It was, frankly, disappointing to see such poor voter turnout at recent deliberative sessions in Derry and Londonderry.
An estimate of 100 residents turned out Saturday to discuss the Derry school district's proposed $79 million budget, a 1.1 percent increase over the current year's spending.
Budget increases included a 3.9 percent increase in health insurance and an increase in the local cost for teacher retirement benefits, up from 9.07 percent to 11.30 percent.
Decreases include a $50,000 savings in electricity for the district and a decrease in out-of-district tuition rates, down $315,000. Derry will send 65 fewer students to Pinkerton Academy next year.
Admittedly, there was little that was controversial about the budget plan — the meeting was over in less than an hour. But that's still precious few people making a $79 million spending decision for a town of 33,000.
Meanwhile, at Londonderry's town deliberative session Monday evening, just 130 turned out to discuss some very important issues for the community. The hottest debate was whether the town can afford to hire four more firefighters.
In the opinion of Fire Chief Kevin MacCaffrie and Capt. Jim Roger, the town cannot afford not to hire the additional firefighters. Two women lost their lives in a house fire last year.
Fran Gehling, 64, and her daughter Rebecca Gehling, 23, died in the April 13 blaze. Four other people were taken to the hospital. A subsequent analysis of the fire revealed that water supply and manpower were major concerns.
The Budget Committee voted, 4-3, not to support the article. Some members said they opposed allocating $76,565 for overtime in addition to $163,550 for four new firefighters.
"We would like to see some staffing that didn't require as much overtime," Budget Committee Chairman Todd Joncas said.
The new firefighters and overtime allowance would add an estimated 7 cents to the tax rate in fiscal year 2013.
Some residents, including Madeline Demeule, said it's not worth taking a chance.
"I think safety isn't something we should even consider cutting," she said. "I think public safety is a no-brainer."
Other matters discussed included an article presented by citizen petition calling for up to $100,000 in land-use change tax revenue to be placed in the town's conservation fund. Up to 40 percent of the remainder would go to the general fund. All of the revenue currently goes into the conservation fund.
Voters also backed an amended citizen petition article that establishes a special fund for the Cable Department. Up to 70 percent of cable television franchise fees would go to the fund. The rest goes to the general fund.
These are very important spending decisions that just a few people made for a town of more than 25,000. Given the poor turnout, Londonderry ought to reconsider its decision to move the deliberative session to Monday night.
We understand that the split deliberative session/ballot process allows citizens to have their final say on spending at the polls. But the deliberative sessions are still an important part of the process. They are where proposals can be amended, where the real debate takes place.
In Londonderry, there were plenty of issues worthy of discussion at the deliberative session. These are matters that directly affect the taxpayers' wallets, that affect the ability of the community to provide for public safety.
It's a shame that more people cannot be bothered to participate.
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