Articles of note: One article asks voters to consider the appropriation of $142,000 for the hiring of a full-time firefighter, including salary, benefits and outfitting, starting on July 1. All future costs for the position will be included in the Town’s operating budget. The town is also seeking to prohibit “KENO games within the town” in one article and to prohibit “the operation of games of chance” in another article.
Contested races: There are no contested races for the Selectboard.
Budgets and spending articles: The proposed general fund budget is $2.25 million, up from $1.99 million last year. The proposed public safety budget is $3.36 million, up from $3.2 million last year. The proposed highway, streets and sanitation budget is $3.36 million, up from $3.24 million last year. The proposed health and welfare budget is $343,000, up from $314,000 last year. The proposed recreation, culture and conservation budget is $1.11 million, up from last year’s $1.06 million. Voters will also be asked for $571,000 to pay off long-term debt, down from $604,000 last year. Another article seeks $1.05 million for capital and non-capital reserves, down from $1.16 million last year.
When, where and how to vote: Ballot voting for officers and zoning amendments is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Whipple Memorial Town Hall. Town Meeting will take place on Thursday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Colby-Sawyer College Hogan Sports Center in New London.
