CONWAY — A request to borrow $130,000 to design a downtown sewer system tops this year’s annual town meeting warrant.
If approved by a two-thirds vote at town meeting on May 8, the borrowed money would be used “for a design and engineering plan of a wastewater collection and disposal system serving approximately 30 homes in Conway’s village center,” reads the warrant item, approved by the Selectboard earlier this week.
Right now, the system is failing and needs upgrading, said Town Administrator Tom Hutcheson. If it isn’t updated, he said, individual “tight tank” systems might have to be installed, decreasing home values.
The warrant received the Selectboard’s approval by a 2-1 vote; the Finance Committee voted in a tie of 1-1, with two abstentions on the project.
Also on the warrant, residents will vote on this coming year’s proposed budget, which requires a majority vote.
Town officials are asking residents to pass a $5,586,766 town’s budget. Last year, the town approved $5,315,991.
Driving increases are expanded school and town employee costs. Notably, Frontier Regional School intends to ask for $1,256,921 — $109,168 more than last year — and the Grammar School has put forward a $1,766,938 budget, up $52,070. Employee costs have increased $58,286.
Voters will also decide on a few changes to existing bylaws. One article proposes to “more clearly define protocols for conflict resolution, normally accepted practices, and a few other issues,” said Jason Silverman, chairman of the Agricultural Commission, in a recent email.
Two other articles, proposed by the Planning Board, add a bylaw for age-restricted housing communities — paving the way for a senior housing development — and clarify clearance requirements for structures such as sheds and solar arrays.
Other items on the warrant include a request to set aside funds for a new highway garage, and another to borrow $20,000 for a hydraulic boom lift. A few citizen petitions address climate change and campaign finance reform.
This year’s annual town meeting will be held May 8 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Grammar School.
A week before, on Monday, May 1, there will be a pre-town meeting dessert potluck at the school from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to talk about the warrant.
“Please bring a dessert to share that can be served on a napkin, serving utensils (if needed), and your own reusable cup, mug or spoon. Beverages will be provided. Residents who have information about particular warrant articles are encouraged to bring handouts,” says a press release.
“Residents are encouraged to come with questions about town meeting warrant articles, procedures, and definitions.”