SAVE Task Force – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About SAVE

What is the SAVE Task Force?
SAVE stands for Sustainable Actions for a Viable Economy. We are a volunteer task force formed to help the community understand Berkley’s financial situation and explore realistic, long-term solutions to maintain town services.

Is SAVE advocating for a specific outcome?
No. SAVE is an informational and educational body. Our role is to present accurate data, explain options, and help residents understand the tradeoffs involved — not to tell people how to vote.

Who is on the SAVE Task Force?
SAVE is made up of Berkley residents, volunteers, and community members who care deeply about the town’s long-term sustainability.

Berkley’s Financial Situation

Why is Berkley facing a financial problem?
Berkley has a structural deficit, meaning the town does not bring in enough revenue each year to cover the cost of operating essential services. This gap has grown over time due to rising fixed costs and limited revenue growth.

Hasn’t the town been balancing the budget already?
Yes — but largely through cuts, one-time fixes, and reserve use. These strategies are no longer sustainable without significant impacts to services.

What costs are driving the problem?
Major drivers include:

• Health insurance - 15%

• School Assessments and required funding for regional school district operations.  10%

• Retirement and pensions - 7% 

• Contractual salary obligations

• Inflation affecting utilities, fuel, and supplies
  
  

Many of these costs are not optional.

The Budget Override

What is an override?
A budget override allows the town to permanently raise the property tax levy limit to fund ongoing operating expenses.

Why is an override being discussed now?
Because current revenues are not sufficient to maintain services, and continued cuts would significantly affect schools, public safety, and town departments.

What happens if an override does not pass?
Without new revenue, the town will likely face:

• Loss of teaching positions and school programming

• Reduced police, fire, and EMS coverage

• Reduced highway services

• Potential closure or reduced hours for the library and Council on Aging
  
  

These impacts would likely happen all at once, not gradually.

Is an override the only option?
No. SAVE is examining multiple short-, mid-, and long-term strategies, 

but...

  an override is currently the only short-term tool that can immediately stabilize services.

Alternatives & Common Questions

Why not just cut spending more?
Many departments are already operating at or below minimum staffing. Further cuts would reduce core services and compromise safety and quality of life.

Why not use reserves or stabilization funds?
Reserves are one-time funds. Using them to support ongoing costs creates bigger problems in future years and threatens the town’s financial stability.

Why not attract more businesses instead?
Economic development is important — but it is a long-term strategy, not a short-term fix. Zoning changes and development take years to generate meaningful revenue.

What about state aid?
State aid helps, but it has not kept pace with rising costs, and Berkley has limited control over how much aid it receives.

Schools & Town Services

Why are schools such a major concern?
Schools represent the largest portion of the town budget and are already facing staffing shortages. Without additional revenue, students will lose teachers, classes, and opportunities.

Will public safety really be affected?
Yes. Police, fire, and EMS staffing levels directly affect response times and coverage. Cuts would impact safety across the town.

Are town employees overworked or underpaid?
BOTH! Many departments rely heavily on staff who go above and beyond, often earning less than comparable positions in surrounding communities.

Community Engagement & Forums

What is SAVE doing to involve the community?
SAVE is hosting department-specific informational forums, sharing data online, distributing printed materials, and using multiple outreach channels to reach residents.

Can residents ask questions at these forums?
Yes. Forums are designed for residents to hear directly from department leaders, ask questions, and get accurate information.

Where can I find updates?
Updates are shared through:

• The SAVE website
  
  

• Social media
  
  

• Email newsletters
  
  

• Community postings and mailings
  
  

Misinformation & Transparency

I’ve heard claims about “easy fixes” or alternatives — are those real?
SAVE and town officials are actively reviewing all proposed alternatives. If someone raises a suggestion, residents are encouraged to look for information directly from SAVE or attend forums to get accurate answers.

Why does information sometimes seem inconsistent online?
SAVE is working to combat misinformation by sharing verified, transparent data through multiple channels so residents can make informed decisions.

Looking Ahead

What are the short-, mid-, and long-term options being discussed?

• Short-term: Budget override to stabilize services
  
  

• Mid-term: Investing in town capacity, planning, and operations
  
  

• Long-term: Economic development, zoning changes, and sustainable growth
  
  

How can residents help?

• Attend forums
  
  

• Ask questions
  
  

• Share accurate information
  
  

• Engage respectfully in community discussions