Letters: Vote yes on Capital Improvement Program

To the editor:

What is a Capital Improvement and why is it good for Milton?

• NH RSA 674:5 states the: "The sole purpose and effect of the capital improvements program shall be to aid the mayor or selectmen and the budget committee in their consideration of the annual budget."
• A CIP does not commit the Town financially
• Anticipates the need for major capital expenditures
• Levels out the "peaks and valleys" of municipal capital expenditures
• Link between local infrastructure investments, master plan goals, and community and economic development objectives
• Promotes better communication and coordination among Town Departments

Capital Improvement projects are planned for and built over a period of several years. Therefore the regular annual budgeting process would find it difficult to accommodate these projects since construction cannot begin without the entire amount of the project being committed by the town. Yet design and construction payments might take place over a period of more than one year. The average local capital project takes from 3 to 5 years from start to finish. Many capital projects are funded through bond issuances, unlike the funds used to pay for staff and other operating expenses.

Repayments of bond issues can take place anywhere from 5 to 20 years, and require a long term approach to revenues and taxation.

The capital budget is usually a separate budget document from the operating budget. It contains detailed information about the design, costs, financing and schedule for the capital projects for that fiscal year (or two). Just as the elected body's approval of the operating budget authorizes recurring expenditures, its approval of the capital budget authorizes each infrastructure project in concept. However, line item expenditures for these projects which include internal staff, consultants and construction contracts are also usually included in the operating budget.

The good news is that we can still change our trajectory by making real investments in our infrastructure. By changing our path and investing in infrastructure now, we can yield major dividends down the road.

Addressing the infrastructure crisis the Town of Milton faces is a necessary first step in tackling the broader Budget financing problem we face. Providing multi-year funding will give us the certainty we need to plan longer-term projects to address some of our most pressing needs.

We need to remember that infrastructure investments pay dividends, in facilities, building as well as personnel management.

Unless we all suddenly decide to give up our cars, taking care of our roads and bridges is going to be a significant shared expense for the foreseeable future.
As with most things, when it comes to equipment, roads and bridges, it's cheaper to take care of the existing infrastructure than it is to replace it after it falls into disrepair.

This goes for our buildings as well as all of our Capital Improvements.

Essential projects grow far more expensive with each passing year. We need to set aside money each year to address these issues.

We fool ourselves into thinking that it's possible to do massive projects without any increase in taxes or fees. This fantasy thinking has resulted in the failing Public Works Department Grader as well as other vehicles. It also includes the Milton Free Public Library as well as all Town Owned buildings.

I urge the voters of Milton to approve Article #17 which calls for the establishment of a Capital Improvement program. In the long run we will all benefit from its passage.

Vote Yes on Article #17

Les Elder,

Milton NH