Hot topic: On of the larger non-budget articles asks the town for $300,000 to build an elevator to the second floor of the town hall. The Heritage Commission will put $10,000 to the project and assist in seeking out grants to offsets costs.
This proposal has been on the town warrant for several years but rejected by voters in 2017 and 2018.
Budget: The proposed operating budget is $4.2 million, about $48,200 less than last year’s proposed budget of $4.3 million which was rejected by voters in favor of the default budget. This year’s default budget is $3.9 million.
The operating budget has an estimated tax rate $7.29 per $1,000 assessed property value, $0.37 more than last year’s tax impact of the default budget. That’s an increase of about $92 more for a home valued at $250,000.
Noteworthy articles: The warrant also asks for $50,000 to create engineering and architectural plans for a new police department building, $37,132 to go to 2 percent cost of living raises for town employees and to see if the town will allow keno gaming.
Elected positions: The filing period closes Friday.
When and where: The deliberative session will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. at Town Hall, 10 Church St. Voting on the ballot will be March 12 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Sarah Pearson