LINCOLN, MAINE — As Lincoln prepares for the November municipal election, Town Councilor Lee Rand is outlining a four-point plan focused on controlling the growth of municipal spending, strengthening Lincoln’s tax base, and making town government more transparent and accountable.

Rand said his goal is to address the financial pressures facing Lincoln residents while maintaining the essential services the community depends upon.

1. Review Town Spending — Department by Department

Rand proposes a comprehensive review of town spending, examining each department’s budget, services and expenditures.

The purpose would be to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary costs, eliminate duplication and find more efficient ways of providing services.

“Before we ask taxpayers for more money, we should know exactly where the money is going and whether we’re getting the best value for every dollar,” Rand said.

2. Control the Growth of Town Spending

Rand proposes greater scrutiny of annual budget increases.

Rather than automatically increasing departmental budgets from one year to the next, proposed increases should be accompanied by a clear explanation of why the additional spending is necessary and what taxpayers will receive in return.

The objective is responsible management of town finances while protecting necessary services.

3. Expand Lincoln’s Tax Base

Rand believes Lincoln should look for responsible ways to broaden its tax base rather than relying primarily on increasing the burden on existing property taxpayers.

That includes examining opportunities for economic development, new businesses, housing, tourism and other appropriate development that can contribute to Lincoln’s long-term financial stability.

“If we can responsibly grow the tax base, we can spread the cost of municipal government across a broader base instead of continually putting more pressure on the people who already live here,” Rand said.

4. Increase Transparency and Accountability

Rand proposes making town finances easier for residents to understand.

That includes providing clearer information about departmental spending, major expenditures, long-term financial obligations and the reasons behind significant budget increases.

“People shouldn’t need to be an accountant to understand where their tax dollars are going,” Rand said. “Taxpayers deserve straightforward information and accountability from their town government.”

A More Affordable Lincoln

Rand emphasized that his plan is not about cutting services simply for the sake of cutting.

It is about asking four basic questions whenever the town spends taxpayer money:

Is it necessary?

Is it efficient?

Can we do it for less?

And is it affordable for the people of Lincoln?

“Lincoln is a great community, and I believe we can have an effective town government while being much more careful about how we spend the money entrusted to us by our taxpayers,” Rand said. “My goal is a more efficient, accountable and affordable Lincoln.”

Lee Rand

Lincoln Town Councilor