Town Treasure and Collector Brian Curtin Talks Taxes and the Economy

It’s rare today to find somebody so committed to public service as Burlington’s Treasure and Tax Collector, Brian Curtin. A lifelong Burlington resident, graduate of 's Class of 1969 and graduate from North Eastern University’s Accounting program in 1973, Curtin developed his love of economic and community development during his eight years spent at the MITRE Corporation, a government funded, non-profit technology think-tank out of Bedford.

In 1976, Curtin ran for office during what was then a part time job as Burlington’s Tax Collector. After winning this seat, the next year, the job of Treasure and Tax Collector were combined. From 1977 until today, Curtin has been Burlington’s top dog when it comes to economic stimulus, tax recording and procurement, investment, and making sure Burlington maintains its AA-Plus credit rating that was just re-approved last month.

As far as investing town funds go, Curtin is responsible for the roughly $104 million that will be coming in for fiscal year 2012. This sum comes from a variety of sources. Local receipts from sewage and water taxes equate to roughly $11 million, $7 million comes from state or federal aid, and Curtin’s biggest concern, real estate tax, affords the town $85 million.

The three main Trust Funds that the town invests in are a Cemetery Fund, a Scholarship Fund and a Stabilization Fund. Curtin oversees all these investments, although refers to many different town boards and groups for opinions on the matter.

“I mainly invest the town’s money in certificates of deposits through government agencies and money market funds,” detailed Curtin. “US Treasury Bonds are also a sure bet for long term investment. I go for safety and liquidity. I make sure funds are safe and we earn a good yield.”

Curtin also handles Burlington’s payroll and benefits for municipal workers. Said Curtin, “Burlington is doing very well in this department too. We have quality health, dental and life insurance for all our workers, plus a great pension system through the state.”

Discussing interest rates and the burst of economic bubble in 2008, Curtin said, “interest rates are the lowest if ever seen them, although, Burlington itself is very strong. I don’t think, and most experts feel, the down turn of our national credit rating won’t be that hostile to small towns like ours, and since Burlington is particularly strong, it won’t have an impact on us.”

Curtin also added that he expects the real estate market to bounce back in the next four to five years once banks feel more comfortable investing in homes again.

Talking about his thoughts on private investing, Curtin said decisions had to be made on a variety of factors.

“Private investing really depends on someone’s age. When you’re younger you’re more likely to diversify and invest long-term. But, if you’re retired and on a fixed income, you want to protect your principal more and go with safer things like government bonds and corporate bonds, much like Burlington does.”

When asked about his general thoughts on the economic turn down, Curtin explained, “I'm an optimist. Most major corporations have good, balanced reserves. If congress can get a jobs bill passed that gets the US back to work, unemployment will be lowered and our infrastructure will improve […] Getting people back to work is the most important thing.”

Curtin’s economic insights aren’t the only things that make him special. He and his wife, Gail, have enjoyed 32 years of marriage during which they raised two children – Brian Jr., 27, and Brittany, 20. Brian Jr. works for a Fortune Five Hundred company based out of downtown Boston and Brittany attends Bryant University, the school at which Brian Jr. earned his business degree.

As a dedicated altar boy in the 1950’s at Saint Margaret’s Church, to today, Curtin considers his faith a big part of his life, still active in the church community by teaching CCD. Added to this community work, Curtin has also coached Hockey, Basketball, Football, Baseball and Softball for BHS during his children’s time at the high school.

“I love this town,” Curtin said. “I grew up here and it was always my goal to be involved in community services. I’m very pleased with Burlington and its residents that they have had confidence in me for 34 years. It’s been my entire adult life and it’s been very rewarding.”