Editor,

How does the town of Windham rate in regard to the expense of providing municipal services to its citizens compared to similar towns? A recent survey made for a neighboring town has some interesting comparisons. The survey showed that Windham fell somewhere in the middle of the field in most categories. This survey compared Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Scarborough, South Portland, Windham, and Yarmouth.

In population, Windham stood fourth with an estimated 2005 population of 16,371. It stood sixth in 2007 State Valuation at $1,697,250,000, which put the valuation per capita at $103,674, which ranks eight compared to the other towns.

Windham’s tax assessment for 2006 (money raised through taxes) was $19,426,942, which placed it sixth of the 10 communities surveyed. This worked out to a full tax rate of $11.44 or next to the lowest rate of the surveyed towns, with only Yarmouth having a lower full value tax rate.

By collecting $19,426,942 in assessments, the cost per capita in Windham was $1,199, or ninth on the survey list. Windham showed it has a designated reserve balance of $683,859, which is the lowest in the survey. We also have an undesignated fund balance of $3,315,548, which is sixth on the survey.

To compare the expense of services, the survey looked at the Police, Fire and Public Works (including solid waste) expenses. In Windham, the expenditure listed for the police department was $1,420,918, which was fifth on the list. This figure also means the per capita cost for a Windham resident was $87.67, or eighth on the list. The highest per capita cost was Scarborough with $199.09.

Windham showed the fire department expenditures to be $608,147 or sixth on the list. The per capita cost was $37.52.

The survey reported that public works, including solid waste, expenditures of $2,828,052, or $174.48 per capita cost, which put us seventh on the list, with Falmouth not listed.

Windham showed library expenditures of $288,215, or last on the list. This is an expenditure of $17.78 per capita. This is also the lowest on the list.

For Parks and Recreation, Windham expended $221,818, which was also last on the list. The per capita cost was $13.46.

I know these are just numbers to most of us, but I believe that it demonstrates that Windham does not spend out of proportion to other towns in providing services for its citizens. In my estimation, I believe that it shows we get a good bang for our buck. With budget season fast approaching I ask the town council and town manager to continue the good work.

David Tobin

Windham