Weare will get back an ethics committee that was abolished eight years as a result of Tuesday’s election, which saw the operating budget rejected but most other articles approved.
In the race for a 3-year seat on the select board, Kevin Cahill defeated Kyle Parker, 856-577. In other contested races, Maureen Billodeau was elected town clerk over John (Jack) Meaney; Nancy Christian was elected Supervisor of Checklist over Jessica Kallipolites; and Killian Donnelly was elected as the non-department member of the Board of Firewards over Gina Green.
The $7.46 million operating budget was rejected, 847 no to 793 yes. A $7.28 million default budget will be used instead.
Voters also rejected a new police cruiser and decided against establishing reserve funds for a master plan and a new highway truck, but passed the other 18 warrants. Approved items include raises for non-union library and parks & recreation staff, $91,000 to hire two full-time firefighter/EMTs, and $350,000 for a new ambulance.
Voters also approved joining the Capital Area Mutual Aid Fire Compact, which covers Concord and 22 towns in the region.
The ethics committee, abolished in 2014 due to a lack of interest in serving on it, was strongly supported, 1,114 to 538. The members will be elected beginning next year.