Tough, yet necessary budget choices

It was good to be a public servant in the gravy days when jobs were plentiful, cash abundant and government revenue streams flowing like mighty rivers.

Those were times when politicians at the state and local level could limit tax increases and still lavish money on government services like schools, police protection, garbage collection, parks and recreation, and road repair. And when people had jobs and regular raises, tax increases were more easily tolerated.

Money isn't flush these days and as much as taxpayers like their neighborhood schools and municipal services, many aren't willing to pay more in taxes. State lawmakers complicated the situation by using soon-to-expire federal stimulus funds to help cities and towns foot local education spending.

Next year is going to be painful.

That's why Norwich's Board of Education has voted to close two elementary schools, and in New London, they are discussing expediting the already planned closure of Harbor School.

The Representative Town Meeting in Groton eliminated the $208,000 subsidy the town provides for the Groton Long Point Police Department, covering one-third of department costs. Unless residents in the Long Point taxing district are willing to pick up the entire tab, the department could be cutback or eliminated.

In Ledyard, voters will decide Tuesday whether to close the Gales Ferry Library if future budgeting warrants it.

Less dramatic but still difficult cuts are taking place in most every city and town in southeastern Connecticut, where officials have fretted for months over what stays and what goes.

These are thorny and emotional decisions and every program or service on the chopping block has merit, as shown by supporters who have made passionate arguments to save them.

But something has to give. The Groton Long Point cut is a good segue for a townwide discussion on why Groton has three police departments - Long Point, town and city. And as emotional as closing schools is, Norwich and New London recognize that consolidating buildings and staff and shutting antiquated buildings is a way to realize savings.

Closing a library doesn't make as much sense. Given the financial stress families face, libraries and their free services are vital. Patrons can search for jobs, read periodicals, check out books and movies and study for a new career. Small children learn to appreciate books, while older ones utilize their computers and other resources for homework.

Adroit budget-cutting is difficult, but necessary to provide municipal governments that taxpayers can afford. The gravy days are gone.