Special Rockland Board of Selectmen Meeting October 9, 2009

The Board of Selectmen met in a special meeting on Thursday night to vote on the new middle school/high school renovation project costing $86.2 million dollars to vote to put the debt exclusion on the ballot.

One important factor is that ANY cost above what the Massachusetts State Building Authority gives our town ($53,356,682) is the sole responsibility of the taxpayers.

With that in mind, I made a motion to not restrict the bidding process by allowing ALL "QUALIFIED" bidders the opportunity for the work. This means union and non-union (open shops) can submit bids on an even scale. Competition lowers cost, this cost savings will affect all residents of Rockland either directly as homeowners in their property taxes or as apartment dwellers who pay property taxes indirectly through their monthly rent.

As unemployment nudges to 10%, state revenue has declined by $243 million dollars for the same period one year ago (month of September), it is imperative to consider all residents when/if taxes are to be raised to pay for this project.

Unfortunately, none my colleagues seconded my motion to include open bid process which would have benefited all residents. I ask that you and your families call selectmen's Simpson, Chaffee, O'Brien and Johnson to demand a public vote before town meeting to adopt the open bid process. If not, the project could be in jeopardy of passing.

Even if you are dead set against any tax increase, you must still let your voice be heard to try and keep the taxes low for everyone's benefit.

Sincerely,

Mike Zupkofska
Selectmen - Town of Rockland

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