It’s budget time in Rumford. Unfortunately, there is a potential for a rise in local property taxes if spending isn’t reduced in the budget. The town faces economic decline, but large municipal expenditures are in the news (new library, new public safety building, new MedCare building, Region 9 building expansion, municipal building upgrades). Residents must acknowledge the economic facts to move forward as a vibrant society.

A proposal has been approved to address the feasibility of regionalizing local service organizations for cost savings. That’s a start.

The recent shutdown of NewPage’s No. 11 paper machine, without a corresponding announcement for the installation of a new process-competitive paper machine, has created concerns about the long-term outlook of the town’s primary business. The global economy will create competitive suppliers who plan to shut it down.

Residents must face difficult times with optimism for the future of the community. We must look at a realistic five-year plan for the municipality. The plan must consider a few what-ifs: The paper mill phases down over the next five years? Another industrial business does not fill the economic void brought about by plant downsizing (jobs and tax revenue)? Residents approve new spending commitments without assurance of revenues to pay the bills, creating a large rise in taxes?

The paper mill sustains its global leadership role and complements any new businesses to provide greater revenue to support future phased-in community programs (new library, public service facility, new MedCare facility, etc).

Len Greaney, Rumford Center