Article of note: Voters will decide whether the town will adopt an ordinance that would encourage reusable bags and ban the use of single-use plastic bags at store checkouts starting in 2023 in order to cut down on plastic pollution in New London. Plastic produce bags would be exempt from the ordinance, and restaurants would not be required to follow it if passed.
Contested races: Colin Beasley and Bill Helm will compete for the Board of Selectmen seat that will be vacated by John Cannon, who is not running for reelection.
Additionally, six candidates are running for three spots on the budget committee.
Also, three candidates will run for two seats on the library board.
Budgets and spending articles: The warrant calls for the appropriation of $1.5 million for general government operations, as well as $2.5 million for public safety, $3.03 million for highways, streets and sanitation, $278,000 for health and welfare departments and $869,000 for recreation, culture and conservation. The warrant also calls for $682,000 for the payment of the principal and interest of long-term debt. The warrant also includes major spending projects. Article 3 proposes the appropriation of $600,000 and the issuing of a $600,000 bond to fund renovations on the Town Hall building. Article 4 will authorize the Board to enter into a long-term agreement to replace Fire Engine #2 for $946,000, payable over 60 months.
When, where and how to vote: Voting will be held on Tuesday, March 8, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Kearsarge Professional Development Center. The annual Town Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at the Kearsarge Learning Campus Gymnasium.
— Lauren Adler