their combined experience and expertise have stated they will revisit the town’s budgeting approach, with an eye toward not just preserving reserves but also ensuring that the town continues to provide the quality of services and amenities that our residents deserve. Striking this balance will not only improve the quality of life for all of us but will also safeguard the town’s financial future in a more sustainable and equitable way.
— Doug Singleton, Lee.
