This is in regard to the construction of a new Oakland town office, fire station and police station.

The population of Oakland has increased 4.7 percent since 2001. During that time, my property taxes have gone up 47 percent. That’s 10 times the growth of the community. With the addition of almost $5 million to the tax burden, our taxes will go up another 6 percent. The school system is adding a biomass furnace, and we have been told that it will not have any impact on the tax base. I find it hard to believe that we will not see an increase for the school budget.

I have the highest respect for all Oakland employees. They are courteous and pleasant to deal with. They have wants for their working environment that they would like fulfilled. I, likewise, have wants that I would like fulfilled, but I can’t afford it. Nor can I afford a 6 percent-plus increase in property taxes along with normal increases that we have experienced every year in the last 10 years.

The building committee should have provided a backup plan in the event the current proposal does not pass. There are some needs that require immediate resolution and need to be dealt with, but not to the tune of 5 million dollars.

Being on fixed income, I am rapidly approaching the point that I may have to sell my home, because I can no longer afford $5,000 a year in property taxes.

With that in mind, I find it hard to approve the proposed construction.

Armand Mathieu

Oakland