Realistic, researched spending
As city officials, we need to spend taxpayer money like it is coming from our own budget.
City officials need to ensure that taxes are used to do the most good for the largest number of people.
We need to be realistic that in today's fiscal environment, prices are going to increase due to inflation. Costs are going up everywhere, so it is crucial to create an updated plan to determine what expenses are on the horizon and how we can best prepare for them.
Nobody likes tax increases, but at the same time, it is not feasible to freeze taxes either. All this does is "kick the can down the road" and delay necessary expenses until things are falling apart and cost a lot more to repair/replace.
Limit handouts to developers
Let me begin with a bit of history.
When I was previously on the City Council, we were able to get the votes to close MERC. That decision helped turn Biddeford from "Trashtown USA" to a city that has flourishing businesses and a variety of economic drivers. To get development started, we used tax incremented financing (TIF's) to help give developers incentives to redevelop older mill buildings. This was necessary to begin Biddeford's renaissance. This included not paying taxes for up to 30 years, discounted parking spots in the garage and other perks.
Biddeford is continuing to prosper. We still have developers coming to Biddeford looking for agreements from the city that will weaken the city for years to come.
Occasionally, there are instances where perks make sense if data and other information prove it is ultimately a wise investment for the city. In most instances, it is not fair that encouraging new development results in the regular taxpayer shouldering that additional tax burden.
Transparency
It is important that the residents of this city know what is going on. The City Council represents you and your needs/wants/desires. I have an open door policy...feel free to call or email me at any time with concerns. I will always get back to anyone that reaches out to me.
Find new and creative revenue streams
When people are frustrated that taxes are too high, they want to make cuts. If you ask 10 people what should be cut, you would receive 10 different items that they don't feel are necessary but benefit others.
It is important to find efficiencies wherever possible. We need to continue to work with the city of Saco to see if some city services can be merged.
To help reduce the tax burden, we need to determine if there are any additional ways that we can increase revenue without it falling on taxpayers (such as slight bumps in fees, reevaluating our financial relationship with UNE, continue the city's work with grant writing, etc.).
