To the Editor:

The Board of Burgesses for the Borough of Newtown shall present its revised 2019/20 budget for a vote to its residents on June 6, 2019, at 7:30 pm, in the Alexandria Room of the Edmond Town Hall. Our new proposed budget includes an almost ten percent decrease in spending and an increase in the draw from the reserve fund to $50,000. The mil rate shall be set at .67, a historic low. The result is a decrease of your Borough tax of 30 percent from last year.

Much has been stated and printed regarding the strong financial position of the Borough. Due in most part to a boom of construction activity within our limits, we have collected over $249,000 in building fees since July 1, 2013. Within this next fiscal year, it is my intention to work with the board to restructure our reserve funds in an effort for clarity and further understanding. It is of the utmost importance that we prove to the Borough residents that every dollar has a clear designation and rationale.

Furthermore, as a means to promote inclusion, the Borough’s posted agenda shall provide further line items of talking points, and our monthly meetings shall be held in a larger space within the Town Hall to provide room for public participation. Any capital expenditure shall be discussed thoroughly in an open forum. This includes the Sugar Street sidewalk proposal. This Board of Burgesses is receptive to all input by its residents. We fully understand our responsibility to you.

As I begin my term as your Warden, I ask that you trust this board and that we work together to preserve the treasure of our Borough of Newtown. Join me by voting Yes on Thursday night.

Respectfully,

Jay Maher

Warden, Borough of Newtown

9 Glover Avenue, Newtown          May 29, 2019