As the chief administrative officials for our respective organizations, we are keenly aware of the looming budget challenges that many Brunswick residents are concerned about.

This situation is not new to the Brunswick Town Council or School Board. We have been addressing the loss of revenues for the past three years, although this year appears to be the most exigent.

There are limited options available to meet this challenge in the broad way of developing the budgets. The options are basically to reduce expenditures or increase revenues.

The superintendent and the town manager work collaboratively to present budgets that meet the goals of the elected officials. We solicit input from residents who have constructive suggestions to assist in the development of our budgets.

Together, we respect the roles that we individually have and refrain from suggesting what should be cut from the other’s budget. It is not the role of the town manager to suggest that certain school functions are not necessary; any more than it is the role of the superintendent to make similar suggestions about town services.

We acknowledge that both the town and school departments have certain requirements that must be met, as well as needs that must be met. In addition to these basic requirements and needs, there are programs and services that have been developed that have made Brunswick the community that it is today.

Like every other town, Brunswick has a diverse population when it comes to the beneficiaries of our programs and services.

Young families are rightfully concerned about the investment in education. Businesses and senior citizens are similarly concerned about public safety.

Everyone wants roads that are passable, both in the winter and the rest of the year. Libraries, parks, athletic fields, championship teams, and an attractive community all contribute to the pride that exists in Brunswick.

Collectively, we must work to keep it that way.

In difficult economic times, there is a rush to reduce funding for capital projects. The temptation is great to shift funds from capital projects such as school repairs, road reconstruction or a police station to operating budgets.

The result of succumbing to the temptation is that the capital needs don’t disappear simply because a decision was made not to fund them.

We are all too familiar of past decisions not to properly maintain facilities. In 2008, the Town Council fully supported the construction of the new Harriet Beecher Stowe School because it was needed, in spite of the failing economy and the knowledge that we would have fewer students due to the closing of Brunswick Naval Air Station.

Currently, the school department is engaged in a facilities master plan that will detail costs to bring older schools up to code, and provide space for programs and services the district needs to maintain its high regard.

Similarly, the school department supports the construction of the new police station because it too is needed.

The new police station will not adversely affect the school budget. If it is built, it will not result in fewer dollars to be available this year for the school department. If it is not built, it will not result in additional dollars being available this year for the school department.

The town has planned for this project and has capacity in its budget to fund it upon its completion.

The next 10 weeks will be busy with the School Board doing its best to meet the needs of the parents and students while recognizing that there is a limit to what can be done.

The Town Council will be undertaking the same discussions regarding the municipal services. Ultimately, a budget will be adopted and we will continue to do our collective best to serve the citizens of Brunswick and to preserve the quality community that is here.

Gary Brown is Brunswick’s town manager. Paul Perzanoski is Brunswick’s superintendent of schools.

letters@timesrecord.com