Hot topic: Residents petitioned to put Article 8 on the ballot, which would allocate funds to the police department’s budget for two additional officers. The select board axed two positions from the department’s budget next year, including a school resource officer, in an effort to cut costs. The article’s estimated tax impact would be 30 cents.
Budget: The proposed operating budget is $4.4 million, up $307,259 from this year’s $4.1 million spending plan. If approved, the tax rate will go down an estimated 83 cents, which is about $166 on a $200,000 home. If all passed, the warrant articles would have an estimated collective tax impact of $1.16 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Noteworthy articles: Like a lot of other towns this year, Pittsfield will have an expanded tax credit for veterans on the ballot. A law passed last year allowing municipalities to offer a tax credit of up to $500 for all veterans with at least 90 days of active service. In Pittsfield, warrant article 26, would, if passed, give all veterans a $300 credit.
When and where: Town meeting will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Pittsfield Elementary School.