It is the duty of government officials to perform their duties as economically as possible, and to look at cost-effective alternatives that would benefit citizens.

The Mechanic Falls Budget Committee did not cut the town’s budget — we left a 42 mil increase from last year’s budget.

The Regional School Unit was good to the town’s taxpayers this year. It seems to be a three-year cycle — one good and two not-so-good — as far as increases. In saying “good,” I mean a small increase added to ours will be about a 6 or 7 mil increase.

The Budget Committee will continue to look at all alternatives on how we budget municipal services, because not doing so would be a disservice to citizens and the town charter.

Ollie Emery, Mechanic Falls, vice chair, Mechanic Falls Budget Committee