Hot topic: The school district budget is not unanimously supported by members of the budget committee and school board. The proposed operating budget of $21.4 million was recommended 7-3 in a budget committee vote and 3-2 in a vote of the school board.
The proposed school district budget is $21.4 million, up $863,286 or 4.2% over last year’s budget. If approved the local school portion of the tax rate would increase $1.66 to $20.16, which is about $498 on a $300,000 home.
Major increases to the budget include health and dental insurance costs, interest on bond repayment, specialized student transportation and employee salaries.
Voters will also consider at both the town and school district meetings petition warrant articles to adopt the SB2 form of government, which includes a deliberative session approximately one month before election day.
Budget: The proposed operating budget for the town is $7.7 million, up $421,350 or 5.8% over the 2019 budget.
If approved, the town tax rate would increase 50 cents to $6.75, which is about $150 on a $300,000 home.
Noteworthy articles: Voters will be asked to approve a collective bargaining agreement between the school board and the Hopkinton Educational Association at a cost of $307,669 during the upcoming year. The town will also consider selling the Bates Building on Main Street.
Contested races: For a three-year term on the budget committee, incumbent Rich Houston is running against Steven Reddy Sr. and Gregory Sagris.
Four candidates are vying for a three-year term on the school board: Matt Belanger, Andrea Folsom, Dulcie Lipoma and Robert Nadeau. No candidates have filed for a one-year term as clerk of the district.
When and where: The school district’s annual town meeting will be held on Saturay at 9 a.m. at the Hopkinton Middle/High School gymnasium at 297 Park Ave, in Contoocook. Voting on town business will take place on March 21 at 9 a.m., also at the school.
Alyssa Dandrea