Ignorant is the word that comes to mind regarding Evesham Council’s recent reaction to major financial quandaries. They willingly and unapologetically put taxpayers and now employees on a short gangplank over turbulent economic water.
Does Evesham have a quiet cover charge of minimum income? How, how are people surviving on $20,000 or less supposed to absorb multiple, double digit hits to their income? Why are medical premiums allowed to run amok literally at the expense of policy holders? Those hundreds are currently buying food, utilities, and roofs overheard.
This Escalade approach of “I deserve a Cadillac and you’re all going to pay for it,” is unfair, unreasonable and unsustainable. Cover basics and offer upgrades and a la carte. The township cites an 11 percent increase and expects employees to absorb a 20 to 30 percent deduction in available income. Does the township think its limited cash flow is unique? Or unrelated to the fact that ratable and taxpayers are also suffering?
There has to be a way to realign or renegotiate benefits that were promised in good times and cost prohibitive when economically challenged. Townships need to be smarter and more cooperative about benefits and debt. But, using modest, hard wording taxpayers as financial pinatas isn’t their answer.
Carolyn Marshall
