There should be an easier way to voice our opinions, ask questions ets...The town meetings are very overwhelming for those of us who have public speaking phobias. Perhaps smaller meetings in different communities or neighborhoods? It seems to me those who do speak their mind are always the same people, or are too overbearing for some of us who really want to keep it friendly.

The residents of Bristol/Warren are not a bottomless pit of money that the School Committee just needs to continue to tap into. Since Regionalization, which was done to save us money, the budget for the School Committee has skyrocketed.

What is the best way for Warrenites to give the Council the input you are requesting...Would it be at the Town Council Meeting next month ?...The Joint Finance Committee Meeting at the end of this month ? Is it a phone call to town hall ? A letter to Rep Malik ?...what's the best way for people to get involved ?

The State is cutting back funding for the BWRSS by nearly $9 million gradually over 10 years.

The school system was given additional funding in the 90s to take care of the one time costs of regionalizing the schools. That funding continued every year because the state took forever to come up with a funding formula. The new formula is in place and the schools are taking that hit now.

Regionization was supposed to save money. Instead the school system spent like drunken sailors.

Given that the younger population of RI has gone down in numbers dramatically over the last 12 years I question the claim of rising enrollment here. The state passed a law recently that made the drop out age 18 in order to prop up enrollment numbers so there wouldn't be any lay offs for teachers.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43657480/ns/business-local_business/t/states-are-losing-children-fastest/

4. Rhode Island
Relative Decrease In Population Under 15 (2001-2009): -12.68 percent
Percentage of the Population Under 15 in 2001: 20.11 percent
Percentage of the Population Under 15 in 2009: 17.56 percent
Actual Decrease In Population Under 15 (2001-2009): -2.55 percent
Median Age 2001: 37.5
Median Age 2009: 41

Cathie, these are hard times and the Warren councilors are to be commended for working hard to build a trim budget. My difficulty comes from the what I perceive to be a difference of perspective between some town leaders and many parents. Warren dedicates a much lower percentage of its budget to education than most communities in RI, yet Chris Stanley is quoted in the Warren paper in such a way as to imply it should be even less! From my perspective, education should be the top priority in a town's budget. It seems to me that the school department has been more than transparent, especially now with UCOA. It sounds to me like too many people around town are happy to consider our children collateral damage as part of a budget strategy intended to force the teacher's union to take a hit this year - this is not okay with me, or with any of the parents (and taxpayers) I know. Our children are not pawns.

BWRSD has to understand that a 5+% increase is too much! Warren has its responsibilities and if the municipality had to cut back so do the schools!!! Taxpayers first! No extra money to the schools!

I think that the school department is getting more then enough to run the schools. If there is so much concern let the teachers take a cut in pay like every one else is. People are losing jobs and homes, not getting pay raises. Also the elderly are living on a fixed income but yet the teachers keep getting their raises. Come on teachers get real.

It was my understanding that the Bristol/Warren school system may have some employee's that are receiving Blue Cross coverage for life? If this is in fact correct, it needs to be stopped at all costs. It would make no sense what-so-ever to lay off a Warren Town employee so that someone in the School system can keep receiving a full benefit package with no cuts, it's insane! The kids have always been used against the Towns when it comes to money. The education part won't matter if we go broke. Perhaps that needs to happen and then start from scratch without all those extravagant contractual agreements from the past.

I'm wondering if the muni bills introduced to the legislature by the governor this week will aid Warren in any way..also..once Fatima closes next year there should be some savings there I would think...at the very least in the extra busing...are all the town councilors in agreement on the issue at hand in this letter...?

So, it all does seem to boil down to a difference of perspective. Joe Burns says "Taxpayers first!" John Tattrie advocates reversing an unsustainable financial benefit burden "at all costs". I say it is unconscionable to sacrifice the quality of education our community's children receive in order to get what you want from the teacher's union. There are better ways.

The school department needs to do more with less like everyone else has been doing for years. They will tell us that it's impossible, but it's not impossible. Our school department is administratively heavy. Classrooms that have 20+ children in each class is ridiculous in a system that has 8-9:1 ratio children to employees. Start cutting the administration. Review every job for value and cut the ones that don't return value for the primary mission of the system, a better education.

I appreciate the hard work the town council has to do. Just because the law says that taxes can go up 4% doesn't mean they must go up 4%.
In the last 3 years, oil has gone from $1.49/gal. to $3.70/gal. and although my house is worth much less than it was then, my taxes have gone from $4343/yr to $5161/yr. That's an increase of about 19%!! My house is nothing special. It is a fairly typical Warren home. It's a 3 bedroom cape with a 2 car garage on a 1/4 acre lot.
Also in the last years, I have received no raises and the required contribution to health insurance increased every year. My company couldn't afford to give raises or swallow the increase in health insurance. In fact, last fall, I was laid off. I was lucky to find a new job with a great employer and fantastic people to work with but, it pays more than $11,000 LESS than I was making before. My paychecks are $450 ($900/mo) less than they were 3 years ago. I NEED the town coucil to hold the line on taxes.
On the other hand, I have 3 children in public school. I want them to have the very best!! I have friends who are teachers. I am happy for them when they get benefits that I will never see in the private sector.
It's a very tough situation all around. Thank you to all the public servants who are trying to do what is best for all involved.

The actual per year loss in state school aid is actually under $900,000 because area reps were able to get extra money for busing.

Anyone who thinks this loss in state aid is going to be completely made up in local tax increases has a screw loose.

Bloated teacher contracts were negotiated while the area was receiving unwarranted additional state funding that will be gradually cut back over 10 years.

For those of you that say 'it's all about the children' because they have kids in school now I suggest donating your extra cash to the school system. In other words put your money where your mouth is. No one in my family has seen the inside of a public school for 60 years.

Year 1 loss -$900,000 cumulative loss -$900,000
Year 2 loss -$900,000 -$1.8 million
Year 3 loss -$900,000 -$2,7 million
Year 4 loss -$900,000 -$3.6 million
Year 5 loss -$900,000 -$4.5 million
Year 6 loss -$900,000 -$5.4 million
Year 7 loss -$900,000 -$6.3 million
Year 8 loss -$900,000 -$7.2 million
Year 9 loss -$900,000 -$8.1 million
Year 10 loss -$900,000 -$9.0 million

Shouldn't there be a bigger focus on what's happening in arbitration with the bristol warren teachers union right now...isn't that where changes can be made..ie. blue cross for life, elimination of some top administration posts..etc...it seems to be what many people on here and other forums are concerned with..I honestly don't know...I cant go to all the meetings unless I take my children with me so I have to rely on what is being reported and doing a lot of reading...

I must clarify something before I get ahead of myself, I in no way want to see teachers lose their jobs, I have a great many friends that teach in this school system and I think they do a fantastic job, the problem I have is with the administration and all the secret stuff that the general public doesn't know. Without a look at line-by line items one can only assume that the administration is doing whats right for the general public. I had been told by someone in the school system that a great many retired staff receive a hefty health care package well after leaving the system, I dont know of anyone that receives this in the private sector, perhaps a year or so after leaving yes, But for Life? this is unheard of. And it's not teachers that are getting this, it's administration people. That needs to stop tomorrow morning if there is any validity to it! Then we can talk about the budget with some logic behind it. I take a serious offense to an administration that would like to threaten us with our kids education over the loss of extravagant personal benefits well after leaving the system. Put the numbers on the table line-by-line for everyone to see, and then some discussion can happen. Oh yes, and forget about binding arbitration, No Way!

The Bristol Warren school district enrollment numbers from RIDE show a drop in enrollment of 399 students from 98-99 to the latest available statistics in 11-12.

There certainly hasn't been some huge increase in enrollment as some would like us to think so they can jam increases down our throats.

Has there been a corresponding drop in school spending?

http://www.ride.ri.gov/applications/statistics.aspx

98-99 3911

99-00 3916

00-01 3792

01-02 3810

02-03 3824

03-04 3688

04-05 3626

05-06 3543

06-07 3479

07-08 3460

08-09 3449

09-10 3537

10-11 3479

11-12 3512

There are other issues than can control a tax increase, commented on before is why the town employees have May 4th off with pay? This is a holdiday that has been long forgon about and there is no need to pay for this day off that realy has no bearance. So I put to the Council, why hasn't anyone done something about this. When I addressed our last TOWN Manager is was blown off. I now it is part of the contract for town employees, but its time to make that change. Hell it be better to see them have 9/11 off. 2ndly the Town's Phone system has been out of date, and the taxpayers have been paying for 2 phone comany's for years. Again this was brought to the TOwn Manager, and again nothing was done about it. How much money would be saved to eliminate that un-for-seen holiday, and correct the phone company issue and save money with one company instead of 2.

Thank you for taking a look into those Cathie...I definitely think it's something to at least keep one eye on...I know there were several bills part of his package a few only intended for the "distressed" communities only but some may cover all of us..I do try to keep up with what;s happening on a state level that could effect us so I will definitely pass along anything I stumble upon..:)

I want the best possible education for my kids but, I don't think more money necessarily equals a better education. We need to find ways to reduce spending instead of increasing taxes.
We have to 'think out of the box'. I hate that expression but, it applies. Way back when the US was primarily agricultural, students got the summers off so they could help their families with the farming. It's a new era with different challenges than it was then. We need to consider today's needs! Why don't we consider changing the school year to start in March and finish in December? That would really reduce the amount of money spent on heat. Or, increase the school day to 8 hours and reduce the number of days spent in school. Again, cut utility costs.
Why not larger classes? What's so magic about 18 kids in a class?
I just keep going back to more money doesn't mean better.

Kristen, I apoligize, I wasn't ignoring you...I was so deep in question about a few things I did not go back and look at your previous posts. I will make it a point to compare the list of expenses given to me by an insider to the line items that the general public can view. I'll get back to you, Thanks Again for the info.

The problems of Bristol/Warren district was all predicted at its inception when Sundlun, crammed it down both towns throats with promises of a bounty of breaks and funds, that never materialized.

The taxpayers suffer mismanagement of the education system in this State. The blame is on politicians, Unions, Federal Government and taxpayers who were apathetic and accepted lies as truth.

It is not unique to Rhode Island; it is a nationwide problem. An education system destroyed with trillions spent, and little results. The system is broken. You can’t repair a system that is stitched together with archaic contracts, regulations, and management gone wild.

You must dump what is now the norm. It be painful, and everyone will sacrifice. We live in a State with the 5th Highest paid teachers in the Country, and 41st in education, according National Federation of Teachers, It is an embarrassment to the State and an insult to working people with children. When you can explain why that is, and the surrounding States are not even close to that disparity, then I will quit blaming politicians, Union Leaders, and Teachers who vote those leaders into power.

Union Members may like what those leaders get you in pay and benefits, but in the end, it is the taxpayer and the non-senior teachers on the short end of the stick, in a system that is now unsustainable by the taxpayers. That is reality period. As for politicians, they have forgotten what their job is. Under the Constitution it is the States responsibility to provide Basic Education ( 1-12 ). Not the federal Government, they actually are forbidden from it, as it is a right delegated to the States by our Constitution.

Our local politicians are not who I fault, unless they allow unnecessary expenses and contracts etc. Most of the problems are in State and federal politicians, trying to run our small towns from afar. I so tire of politicians and our president saying everyone should go to college. That is the biggest joke of all. No way is every child capable of college that is a fact.

In this State we have gotten rid of most of the public education in the area of trades. We have lost our way in hands on training for those who do not want, or can’t handle college. That is just the facts of genetics, like it or not.

While I don't live in Warren, I support their town council for making a strong effort to control costs. As I was perusing the budget during the lapse in the Warren Town Meeting last week (executive session), I was amazed to see such a huge difference in compensation for town positions Warren vs Bristol!! Same job, sometimes 40% less in pay. I am concerned about the number of people receiving a 'Cadillac' Blue Cross policy for life. But I am also concerned about about the buyback that employees receive for NOT taking their Blue Cross. I understand that it is over $5000 a year. This needs to be looked at! I remember in 2010 during our Voter Candidate forums that Diane Mederos was questioned on this and she replied that she agreed it should be done away with and it would be part of the next contract. Would that be now?
I agree with John that Blue Cross is a good place to start. Coverage for life for anyone is not sustainable any more. Actually, it never was. No-one pays attention to these things until they feel the pinch. Well, the pinch is here. And, while I am not totally immersed in the Warren Budget issues, I applaud them for trying to cut back and by holding to their decision.

Just to clarify a few things:
1) In voting to not give the school system more money, there was not an intent to force teachers unions into anything, it is not about them, its about finances
2) I believe that the town is taking a responsible look at the money we have and the ability to tax, and I think we have maxed that out
3) the Joint Finance committee does not have any say in how the money is spent, just how much to give

I think it is not up to the Council to decide HOW the school should make cuts, or manage their finances, but I do beleive the town Council should be the first to put their feet down and say NO! The schools have many places they can cut without the students ever even knowing.. start at the top and work down.. close the admin building, shut off some lights, computers, stop having custodians work until midnight, have them out by 9 or 10 and save the electricity, get rid of some of the admin support staff, lets look at school nurses? do we really need ONE For every school or can less expensive options be looked at? Do we need principals, vice principals, co principals, multiple deans? Anyway, I degress.... The way they spend thier money is not the council's problem but how much you give them is our main concern... SAY NO and let them work with a budget without any increases the way WE have all been living for at least the last 5 years... WHO? has gotten a raise in the last 5 years???? Only a select few!
Though... I do think the town of warren should also make some changes in their budget.. sell some of these old schools and buildings that are being UNDER USED... Help some of these companies willing to bring business to Warren to get up and running quickly, stop harrassing them about signs, parking spaces, etc.. just get them in there!

I agree that it is not up to the Council, just stated it, since some people do not realize we cannot.

Cathie-
As one of the very few residents of Warren who actually attended the JFC meeting on Thursday, I must say I am disappointed to see you using this forum to bring your one-sided agenda to the "masses". I was impressed at what appeared to be a spirit of co-operation that the school committee brought to the table Thursday. By posting a letter that does not ask for comments in a neutral manner, but instead brings your agenda to center stage, you are turning this into an us versus them debate which is not productive. I would like all the residents of both towns to be well informed. What I got from the meeting is that the increase is actually only 1.52%. The 4% number you quote is because of the cut in state aid. It is not an increase to the actual budget. While I agree times are difficult, we cannot be short-sited when it comes to our children's education. Classrooms are already at capacity and teachers are being cut. We cannot undo contracts that were written and are legally binding without entering into protracted litigation that will do no one any good. We need to move forward in a spirit of co-operation. I have 3 children who attend Catholic school. With that being said, I still want the Warren school system to live up to its promise for all children. Let's combine other services if we need to between the towns or get creative about other cuts. Please consider the future of all children before berating the efforts of the school committee.

No one is berating anyone. I am asking for Warren residents to let the Town Council know one way or the other how they feel. We have voted on our budget as required by the Charter to have in place at this time. My "agenda" is only to provide a balanced budget that meets the letter of the law and one that hopefully Warren residents can live with. To that end, this is the only forum I have to ask the question since we already had our budget workshops. Why you would berate me for asking citizens their opinions is very strange to me. There is obviously time for things to be adjusted in the Warren budget if need be or asking for opinions would be silly. We as Councilors get surprisingly little input to very important details such as these until they receive their tax bills and panic.
If you read the blog, which this is by the way, NOT a letter, there have been comments for and against giving the school department what they asked for, and I appreciate that. It helps me to see sides I may not have considered.
I have had this blog for over a year, and this is the first time I have printed anything political, and anyone that knows me knows that I truly want to hear what residents have to say.
As for your numbers, they are a bit misleading, The school department is allowed to receive 4% more from the towns than they did the previous year. That is exactly what they asked us for. The effect to the school department budget was 1.52% increase. Those are two different things.

Cathie-
I feel you most definitely have an agenda here and it is to put forth your position in the light most favorable to you as a councilwoman. I don't believe the numbers I put forth are misleading at all. I do, however, believe that when you say, "..that they figure the state says we can give them 4% more than last year, and they apparently built a budget backwards from there..." you are, in my opinion, berating the school committee's efforts and misleading people that there is a 4% increase in the actual school committee budget, which is simply not the case. Yes, there is an increase to the towns of roughly 4%, but that comes from a decrease in state aid. I also oppose the "Us and them" mentality that the above statement captures. In addition, I feel the BlueCross comment is also misleading. Again, this is not something happening now, it has happened in the past. If you would like to break contracts and/or question whether or not they are legally binding, that is a decision that can be made....but it is not without legal costs and an uncertain outcome. Finally, I did not berate you, indeed, I gave you EXACTLY what you asked for, my opinion as a resident of the town you serve.

Without getting into a contest of words and selective reading, thank you for your input, you are right, I asked for what you wrote in the last part of your original post. My position has always been about what I think is best for Warren, and that comes from input from constituents.

McLane Three, I must say that your input on this entire issue shed a light on a greater problem. Your thoughts of entitlement. I think the tap water at the Schools needs to be checked, Things are starting to sound very similiar to BCWA. Lets just spend with little or no explanation.

Kristen, we have no choice but to put together a budget when we do, and to do so requires us to put a number in for education. It is part of the Charter that determines when we start our budget and what has to be available to the public when. Unfortunately, the school committee, Bristol and Warren's time frames are not in alignment. It is not us just trying to preempt the Schools presentation.

The problems Warren and Bristol face can all be put at the States feet period.

Rhode Island down the tubes.

March 19, 2012 at 6:37 pm

http://247wallst.com/2012/03/19/the-six-states-where-tax-revenues-are-soaring/#ixzz1pgfPAwiW

# 5. Rhode Island
> Increase in personal income tax: between 1% and 5%
> Expenditure per capita (2008): $6,093 (5th highest)
> 2009 budget shortfall: 26.6% (3rd highest)
> Home price decline from peak: 27.0% (7th largest)

Between 1977 and 2008, the state of Rhode Island has doubled its spending to $6,093 per person. The increase was driven by some of the biggest state programs in the country. In paying out unemployment benefits, the state covers 46.5% of weekly wages, the second-highest percentage of any state. Rhode Island is also among the top ten per capita spenders for education, Medicaid, and pensions.

According to Brookings, the state's tax revenue has been declining for decades as a result of a loss of manufacturing jobs. The slowing economy rebounded briefly during the housing boom leading up to the recent recession. Unfortunately, the real estate market collapse has put the state in an even worse position than it was before. Rhode Island has been forced to make across-the-board cuts in spending as well as increase taxes. The state increased cigarette taxes by more than 5%, and it raised personal income tax between 1% and 5%.

I agree Downtown, However the State and the Federal Government share a lot of the Blame for all of this education debacle nation wide. The federal government is forbidden from education by the founders, It is a right reserved to the states. The Fed got around it, with the Department of Education, and giving grants with strings attached to implement Federal Policy or no money, the State does the same thing to the towns.
This all was going to lead to an unsustainable system that we now have, for one reason, the grants eventually run out or are used for salary and benefits for decades now that have accomplished nothing but the destruction of the system. How soon we forget that getting the useless and bad employee's out of the system, whether management or standard employee's cost millions and takes years just to get rid of one.
I don’t think they get lifetime benefits of healthcare to my knowledge anymore. The ones who do get it still have to be paid because of the contracts forever.
Remember Obama praising central falls for dumping the whole teaching staff, they were suppose to only hire 50% of them back of the highest qualified. Instead Union deal, and all hired back and no outcry or change. This State is so corrupt for so long now on this and many issues, there is only one solution. Bankrupt the whole State dig up Roger Williams and start over.

I also agree we are growing Government employee's and governmen in general to unsustainable levels, State and Federal.

Was just taking a look at the chart in the below article...since Warren is not 60% funded ( which seems to be the magic number )...could we be considered "critical" ?
http://www.rifreedom.org/2012/03/all-cities-and-towns-may-already-be-in-%E2%80%9Ccritical-status%E2%80%9D/?utm_source=Governor%27s+60%25+Critical+Test&utm_campaign=60%25+Test&utm_medium=socialshare

Did you notice this "Downtown."

Bristol Warren teachers overwhelmingly turned down a contract offer presented by the Bristol Warren Regional School District earlier this month, setting the table for binding arbitration in drawn-out negotiations that have already gone on for 19 months.
Teachers voted 100-67 against the draft proposal, Once it begins, a familiar face will be at the table for the union. Jon Leidecker, an attorney with the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Education Association, will represent the union. Mr. Leidecker was found guilty last September of “cyber-stalking”

You can bet it has to do with, pay, pension or benefits definatly not the students. Property owners screwed yet again by some arbi"traiter" who has no skin in the game. The fix was obviously in, since 83 teachers decided to not even show to vote, old union tactic, to make the vote look closer.

And here is some nice bedtime reading...
http://www.warrenri.com/documents/2012/mar/21/2012-warren-town-budget/
http://www.warrenri.com/documents/2012/mar/21/2012-warren-capital-budget/

@ Downtown...
http://www.warrenri.com/news/2012/mar/20/teachers-reject-contract-offer/

Below is an email that went out to the Hugh Cole Community.

Below is an excerpt of an email sent out to the Hugh Cole School Community:

One of our School Committee members has conducted an outreach to Cathie Tattrie a member of the JFC, as well as the Warren Town Council. She has shared with him that she will change her vote and will support the district if she receives 100 e-mails from constituents. Funding the full request (4%) would mean a 42 cent increase per $1,000 in local taxes. On a home valued at $350.00 that is approximately $145 for the year. Per quarter that is $36.25.
I know the economy has many families strapped these days. I do feel, however, the long-term benefits of a quality school system are the best investment a community can make in its most precious resource, children, as well as the economic health and well being of the community.
To cut to the chase, I am asking you to generate 100 e-mails to Cathie Tattrie and the members of the Warren Town Council in support of the BWRSD’s Budget Request before tomorrow night. I don’t know if this is possible, but if there is anyone who can do this, it is you all.
Thanks for your consideration.

Best,
Melinda

Thanks for taking the time to read her email and consider her proposal.

Angie Lombardi

This is my response since Melinda did not deem asking me if that was how the conversation went:

Please forward this along to your email group. Thank you.

What was said to Mr. Saviano, is that I have reached out the Townspeople of Warren through my blog on Patch, and asked for their input as to how much they would like their taxes increased. If I got more people telling me to give a higher amount than what we already budgeted to give the Schools, than I have people asking me not to raise taxes, then I would reconsider the amount. How he added in a number and misconstrued our conversation with a "magic Number" is unimaginable. There are approximately 10,000 people in the town of Warren, and even in our lowest voting turn out, more than 100 came out to vote. I do appreciate any input as it is a very important issue. But this campaign is not the conversation that was had. Thank you.
Cathie

Seems very unprofessional of Melinda to encourage parents to partake in such an activity? I am not sure I beleive it... and why wouldn't this so called email be sent to all parents of the district, not just Hugh Cole parents?
I wouldn't expect that you, Cathie, would say, you needed a certain number to persuade you in either direction,,, if so, I am sure we can get 100 emails to ask that the council not approve the increase. I personnally can't afford any more increases. My taxes are high enough, and have increased quite a bit in the last 5 years. Let the school department work within their means... Trim the fat! and by that I mean start from the top!! Those who spend their days at desks NOT surrounded by Children should GO first! It's funny, I see so many teachers/TA's/ custodians out in the world working 2nd jobs, I don't think I have ever seen an administrator doing this... and I am positive they don't have papers to grade, grades to be submitted, plans to be made, supplies to be bought... all on their own time....Changes need to be made, and perhaps what the council is doing is in the right direction! Our school system is TOTALLY TOP HEAVY!! you know what they say about top heavy things... it will fall over eventually! Stay strong Warren Town Council and make the changes happen!

I don't think she is trying to do anything other than support the budget they worked very hard on. However, a phone call to me would have been the more appropriate response to ensure there were no misunderstandings. Well, I only am a part of the Hugh Cole community, it may have gone out to others, but the PTO there is all I am a part of at this time. Thanks for your comments.

Our second Jt. Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night, March 27that 7:00 pm at the MHHS auditorium. We have heard through various media postings that the Warren Town Council is unable to meet our 1.52% Budget Request and has been quoted that it will level fund the district. This would be devastating to the program and instructional supports we provide the children of Bristol and Warren.
One of our School Committee members has conducted an outreach to Cathie Tattrie a member of the JFC, as well as the Warren Town Council. She has shared with him that she will change her vote and will support the district if she receives 100 e-mails from constituents. Funding the full request (4%) would mean a 42 cent increase per $1,000 in local taxes. On a home valued at $350.00 that is approximately $145 for the year. Per quarter that is $36.25.
I know the economy has many families strapped these days. I do feel, however, the long-term benefits of a quality school system are the best investment a community can make in its most precious resource, children, as well as the economic health and well being of the community.
To cut to the chase, I am asking you to generate 100 e-mails to Cathie Tattrie and the members of the Warren Town Council in support of the BWRSD’s Budget Request before tomorrow night. I don’t know if this is possible, but if there is anyone who can do this, it is you all.

I just received the email from Melinda and posted it above. I find it offensive and I hate when they break it down to $36.25/quarter. It's not only $36.25 quarter. It's $36.25/quarter for life and then compounded next year when they again ask for only 4% more. Disgusting.