Another elephant feeding at the public trough

To the Editor:
    From time to time this newspaper has published articles and letters about the transformation and repurposing of Central Hall in Dover-Foxcroft.
    Most have provided progress reports and outlined plans for the former town hall, but between those informative lines lie the gnawing realities of some not so insignificant, unintended consequences.

    First, even though the bulk of construction to date has been done with financial grants, town taxpayer funds have been expended as town employee salaries and through the use of various pieces of town-owned equipment.
    Second, it is quite apparent that this tax-exempt property is being rehabilitated to serve more than Dover-Foxcroft residents including folks from “… across the region.” Slated to be an adult day service center, it’s been named “The Maine Highlands Senior Center” – an obvious reference to the effort being made to attract people from neighboring towns.
    The third unintended consequence, and perhaps the most egregious exists in the reality that this Center is projected to operate at a net loss at least through 2016. With a sizeable staff and significant ancillary costs, the Center will require Dover-Foxcroft taxpayers to provide a 2014 subsidy of some $15,000. In 2015 that figure increases to 40,000 and in 2016 the net loss will require a taxpayer bailout (subsidy) exceeding $51,000.
    What has happened to common sense when an apparently irresponsible town administration, together with a handful of zealous folks, encourage and support an ill-conceived enterprise that is scheduled to commence operation at a financial loss which is projected to continue into the unknown future?
    Most surprising is that Dover taxpayers, a diminishing resource, will be compelled to pick up the tab for the activities of residents from neighboring towns. That is to say, the burden of still another “losing” enterprise will be shifted onto the shoulders of all Dover taxpayers, and because of its tax-exempt status, nothing will be returned to the town’s General Fund.
    And finally, in this paper’s Oct. 2, 2013 edition, Leslie Fernow acknowledges that “Jack Does That” (a time-sharing program) lists “The Commons… as a business …”. Most people will concur that it is not the role of government to fund any business with taxpayer-supplied monies collected expressly to carry out town-mandated services.
    To in any way subsidize the “Commons” project with town-collected taxes is to place still another tax burden on the local citizenry and to once again perpetrate a situation similar to the already existing YMCA funding problems.
    Haven’t we all learned from our financial past? The town hardly needs still another elephant feeding at the taxpayer trough, much less to underwrite the expenses incurred on behalf of others who contribute nothing financially to our community.
    It is time the Dover administration acknowledges the needs of the forgotten citizens – the ordinary folks who dutifully pay their taxes, or has the “tax and spend” mantra become woven so tightly into the fabric of all things financial in our town?
    Increasing taxation in order to support a non-governmental enterprise is not what taxation is intended to do!
    For all of you, these thoughts are shared in order to get your attention and to bring transparency to public affairs that affect every one of us.
    Beware the agendas of a few, because the many will see little benefit from the callous disregard of our public trust invested in those who would spend our treasury. Being fiscally responsible is not equitable to being a terrorist!
    Preparation of the 2014-15 town budget is coming. Be aware, question boldly and spend wisely!

Don Benjamin
Dover-Foxcroft