Open and Effective Town Government

*The Public Welcomed into Town Government

  • Public Comment added at beginning and end of all Council Meetings
  • Streaming and archiving Town Council Meetings

*Recruitment of New Senior Leadership

  • Town Manager
  • Solicitor
  • Fire Chief
  • Finance Director

*Reorganization of Finances

  • Transparent budgeting with multiple public hearings prior to adoption
  • $1M structural deficit closed
  • Residential tax rates <1% year fiscal year 2020 and 2021
  • Rebalanced tax rates for residential and commercial properties
  • Tax collection rates improved
  • Refinanced town debt for $2.4M savings
  • $300k grant for fire dept rescue equipment
  • Hiring of new town auditor, insurance broker, financial advisor to provide enhanced services

*Litigation Settlements

  • Settlement of 59 lawsuits/arbitrations remaining from prior Council

*Operations:

  • Implemented online licensing for liquor, victualing and entertainment
  • Pre-qualified consultants for architecture and engineering services

*New Ordinances

  • Waterfront Zone Noise Ordinance
  • “Take it outside” ordinances allowing business to expand outdoor services.
  • Wastewater treatment ordinances to improve EG Cove ecology/DEM compliance

*Contracts:

  • 3 year contracts with each of 5 municipal unions at 0%/2%/2% increases
  • Resumed firefighter “floaters” resulting in overtime savings.
  • Reduction in retiree healthcare benefit costs (OPEB benefits)

*Infrastructure Improvements:

  • Bonds: $5M Schools, $4.7M wastewater treatment, $2.7M town

*Open Space Preservation

  • Clark/Merriam Property: 127 acres donated to EG Land Trust

Excellence in Education

  • Close working relationship with EG School Committee
  • $240K supplemental school funding year 2019
  • Full funding of the school budget request 2020.
  • $431K added to the initial 2021 budget to prevent teacher layoffs.
  • $5M school bond passed in 2019

Strong Sense of Community

*Enhanced joint planning and partnership based on shared goals and mutual respect with:

  • Town Residents
  • School Committee
  • Town employees
  • Chamber of Commerce