WESTFIELD – City Council President Brent B. Bean, II opened a packed public hearing on Wednesday with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a statement that the meeting was not to set the tax rate, which would happen in four or five months. Bean’s comment was in response to the public debate going on recently in The Westfield News and on social media about the potential impact on taxes of the proposed city budget.
Residents listen at public hearing on Wednesday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Bean then introduced Finance sub-committee chair Robert A. Paul, Sr., who he said would be taking over the meeting of the City Council following the hearing to determine which cuts to be voted on at Thursday’s final passage of the budget.
Paul explained the process used by the Finance Committee over the last two weeks to look at the budget presented by Mayor Brian P. Sullivan. He said the committee held a series of meetings, inviting department heads to explain the “rationale, vision and mission” behind the numbers. He said Council members in attendance at the meetings were also invited to ask questions, and make any remarks they had.
Paul said that Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, business manager Ron Rix and School Committee members had also had the opportunity to speak to the Council about the school budget, which each councilor had over a month to review by line item.
Monday, the Finance Committee held a budget session, at which all but two of the City Councilors attended to go over the line item budget and make recommendations.
“The transparency of this administration has been fantastic for this finance sub-committee,” said Paul, who added that department heads and other staff made themselves available to answer any questions the committee had.
Paul also said that many residents have asked him what impact the budget will have on their tax bill, something he is trying to answer. He said bottom line, the budget contains a 2.5% increase of $1.7 million.
“The cuts that were proposed (Monday) totaled just over $400,000,” said Finance Committee member Matthew VanHeynigen. “Tonight, you’re going to hear a lot more than that,” he added, saying that $2 million would have to be cut to avoid a tax increase.
Committee member Dave Flaherty began his statement by thanking the public for showing up. “I’m going to disagree with Councilor Paul. Clearly, it’s a 6% tax increase,” Flaherty said. He said the average tax bill would be going up $267 a year. He said for a 3% tax increase, the Council would have to cut $3 million. “I want to do it, I don’t have the votes to do it,” he added.
At-large Councilor Cindy C. Harris disagreed. “A 6% increase? I totally disagree. You haven’t taken into consideration stabilization or Free Cash. I respectfully disagree,” Harris said.
At-large Councilor Stephen Dondley also disagreed, “There is a slight increase over last year of 3%. Not ideal, of course. We’d all like to see it flat lined. You cannot cut the budget without cutting services,” Dondley said.
Bean then opened the meeting to public comment.
Resident Dave Holcomb was first to the microphone, saying that he had retired and moved back to Westfield in 2000-2001. He said when he first moved back, his tax bill was $1,400, and now it’s $5,500. “Over fifteen years, it’s gone up 22% per year,” Holcomb said. He encouraged the council to look at the overall municipal budget, with an eye to reductions.
Michele Douglas, leader of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, said she had come to express her opinion about the school budget. “I’ve been to a lot of meetings,” Douglas said. She said the administration has been very transparent, and has done a “fabulous” job of keeping everybody in the loop. “I want you to be mindful. I live here too, and don’t want my taxes going way up. Education is important for every child. A lot of people are worried about the tax increase, but a lot of people are worried about the school budget being cut,” she said.
Parent Laura Marks was one. “There is no more slush in the school budget. My children’s school rations paper. There are critical positions that need to be filled. I’m asking you not to cut the school budget now, and have to put something in later,” she said.
Mark Butler was one of many residents who came to the podium at the public hearing on Wednesday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Chris Steger, Chair of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors in support of the $250,000 design figure in the engineering construction budget for the trail. “We believe it’s the future of Westfield,” Steger said. Other speakers for the Rail Trail included New Horizons bike shop owner Don Podolski and Chamber of Commerce director Kate Phelon, who also stressed the potential of the Rail Trail to attract new people and business to the town.
Resident Mark Butler said a friend who owns a farm in town recently said his appraisal increased by 75%. Another friend approached him in tears, saying her father was about to lose his home. “People keep telling me we need to expand the Rail Trail, when people are suffering, and can’t afford their own homes,” Butler said.
Matthew Emmershy agreed. “Government needs to get back to basics. Cuts have to be made. People like the neighbor I used to have. He should not have had to put a reverse mortgage on a home he’s owned for forty years,” Emmershy said.
“Yes, it’s nice to invest in the future. Yes, it’s nice to make things pretty. I live on Root Road. You have to drive on the other side of the road, it’s so bad. You have to look at the infrastructure and get roads cleaned up,” Rene Laviolette said.
“Last year, close to $4 million in excise taxes (was raised). How much went to road improvements?” asked Matthew Roman.
Another resident spoke of problems with sewers and water. “I’m scared. We have a beautiful home. Nobody in our subdivision can sell their home here because of sewers. What about our water? We need a water treatment plan. What about $250,000 for that,” asked Maureen Moriarty.
The public hearing ended with an analogy from Kate Pighetti. “I’m in the same boat as a lot of other people, and I’m afraid it’s sinking,” she said. “We’re going to remember how people voted,” she added.
