Vote Medford 2005

Q9: Rising Energy Costs

How are rising energy costs going to impact the city's budget and what can be done to address this problem?

Burke: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Clearly, in this day of reduced state funding, the government is relying more and more on the Real Estate tax to support the city operations. Therefore, when one line item, such as energy costs or employee health care costs skyrockets, it places a huge burden on the allocation of our resources. We need to ensure that our public buildings are running efficiently and that we continue to investigate solar/wind alternatives on an ongoing basis.

Camuso: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Energy costs are hitting hard. Conservation is part of the answer, but it will not be enough given the current surge in prices. We need help from the state and we may have to re-regulate essential energy. The budget impact will be enormous especially on the schools and transportation. The State must step up with conservation incentives and more local aid for essential services.

Carr: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

We are already addressing this problem by several small steps. One example is the police department that is is putting two officers in one car to save fuel. But we have to weigh each cost-saving measure against each public safety impact.

As we all know, everyone is facing the increased costs of heating our homes and putting gas in our cars to go to work or to shop. We will all find ways to cut back: keep heat one degree lower, shut off rooms that are not being used, turn off lights, cover windows to prevents drafts, etc. Like private citizens, the city will have to find similar ways to save and in the end will have to shuffle money around to pay the bills. The city will probably run a deficit this year if projected increases actually occur.

Dello Russo: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Rising energy costs are going to strain the budget. It is happening to every one as the days grow shorter and colder. Many businesses, mine included, already feel the burden of increased fuel costs. A common sense approach is needed. Efforts should be made to conserve whenever possible. Interdepartmental cooperation will also be essential.

Doherty: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Energy costs are going to affect the city budget in a substantial way, from paying the oil and gas bills for schools and municipal buildings to filling the gas tanks of police, fire and DPW vehicles. In the long term, we need to encourage the city to use more solar energy and even look to potential sites that might accommodate wind turbines. In the short term, the state MUST release to the cities and towns some of the 1.1 billion dollars of unexpected surplus tax revenues.

On a personal note, my husband and I installed a solar hot water system in our first home on Lincoln Road in 1980. (The system appears to still be in place.) As new homeowners, we were overwhelmed with the high cost of home heating oil that winter. A federal tax credit and south facing exposure made it possible for us to install the system. It cut our oil bill by 30%.

Lungo: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Rising Energy costs are going to tragically impact this city's budget on both the municipal side and the school side. The School Budget was in a deficit this year and it had a lot to do with the high energy costs. It costs a great deal to heat, light, and run the school buildings as well as the municipal buildings. With gas prices and electric costs continuing to increase we are in for another tough year. We need to come up with a plan on how we are going to deal with the specific line items that deal with energy costs. We cannot wait until June to find a way to pay for the increased bills. The city as a whole, which includes the Mayor, City Manager, School Committee, Superintendent, and the City Council have to start now and figure out a way to handle the upcoming budget concerns.

Maher: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

No response received.

Maiocco: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

Obviously, the adverse financial impact will be considerable and is cause for concern as to how this huge unexpected increase is going to be absorbed within the existing budget structure. Every effort should be made by all city and the school departments to conserve energy wherever possible. Also, we should make our elected federal and state officials fully aware of what we are facing and ask for whatever assistance they can provide.

Marks: Q9 - Rising Energy Costs

We as a community have already felt the budgetary impact associated with rising energy cost. The school department alone has experienced double digit increases in fuel cost over the past few years with little relief in sight. We must conserve energy in every possible way which would include but not be limited to installing energy efficient lights and fixtures as well as weather proofing for the winter months to conserve fuel.