IA very salient point was made at the recent public hearing on the town budget. The discussion was over whether or not to fully fund the Orange County Land Trust’s request. To the town, the difference was more symbolic in terms of impact, for it was meant to reflect what other governments likewise encumbered by a flagging economy were doing.
The point brought up has been often repeated at such times: The Land Trust is unique to other nonprofits in that it is an entity set up to administer public policy. It is backed, to paraphrase one official, by all of the governments and, by extension, the people.
Like anyone involved in real estate right now, the Land Trust faces a tight lending market and a slowdown in home sales.
This at a time when the actions of public bodies and the carrying out of public policy calls on the organization to handle a rapidly growing number of properties.
As the mayor pointed out Tuesday night, it seems the smaller the amount of money, the more discussion ensues. Ultimately, in a close vote, the $4,000 in question was put in the budget.
Yes, this is a tight year, but the tide that makes this community a little less affordable each day keeps rising nonetheless. This is not the time to show the Land Trust anything less than the full faith and credit of the community that created it.