Doom and Gloom As Reading Budget Season Rolls On

If two nights of budget talks left you fearing for your safety and concerned about your kid's education, you're probably not alone.

On Monday, School Superintendent John Doherty presented a budget that he admitted wasn't good for students, and the next day Town Manager Bob LeLacheur presented a budget that left you wondering if it's safe to leave your home. Should the next Reading lawn sign say, "We're Doomed."

Bad budget humor aside, Police Chief Mark Segalla and Fire Chief Greg Burns made it clear during the numerous budget presentations that they need help. Segalla asked for five new officers, citing a growing population with new home developments like Reading Woods, along with increased commercial property like the Walkers Brook Drive area. Burns asked for four additional fire fighters for many of the same reasons.

"It is clear as a community we are growing and will continue to grow into the near future," the fire department's staffing review stated. "The data also predicts the percentage of our population that are seniors will also increase. It is likely we will see more multi-floor, multi-unit wood framed buildings and multi-floor, multi-unit wood framed mixed use buildings. These factors will result in an increase of emergency medical and fire responses for the Reading Fire Department."

In his list of 30 potential override items, LeLacheur made 9 of the first 10 new police and firemen, clear evidence he agrees with Segalla and Burns and that public safety is a huge concern. Ponder that for a second. The individuals responsible for our safety, along with the man responsible for funding public safety, are concerned about the town's ability to keep you and your family safe.

You can disagree with their opinions. After all, nothing bad ever happens in Reading, right? But if that's the way you feel, why have car insurance? You've never had an accident so why pay for something you'll probably never need? Hopefully you know the answer to that question, and it's not just the state law.

Because it started early, the budget process seems like it's been going on forever. Wednesday at RMHS the School Committee will hear about the two remaining slices of the school budget pie, or cost centers as they are called, Regular Day and Special Education. Regular Day reductions include the seven middle school teachers discussed Monday. Special Education costs are up, combined with a significant drop in grant funding. Don't expect good news Wednesday.

If all this fires you up, you're invited to the RMHS library Thursday for a public hearing on the school budget. Want to vent, plead, yell (ok, maybe we should remain civil), or maybe even make a positive contribution, then it all gets underway at 7 p.m.

And regarding that lawn sign, we're not really doomed. We just have a lot to think about before April 3.

Photo by Bob Holmes