Hot topic: Hartland residents next month will be asked to approve general fund and highway expenditures of $3.09 million, of which $2.43 million would be raised through taxes. Combined, the budgets are $151,000, or 5.1%, above those voters approved last year.
Also by ballot, voters will be asked to approve a school budget of $9.03 million, which is up almost 4.5%, or $386,000, from the prior year. As a result of the school budget, Hartland’s property taxes are expected to increase 3 cents per $100 of value for an increase of $75 on a home valued at $250,000.
Noteworthy articles: On the town side, voters also will be asked to approve appropriations totaling $145,000, which is up nearly $5,000, or 3.5%, from last year.
Contested races: Incumbent Selectman Phil Hobbie faces a challenge from John Sammel for a three-year spot on the Selectboard, while incumbent Mary O’Brien is vying against Jacob Holmes for a two-year seat on the board.
When and where: Hartland is scheduled to hold informational town and school meetings on Saturday, April 24. The town meeting is set for 9 a.m. and the school district meeting for 11 a.m., both via Zoom. Links and phone numbers for the meetings are on the town’s website: https://hartland.govoffice.com/.
Polls will be open for ballot voting on May 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Damon Hall. Absentee ballots can be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office or the drop box in front of Damon Hall on or before May 4.
— Nora Doyle-Burr