The first kudos may seem to contradict each other, but I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
Mr. Stipes called for a reduction in the newly proposed Professional fees. This would mean a net loss in revenue to the town of approximately $45,000. The Town Manager was asked where this money would be made up from and advised it could come from reserves. (Kudo's to Ms. Carter for following up on this citizen question.)
In counterpoint, Mr. Barber spoke out against the proposed reduction as a loss of revenue for the Town.
During the discussion, it was brought forth that since one of the Town's goals was to encourage Professionals to establish businesses in Downtown area, increasing the fees too much could have a negative impact on that goal.
I could have gone in either direction with this one. Encouraging professionals to move into the Downtown area with their businesses is a good idea. Loss of revenue for the Town in these hard economic times is a bad idea. However, if you look at some of the overall goals of the Town I think the correct decision of reducing the proposed fee increase for professionals is probably a good thing for the Town overall.
If the downtown area becomes a focal point for professionals, the odds are good that small businesses already located there will benefit. It will also help to keep the "Main Street" or "small town" atmosphere of downtown that so many want to see maintained. Most professional offices have regular hours that would continue to encourage the walkers, strollers, and bikers who wander the downtown area when things are closed. These are also services that would be unlikely to be negatively affected by the variety of 'street fairs' or weekend festivals that the Town is encouraging in downtown area.
The bottom line is not always a financial one on the surface. Consider, if you will, that the fee reduction is an investment in the type of growth and development that is what many citizens want to see in the downtown area. Add to that the fact that as those properties are improved upon and if the historic overlays come into being, the property values will go up. The tax base is increased by this and people using those professional services spend money in local eateries and shops which further adds to the coffers. No matter where you go, you still cannot get something for nothing. Growth will occur, you cannot stop it. What the citizens can expect of their government is to try to exert what control they can to determine how and where that growth occurs and it does so in a way that best serves the majority.
Additional Kudos to Mr Wade and Mr. Barber in a discussion concerning Tourism funding. Mr. Wade wanted to know if a cap was placed on the "tourism" funds, where would the overage money go and how would it be used. He also acknowledged that the hotels/motels entered into an agreement and that a public hearing should be held to elicit input from citizens and businesses affected.
Mr. Barber acknowledged that the funds were initially based on tourism that promotes overnight stay (as opposed to day tourism that would not add to the revenue of the hotels/motels who are footing the bill).
These are both valid points. I do think it is important to note that with careful marketing, the Aquatic Center should help to meet the increased overnight traffic of hotels/motels. Also, if the success of the recent festival in downtown is any indication, perhaps the future will hold weekend long festivals of a sort to also add to those businesses.
The biggest KUDO of all (in my not so humble opinion) is to one Elizabeth Dillon, Esq., the Mayor, and the Town Council. Attorney Dillon presented a wonderful presentation on FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) at the request of the Mayor and Town Council. This meeting was also open to the public and served to clear up a lot of past, current, and future issues. I will be discussing this more in future blogs, but for now I offer my thanks to all involved for providing a great community service.