Amy Davis, Lawrenceville
To the editor:
The day of reckoning is here in Lawrence Township.
For years, the governing body has watched revenues decline, dipped more into its surplus, increased taxes and failed to make any substantial cuts in spending. As a result, the town now has a $2.275 million hole to fill in its budget.
The solution the mayor, council and township manager recommended was a public question to approve a 17% property tax increase. As if that wasn’t shocking enough, part of the increase would go towards a generous salary increase to municipal employees. To add further insult to injury, the council threatened residents that if the tax increase was defeated, residents would be forced to pay a new $336 annual garbage fee.
Well, the residents of Lawrenceville called their bluff. The tax increase was not only defeated 2 to 1 but angry residents have appeared at every council meeting since the election and have unanimously spoken against any new user fee being added to the municipal budget.
We know reasonable cuts and sacrifices can be made. We have all been doing it for many years in our own lives. Now we demand that our governing body do it. We also realize we are lucky to live in a great town that is more affordable than most in Mercer County and we’ll continue to fight to keep it that way. See you at the next council meeting on May 15!
Amy Davis
Lawrenceville

