I've never stood up at a town wide meeting and torn apart the head of the zoning board's deceptive budget numbers in front of an audience of hundreds, to laughter and applause. ...so right now, I'd say I get along better with the ZBA than with the police!https://twitter.com/random_eddie/status/1131565498771136513 …
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3/ I can tell you how it went. Proposal to increase taxes by $80/k to hire two new cops. Chief approaches mic, argues that we need a bigger dept. Crowd is generally sympathetic. I approach mic, direct questions to chief. >>
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4/ "Chief, you say the proposal is $80k ...but these officers would be hired in July, right?" Yes. "So this is for a half year of salary. In subsequent years, it would cost $160k, is that right?" Yes.
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5/ "OK, so the real price is $160k/yr....but we have to pay benefits, which is 20%. So the real price is actually $200k/yr, is that right?" Yes. "And we have to contribute to the state-run pension plan, so the real cost is actually not $200k/yr, but $240k/yr, right?" Yes.
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6/ "And in addition, each officer needs a gun, a digital radio, a taser, body armor ... the full kit runs to $18k, is that right?" Yes. "And for two officers, that's $36k, is that correct?" Yes.
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7/ "So this proposal for $80k per year is ACTUALLY about $100k per year, and then $200k for all following years, is that right?" Yes. "And the contract promises 5% raises each year, is that right?" Yes.
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8/ "And those raises happen on the first of each year?" Yes. "So it's not $80k per year, but $100k this year, and $210k next year, and $221k the year after, and around $240k the year after that?" Yes.
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9/ "Final question. According to statistics you referenced earlier, this town ranks #1 for low crime rate / citizen safety in the entire state. If we give you this extra funding you're asking for, how much do you think you can improve that ranking?" <silence>
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10/ In the chief's defense, he's a pretty calm decent guy. I think he probably had grudging respect for someone who could eviscerate an argument like that.https://twitter.com/LAWGermany/status/1131587891677868033 …
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End of conversation
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