It is the time of year for Mexico’s budget meetings. The first few meetings were uneventful and not much could be done to change anything to save the taxpayers some money. But the third meeting was unreal.

The salary for the recreation director went from $10,862 to $30,000. He was hired to work 20 hours per week; now he wants 32 — what a raise. He now makes more than many town employees with 10 years’ service.

The selectmen voted to give that raise. The Budget Committee said no.

Now it is up to the people to vote. A “no” vote sends any article back to the selectmen to come up with a lower figure. A “no” vote will not shut anything in the town down, it will just send the message that enough is enough.

I believe that some of the selectmen and Budget Committee people voted “yes” because the recreation director made the statement that the Greater Rumford Community Center was closing. That is an absolute untruth.

Also, one of the recreation board people said that in order to take swim lessons, play baseball or T-ball, you must pay to join the GRCC. That is another untrue statement. There is no charge. If someone wants a hat or shirt, then they pay.

Also stated was that the Mexico taxpayers should give no money to GRCC to use those programs because there are grants and scholarships that would pay for Mexico children. That is also untrue. Scholarships are given only for Black Mountain day camp.

Marjorie Richard, Mexico

Copy the Story Link