Five times a charm? Monmouth to vote again on police budget

MONMOUTH — For the fifth time on Tuesday, voters will try to decide a 2009-10 police budget for the town.

Over the past four votes, town leaders have adjusted the proposed budget up and down, responding to input from townspeople and trying to find a figure that would receive a majority vote.

The budget before voters next Tuesday is $272,088, about $25,000 less than last year's budget but about $15,000 more than the proposal placed before residents at the last vote. The $15,000 was added in response to residents who criticized the elimination of Saturday and Sunday patrol officers. The patrols are restored under the new budget proposal.

Town Manager Curtis Lunt said the budget coming before voters — because it is $25,000 less than last year's — would not increase property taxes. He noted that the restoration of the $15,000 for the weekend patrols adds about 4 cents per $1,000 of valuation to property taxes.

In a letter to Monmouth residents, the Board of Selectmen noted that a question has been added to the upcoming warrant asking voters if they want to convene an open town meeting if the police budget fails again.

"While we have been advised by our legal counsel that we can do this, we are reluctant to do it without your support," the letter reads. "This method would not be convenient for many and would not allow absentee voting, but it would allow us to finally adopt a budget."

With no approved police budget, the town has been unable to set the tax rate or send out tax bills. It is borrowing to pay municipal bills until a budget is approved.

Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Cumston Hall. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Office.