The Selectmen's agenda for their regular Tuesday meeting at 4 has changed and a special meeting has been set for Friday at 4. Responses from the unions and the non-union employees to the Selectmen's proposal for an across-the-board compensation freeze to avoid property tax increases and staff layoffs were asked to be in on or before Tuesday's meeting. Now the union response is scheduled for Friday's special meeting.

This is the revised Tuesday agenda dealing with ATM Warrant Articles, the discussion to be led by Town Manager Hinchey:

• Article 8 – Cost of Living Increases -- (CCT comment (that's Chatham Concerned Taxpayers): federal statistics show we are in a zero inflation environment and such discussions are premature before receipt of the employees freeze response.)
• Article 9 – Stabilization Fund
(Police/Fire Overtime; Library; Circuit Breaker) (CCT comment: Funding excessive Police and Fire overtime is not the purpose of the Stabillization Fund.)
• Article 11 – Five-Year Capital Authorization (CCT comment: Should the Town not take a "pause" in its building plans during such financially stressed times?)
• Article 12 – Stabilization (Trailers) (CCT comment: Trailers for the Recycling Area from the Stabilization Fund?)

General Discussion - Hotel/Motel Tax; Meals Tax W. Hinchey
( CCT comment: Presumably this is about possible State House legislative action to permit cities and towns to expand taxes for local retention. These punish second home owners and hurt local businesses.)

General Discussion – Operating Budget Goals W. Hinchey
(CCT Comment: The Selectmen's stated goal on record is to avoid overrides in connection with the FY10 budget. CCT's goal is no property tax increase for FY10.)

The agenda for the Friday's Selectmen's meeting at 4:

Article 6 – Operating Budget W. Hinchey
• Union Response (CCT comment: If they say yes, they realize how taxpayers are suffering, taxpayers save $700,000,)
• Additional School Cuts (CCT: needed, but not that much, only $300K)
• Additional Town Cuts (needed, but not that much, only $300K, with the Schools)
• Article 10 – Lighthouse Beach (swiim or sand only)
• Other Action (CCT comment: Stand up for the taxpayers)
• Ballot Question (CCT: Ratify that taxpayers will be heard and property taxes will not be increased)