Oct 13, 2008 5:38 pm US/Eastern
Financial Crisis Could Cripple Local Communities
Jim Smith, WBZ Reporter
MILTON (WBZ) ―
Milton Selectman Marion McEttrick says it's not pretty. This financial crisis could cripple her community.
Milton's a beautiful town with an ugly problem: looming state budget cuts -- a problem so serious, that selectmen will hold a special meeting Monday night to address the issue.
"Would it be fair to call this an emergency meeting?" asked WBZ's Jim Smith.
"Well it isn't technically, because we didn't post it as such," explains McEttirick. "But the reason for it is an emergency. It's about as serious as it can get here in Milton."
Milton may vote for a hiring freeze – something that's already been done in places like Marshfield, Norwell and Salem. But it may not end there. Other cuts are possible.
WBZ's Economic Resource Guide"What possible cuts keep you up at night?" asked Jim.
"Public safety, police, fire… those types of services," said McEttrick.
It's been nearly 20 years since the budget was this tight in Milton, but they're not alone. To the north in Lynn, the situation may be even worse.
In fact, budget problems have already cost Lynn two elementary schools and 90 teachers. The mayor says his city is in financial collapse.
There's fear among residents that the financial freefall is coming home to roost. "I think a lot of us are worried about police, fire and all types of services," said one resident.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick says cutting local aid is a last resort, but in communities big and small, the anxiety is growing.
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City and town officials are also worried about
Question 1 passing.
They say if the state income tax is repealed, their budgets will be plunged into chaos.
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