That Rockport Municipal expenses are, seemingly, out of control does not have to be the case.  A bit of history makes the point: For the 11 years from 2015 to 2025 the annual average increase in the municipal budget was 7.3%.

In the last four years, however, that is, years 2022 through the proposed  2026 municipal budget, the average annual increase in the municipal budget has been/is 19.5% … almost three times the average for the 11 years above.

History as above demonstrates that this out of control spending can be avoided.

The Result:The heart of Rockport is being/has been hollowed out.The trend of the student population in SAD 28 makes this point with a few numbers:In the 2020 SAD 28 Annual Report the comment was made that the student population of SAD 28 for the previous decade had been steady at abut 730 students.  The student population for SAD 28 for 2025 is projected to be 683.  That is a drop of 47 students.

Clearly many young families can no longer afford to live in Rockport.  If budgets continue on the present track all that will be left in town will be a few part time, billionaire, residents who, with a few notable exceptions, contribute nothing to Rockport other than their money.

What can one do?  In the immediate term, VOTE DOWN the municipal expense budget which is ARTICLE 6 on the 10 June Ballot.

There are two vacancies on the Rockport Budget Committee. Two candidates for those spots, who know Rockport, are fiscally responsible, and have agreed to serve are Stephen Smith and William Freeman.  I suggest that you WRITE-IN their names for these Budget Committee openings.

At this point Rockport needs to be saved from itself or we will all be forced to move some place less expensive. The above actions may help with this predicament.

Alexander Armentrout lives in Rockport