Article of note: An article that would require the signature of two of the three library trustees on all expenditures is being recommended by the Selectboard at Town Meeting this year.
Contested races: There are three candidates for the position of library trustee. There are no contested races on the school ballot.
Budgets and spending articles: The town budget of $1.39 million represents an increase of $129,500 from the last fiscal year ending Dec. 31.
The proposed school budget is $3.6 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The budget includes $3.44 million for the general fund. Also part of the budget is a three-year teachers’ contract for salary increases and benefits. The first-year cost of the contract is $52,593.
If the budget and reserve fund articles are approved, the total tax rate impact is estimated to be $1.52 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, which would add $228 in taxes on a property assessed at $150,000.
When, where and how to vote: Voting for town and school officers will be on Tuesday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Town Hall. The business portion of Town Meeting will be on Saturday, March 12, beginning at noon in the Unity Elementary School. The business portion of the annual school meeting will be on Saturday, March 19, beginning at noon in the Unity Elementary School.
— Patrick O’Grady