Town Planner: March 2009 Archives

To the editor,

At town meeting on March 14th, Article 18 is asking voters to approve $50,000 to hire a Town Planner to help enact planning issues in Moultonborough. The article as written does not mention that the $50,000 is for a half year’s salary. The Selectmen estimated the actual annual salary including benefits to be in the $90,000 to $100,000 range, depending on if the benefits package is a single or family plan. Are we at a point where adding permanent fixed staff to our payroll is fiscally responsible? Or should we be looking for other options? I understand the need for good planning and I’m all for Moultonborough keeping its rural charm and beauty. I had the opportunity this past year to serve on one of the Master Plan Committees and know implementing the Master Plans many recommendations will present challenges for the Planning and Zoning Boards. Because of the downturn in the economy, the number of new projects will most likely be reduced thus allowing those elected to the boards to focus more on administrative matters and planning. Moultonborough is a member of the Lakes Region Planning Commission, we pay a fee for its services as do 30 other towns. One of LRPC’s functions is to offer planning assistance. Some towns share a planner called a “circuit rider” and others contract with the LRPC on an as needed basis. In fact, neighboring Center Harbor has it on their Warrant this year to contract with LRPC for a planner for 8-hours a week rather than add a permanent full-time position to their budget. During these economic times, if the Planning and Zoning Boards need professional input perhaps it would be prudent to contract with LRPC for a part-time planner — number of hours to be determined — rather than staffing a new town position complete with all the benefits. Vote no on Article 18 at Town Meeting, March 14.

Nancy Wright

Moultonborough