Thursday, May 25, 2000 Older Editions

Manager: 'message received'

By Neil Fater

Though he won't promise to slow the growth of Andover's operating budget, Town Manager Buzz Stapczynski claims he's heard the cry of those trying to send a message by voting "no" on Question 1 Tuesday.

"The message for the town to be more fiscally conservative is received. I understand how a growing segment of the population feels tapped out. I can understand how they feel the ever-growing pinch of real-estate taxes," he says. "In developing future years' budgets, I need to take that into consideration."

Before Tuesday's Special Election, some residents were calling on others to vote against Question 1. This would have forced the town to pay the costs of the safety center construction out of its annual operating budgets. As a result, officials would have had to make small percentage cuts to Andover's annual budget every year for the next 20 years.

"I have a tough time when people 'send messages' in an indirect way. We go to Town Meeting with all the budgets. The Finance Committee has meetings beforehand. People can attend," says Stapczynski. "When I think about it, that's the time to send a message."

But Stapczynski says he understands the reason the 2,218 residents voted "no" on Question 1.

"I was pleased with the (overall) vote on Question 1. I'm glad we won. However, I do see a message there. I can see how people who supported the schools overwhelmingly thought twice before voting for Question 1," says Stapczynski. "Their message was received."

Stapczynski wouldn't promise residents will see the operating budget stop growing, because he says the town will need more money annually to heat, light and, to some degree, staff both the new safety center and the two new schools.

"The challenge for us is to find ways of reducing other expenses without reducing services," he says.

Stapczynski says he'll be less likely to create new positions and send capital projects before Town Meeting voters.