Little Compton Town Council and Budget Committee meetings have been packed with caring residents, and the Financial Meeting June 17th was no different. 

The budget committee chairman, George Crowell, is to be commended for his leadership and dedication as a public servant. Clear-minded, he offered a thorough summary of the state of affairs: Missteps and overspending crossed paths, such that, lacking an audit, it is unknown how much money is left in the general fund, and a clear monetary shortage is obvious. Though not responsible for creating the deficit, he is committed to the labor of seeing it resolved.  He spoke with the integrity the town requires and deserves.

Given the lack of clarity regarding town funds, democracy was carried out as residents best knew how.  Taxpayers voted to increase taxes, not just by 11.1 percent as recommended by the committee, but to the 12 percent approved by the state.

This 12 percent hike is seemingly a one-time event, but in fact it is in perpetuity. If a home tax is currently $1,000, for 2026 it will be $1,120. In 2027, it will not return to $1,000, adding only what is needed for 2027.  Instead, taxpayers will experience “compounding,” with the 12 percent built in as a new baseline. The increase is estimated to raise $1 million for 2026.  But each year thereafter, a “compounded” sum of funds will become available to the government of Little Compton.

Towards the end of the meeting, I therefore proposed an amendment: If the 12 percent increase is approved, the starting point for next year’s budget should return to this year’s levy, plus ‘the usual’ 4% increase allowed by the state. Any additional increases would be separately voted on.

I approached the microphone twice. The first time, the moderator asked that I return after the residents voted on the levy, and as an amendment cannot be amended, the amendment being to increase the levy to 12 percent rather than 11.1 percent. After the 12 percent was approved, I approached the microphone again and once I finished reading the proposed amendment, the moderator stated he would not allow the amendment. No further reasoning was provided, and residents were not given the opportunity for discussion. 

So here we are, with a 12 percent forever tax levy which will be compounded about 4% each year. Within a few years the general fund will be flush with money. How will all the ‘extra’ money be used?  How many “pet” projects will happen? 

Please keep Little Compton rural, promote farming, and maintain the community’s quiet and peaceful existence, before it turns into just another insipid suburb.

PS: As this letter is sent to the editor, I heard the unfortunate news that George Crowell has resigned from the budget committee. This is a great loss for Little Compton. I remain very grateful for his selfless dedication to public service.

Ara Sadaniantz

Little Compton