Dear Editor:

Last year when concerns were raised about the 34% increase in real estate taxes, the Edgecomb budget committee and school committee said: This is "an anomaly" - this is the result of "necessary accommodations" to a few school children in the Eddy School. Last year our real estate taxes increased by 34% (in one year... up by 34%!) - and this year they want to raise our taxes again! Last year - we told the select board and the budget committee this is unsustainable. Now, our taxes may increase again. I repeat: This is unsustainable!

We taxpayers in Edgecomb need to do something about it. I applaud the Edgecomb Citizen's Tax Group for raising awareness and convening on this issue. My husband and I have been paying real estate taxes in Edgecomb since 1989; for more than three decades; we love living in a small town - however, our resources are limited.

Don't you think the million dollar increase from last year's school budget should be removed? - As we learned recently "the necessary accommodations" are no longer needed. This is our town: all the departments and committees, the select board and the school board work for the residents of Edgecomb and we must not let the town finances get out of control. People, families have already been forced to move by the abrupt and continued increase in the tax rate. I imagine there will be more residents who cannot afford the tax burden here. Many if not most of our residents are of retirement age - and live on fixed incomes. Young families cannot afford the tax burden, either. I wonder how many Edgecomb Eddy school teachers or administrators live in Edgecomb?

The school and the other town departments must learn to manage with a smaller budget. Please join all the upcoming meetings and speak up! In this uncertain world - our town and our  town’s budget is one place over which we can have control. Let's get our taxes back to where they belong.

Gale Willauer

Edgecomb