I was interested in the recent article on the Town’s budget for the coming year. There was much reference to planned spending, mostly on items which have accrued or designated funding such as replacing the fire department’s ladder truck, relocation of fire station No. 2 and trail head completion.

I was quite concerned that there was virtually no discussion on the revenue side of the budget. Among things I learned from my business experience was the fact that without revenue there is nothing to budget.

I believe that the need for a reliable revenue stream to head off the impending deficit while restoring much needed infrastructure maintenance has been well established. It has also been demonstrated that increased population and sales tax revenues are not sufficient to meet the real needs. I must add that we most certainly will not gain needed funds by means of a “Go Fund Me” project on Facebook, as someone recently suggested.

For the last year and more, I have been posting letters to the editor and e-mailing Town Council members advocating a modest primary property tax. I believe that such a tax can be approved by voters if the town government gets behind the issue and provides detailed information in support of passage. It is the most equitable means of generating revenue, unlike the fee system now in place for environmental funding needs.

The electorate will always have needed control if such a tax is abused. Now is the time to get the ball rolling, the clock is ticking and there is no time to waste!