Hot topic: Voters will cast their opinions on the raises offered in a pair of three-year teachers contracts, finalized as part of the collective bargaining agreement between the Allenstown School Board and the two teachers unions.
One contract, with Allenstown’s Paraprofessional Association, calls for $48,000 in raises over the next three years, including $11,328 next school year.
The other contract, negotiated by the Allenstown Teachers Association, cites raises totaling $216,000, with $64,530 due next school year.
Following both articles is a stipulation, a question that, upon defeat, asks if the town should “authorize the governing body to call one special meeting, at its option, to address (article 2, 4 or both) cost items only?
the town warrant is dominated by 12 requests among 15 articles to add to reserve funds as Allenstown looks to the future.
Budget: The school district proposed budget is $10.9 million, and will be $185,000 less if a no vote moves to the default budget.
The town operating budget of $4.1 million drops $24,000 with the approval of the default budget, which would be the same as last year.
The tax impact of the proposed town budget is $9.38 per $1,000 assessed property value, default $9.30.
Residents will choose funding for the sewer commission, at a price tag of over $2 million for either the proposed budget or default budget.
Noteworthy article: If approved, the school district would spend $20,000 to study, design, plan and partially fund the construction, renovation or building of a new school.
Contested races: The school district ballot includes the search for a moderator, a clerk, two school board members and a treasurer.
There are three contested races for town officials: Scott McDonald faces Robin Richards for a spot on the select board; Karn Asselin and Alan Turcotte are running for sewer commissioner; and Daniel Blais and Chad Pelissier are vying for road agent.
Where and when: Ballot voting for the school district and town will be held Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Epsom Central School, 282 Black Hall Road.
Ray Duckler