Articles of note: One article seeks $2.7 million for a lead service line inventory and repairs. Another article seeks $640,000 for the completion of the Unity Road Water Main Project. There would be no tax impact for either article as repayment of debt from the projects would come from the Water Fund. A petitioned article asks voters whether they will accept Lucinda Circle Way as a town road.
Contested races: There are three people running for two, three-year terms on the Selectboard: James Burroughs, Jeffrey Kessler and Douglas Ring. Rachel Dilger is running unopposed for a two-year term on the board and Herbert Tellor Jr. is unopposed for a one-year term.
Budgets and spending articles: The proposed budget is $11.13 million, which is up 3%, or $317,000, from the $10.8 million default budget implemented for the current fiscal year. Separate articles ask whether voters support the cost of new three-year contracts with the police and public works unions. The cost of the first year of the police contract is $96,000, and the cost of the first year of the public works contract is $73,000. Separate articles seek $250,000 for a sidewalk, curbing, drainage and a retaining wall on Maple Street; $200,000 for paving various town roads; and $200,000 for two full-time firefighter/emergency medical technicians.
When, where and how to vote: Newport’s town meeting voting is scheduled to take place by ballot on Tuesday, May 13 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the LaValley Family Community Center, 17 Meadow Road.
— Patrick O’Grady