Barnard voters approve leasing building to arts organization

BARNARD — After robust discussion at Town Meeting on Tuesday, voters decided to lease the old Barnard Fire Department building to BarnArts Center for the Arts for 15 years with an annual rent of $1.

The vote was decided by paper ballot, 66-41, Town Moderator Paul Doton said.

Voters rejected an amendment that would have extended the lease to 30 years.

They approved a highway fund budget of $1.76 million, as well as a general fund budget of $1.04 million.

Voters reelected Richard Lancaster to a three-year term on the Selectboard.