To the Editor:

As a resident of Goffstown for the past eight years and as a parent with one young child in the school system, I have attended meetings and have been monitoring the budget process closely to ensure Goffstown continues to provide quality education in its schools and the town services we expect. 

There was a lot of commotion during the first quarter of this year regarding the significant increase in Goffstown’s taxes mainly that the school portion of our bills were expected to increase from $9.50 to $12.52 per thousand. I read news paper articles and I recall receiving a letter from the Selectmen relative to that anticipated increase. Ultimately my taxes only increased a third of what I was expecting, a modest $1.07 per thousand. In fact, after reviewing my tax bills over the last four years, they been relatively stabile. I would like to read news articles regarding these positive facts about our town. While I can appreciate that some people do not want to see local property taxes increase, these taxes fund the services we expect from the town and school. As school and town officials along with the budget committee develop next year’s budget, I remain hopeful they will be mindful of the services and education we expect. I’m very concerned when I read in the paper that the budget committee is looking to cut 10% from both budgets. This number seems too drastic and not in the best interests of our community. 

As we begin to see our economy improve, let’s not be shortsighted and make reckless cuts to town and school services that we will later regret. Goffstown Matters to me and my family as does the education of my children.

Lisa Wess
Goffstown