Gilford BudCom strikes 2014 funds for regional planning commission

As more and more towns are seeing the folly of regional government, they are voting to withdraw from the regional planning commissions as well as opting out of Granite State Future.

GILFORD — The Budget Committee voted last week to eliminate $8,500 for funding for the Lakes Region Planning Commission from the proposed 2014 town spending plan.

LRPC dues are part of a line item in the Planning Department’s budget.

According to Budget Committee Vice Chair Kevin Leandro, the vote came after very little discussion on a motion by member Sue Greene. He didn’t recall the actual vote but said at least seven members of the 12-member committee supported withdrawing, including Chair Phyllis Corrigan.

Greene said yesterday that in her mind the LRPC is an additional layer of government and politics not needed by the town of Gilford or its residents. She also said she couldn’t justify the $8,500 an year.

About two-thirds of the funding for regional planning commissions comes from state and federal sources and Green said the LRPC expends $369,000 to its employees in salaries alone.

“Planning decisions need to be made by local planning boards,” she said. “It’s another area where local decisions are impeded.”

Good for you Gilford. Your residents will thank you.