The Town Needs To Plan and Save
 Prudent
planning includes financial planning. Few capital expenses
come as a surprise. Everyone knows they will have to be handled
someday. We should plan for them in advance.
Several
financing mechanisms present themselves if we plan, rather than
respond when a need becomes urgent. Bond issues,
grants, building reserves from tax assessments, fees, and
negotiations with developers are just a few of the alternatives
to consider.
Planning
for future recreation needs present a good example. We
recommend the town develop a long term recreation plan
with a supporting capital budget that considers additional ball
fields, parks
in the population centers, a boat launch, a multipurpose community
center, and bike and rail trails.
By
identifying the capital requirements for the various components
of the plan and building a matching fund for grant applications,
the town will be prepared to apply for grants to cover the majority
of the costs and negotiate with developers for land set-asides,
if appropriate.
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