Dunbarton residents are facing an increase in school taxes, while municipal spending is expected to result in a tax decrease due to the significant use of surplus funds.
The school budget on the warrant totals $11.6 million, a 10.4% increase over last year.
This would result in an estimated tax rate of $11.34 for the school operating budget.
Last year, voters approved a $10.5 million operating budget.
Most of the school district’s budget goes toward salaries, instruction and classroom programs.
If every warrant article is approved, the combined estimated tax rate for the school district portion would be $11.50, an increase of 89 cents from the previous year.
The town’s $4 million municipal budget represents a 9% increase from last year, though a whopping $1.9 million of that will be offset by the town’s unassigned fund balance.
If approved, the budget would generate a total tax rate of $2.77.
The warrant will also ask residents to vote on the purchase of equipment and vehicles for the transfer station. If all warrant articles are approved, the municipal tax rate is projected to be $3.02, a decrease of 14 cents from last year.
The school district’s annual meeting is scheduled for March 7 at 4 p.m. at the Dunbarton Community Center, while the town meeting will take place on March 10 at 7 p.m. at the same location.