9032-R1_ML&P_BuxtonAnnualReport_2023-2024_Web

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Hi All, Once again, it has been an eventful year for the Town of Buxton. We have had to weather many changes and challenges as we move forward as a community. We are increasingly aware of the difficult economic environment that our residents are facing. Our focus on good fiscal planning is essential as we face challenging economic pressures and constant growth. We have welcomed many new residents to Buxton, with over 75 new residences built in 2023-24, and over 120 new homes since 2021. Such growth is exciting and fundamental to the sustainability of our Town, but with that growth comes the necessary expansion of town services like permitting and inspections, trash collection, road maintenance, and snow removal. It is our constant effort to manage growth in financially responsible ways, with an eye to ensuring that both new and old residents can continue to afford to live in our wonderful community. In the past few years, we have worked hard to financially insulate the Town and its services. We have successfully paid down our debts, without accruing new ones. We have also worked to maintain a healthy reserve fund balance. This lack of burdensome debt and emphasis on savings allows us to ensure that needed capital items and service improvements are not placed solely on the taxpayers. Prudent fiscal planning has also allowed Buxton to maintain one of the lowest mill rates in the area. The success of our Town would not be possible without the contributions of hundreds of individuals. We are always amazed and grateful for the employees, residents, volunteers, and committee members who diligently and selflessly serve our community. Their efforts and community spirit are essential in making Buxton the wonderful town that it is. We also wish to send heartful gratitude to the families of Sharon Elwell and Fred Farnum, who served the Town for many years in the offices of Road Commissioner and Code Enforcement Officer. We also said goodbye to long-time residents Joanne Groder and Ron Weeman who cheerfully served at the Buxton Food Co-Op for many years, providing food, comfort, and a warm smile to all those in need. We will miss them. Finally, we extend our gratitude to the whole community. Way to go, on another memorable year!

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