Hot topic: While many school districts in the region are facing potential double-digit tax increases to pay for their children’s education, Chichester Central School will seek just a 61-cent hike in the tax rate, from $11.73 to $12.34, or an additional $213 per year on a home costing $350,000, which works out to about $17.75 per month.

And while no one ever wants higher taxes, residents will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief if they understand that towns like Pembroke could face a 28.1% tax hike.

Budget: The proposed operating budget of $7.79 million is up $347,913 from the preceding school year, or 4.5 percent. Special warrant articles will equal an additional $225,000, meaning total appropriations, if all warrant articles pass, would be about $8 million.

A further breakdown of the numbers shows that estimated revenue and credits should equal about $718,982, and another $1.5 million is expected from state education tax and grants, leaving about $5.8 million to be raised through taxes.

Noteworthy articles: A pair of articles seeking $100,000 are part of the eight-article warrant. That includes investments in the special education expendable trust fund and the building maintenance expendable trust fund. Also, there will be a request for $25,000 for the technology expendable trust fund.

Contested races: Corie St. Germain, Frank Swirko and Mike Williams are competing for the one spot available on the select board.

When and where: The Chichester School District Meeting will be held on March 9 beginning at 9 a.m. at Chichester Central School. The Chichester Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for March 16 at 9 a.m. at CCS.

Election Day is March 12, with Chichester polls open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 54 Main St.