I AM writing in response to Cllr Anne Johnson?s letter, to state that the thrust of my argument was that the ratepayers should not under any circumstances be made to bear the expense of the ceiling repairs as indicated in paragraph 2 of the Times article (June 2). I am certainly aware of the large property portfolio of Tavistock Town Council and that the funding for the maintenance of those buildings should be borne from the income received from those properties and not from the ratepayer. I therefore strongly suggest that our town council use as standard practice, when setting budgets for the maintenance of properties during a particular period, that each project should be prioritised, thus ensuring that expenditure in those works can be strictly controlled. In answer to Cllr Johnson published letter, I would suggest that she refers to Tavistock Town Council?s accounts. They will show that the town council rates have increased by 96.89% over the last ten years, which is far above inflation. I look forward to seeing a response from Tavistock Town Council and other ratepayers in your next edition. Charles Douglas John Mathis Maudlins Park Tavistock