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Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Management errors cost the taxpayers money

3 million reasons to pay attention.

By Deborah Carney, Charlestown Town Council President

A recent letter to the [Westerly Sun] editor questioning my "State of the Town" for the upcoming year, is yet another example of how these errors happened in the first place.   

My statements were clear, unambiguous and accurate.  Our town's surplus was in fact $3,000,000 less than previously stated.  

I did not, at any time, accuse anyone of embezzling the money.  When a $3,000,000 error is made, it makes good sense to take action to ensure it does not happen again.   

Yes, when taxpayers answered the 2021 survey they were generally pleased with the tax rates in Charlestown. 

However, in 2022, there arose an issue regarding $3,000,000 of OUR money.  We had $3,000,000 less than had been previously reported.  'All's well that ends well' is not sound fiscal management nor should it be acceptable to taxpayers.

Anyone who thinks town officials should ignore a $3,000,000 error, has no place near town finances.  This is not me "stirring the political pot'.  This is me and my fellow Councilors doing the job we were elected to do.