March 28, 2024

Lack of fiscal responsibility

Where is the fiscal responsibility with tax-payer money?

After the Nov. 18 council meeting, I am dumbfounded by our city government. Council approved a resolution to buy the Newton Inn for $218K more than the assessed value of $277K, with unknown demo costs that could well push this close to $1 million. Current taxes paid are $7K plus hotel/motel taxes. When asked what the land would be worth, once cleared, city staff didn’t have an answer except to pull up the assessors website and say $112,000 since no appraisals were done, etc.

Why the rush to purchase far above the assessed value? I am sure there are plenty of property owners in town whom would love this sweet deal. This money will have to be borrowed next year to pay back the water pollution fund and the general fund. Personally, I do not think this process of borrowing against these funds should be this easy. I think I understand, now, why they go behind closed doors for these negotiations. Possibly because they don’t want to have to do three readings before an outraged citizenry? It certainly can’t be for a lower price.

Kind of convenient it happens right after the election, as well. Every single person that voted “yes” on this needs to be voted out next election. I think Mickey Mouse was the better choice.

Shawn James

Newton