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LETTER Description of Washington’s finances inaccurate

2 min read
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I am compelled to respond to a June 7 editorial regarding the city of Washington’s finances and the somewhat hyperbolic description of same as a “disaster.”

While the city has in fact experienced some setbacks as a result of unforeseen circumstances, the editorial is completely oblivious to the fact that for the past several years the city has been on rock solid financial footing and that taxes were only raised in the wake of the countywide property tax reassessment and after nearly a decade without a tax increase.

The editorial also implies that Mayor Scott Putnam may be shading the truth when he described the decision to request an early intervention study as precautionary when in fact it is responsible stewardship to have an outside agency examine and make recommendations on the city’s operations.

Given the city’s somewhat colorful past in governing it is refreshing to report that although dry and boring (as government should be) this administration has taken great steps to be not only fiscally responsible but also to reduce government spending. Over the past several years the city has either reduced or held the line on expenditures for health care, utilities, workers comp insurance, liability insurance and custodial services, to name just a few areas of operation.

The fact that our aging infrastructure is in need of vast repair is hardly news, but implying that the financial sky is falling based on council’s action to remain diligent is just irresponsible.

Joseph M. Manning

Washington councilman, director of accounts and finance

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