Hot topic: The first two main articles on the 2019 warrant look to construct a new public safety building to house the fire and police departments. Article 2 is looking for just under $6 million to buy land, design and engineer the building and construct the complex. Article 3 is a contingency article if Article 2 fails, which would allow the select board to spend $229,900 to buy a piece of land at 635 First N.H. Turnpike for the complex, but not to design or build it.
Article 2 would have no tax impact in 2019, but add $1.18 per $1,000 assessed property value in taxes for 2020, about $295 for a $250,000 home. Since a bond would be part of the proposal to build the building a vote of ⅗ is required.
Article 3 would have a tax impact of $0.49 per $1,000 assessed property value in 2019, About $122 for a $250,000 home. There would be no bond as part of this proposal, so only a simple majority is required.
Budget: The proposed operating budget is $3.76 million, a 3 percent increase from last year. The default budget is $3.6 million. The estimated tax impact of the budget is $0.24 per $1,000 assessed property value or $60 for a $250,000 home.
Noteworthy items: The select board is looking to change the elected road agent position to an appointed public works position, which would take effect after the current road agent’s term ends in March 2020. They are also looking at creating a position in the police department for a school resource officer.
Elected positions: The filing period for town offices is Friday.
When and where: The deliberative session for discussion and amendment of warrant articles will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy. Snow date will be Sunday, same time and location. Ballot voting will take place March 12 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Church Parish Center.
Sarah Pearson