NEW SALEM — Monday’s election consists of zero contested races and one ballot question.
The question pertains to a Proposition 2½ override and asks residents if the town should be allowed to assess an additional $185,500 in real estate and personal property taxes for various expenses for the fiscal year beginning July 1. State law requires voter approval before a municipality can increase its property tax levy by more than 2.5%.
The money would fund legal expenses, cellphones, the Highway Department, insurance, the library, Old Home Day festivities, technology, the tree warden, town repairs, the Police Department, the Fire Department and Swift River School.
Town Coordinator Emily Hill said the school budget is so tight that at least three employees — likely paraprofessionals — will be laid off, even if the override passes.
“That’s the best-case scenario,” she said.
Hill said there has been much talk about the lone ballot question.
“Everyone feels passionately, one way or the other. It could really go either way,” she said, adding that a $185,000 override could cost a taxpayer an additional $300 a year.
The candidates on the ballot are:
- Selectboard, three-year term — Carl Seppala, incumbent.
- Board of Health, three-year term — Patrick Temple, incumbent.
- Assessor, three-year term — William Lafley, incumbent.
- Swift River School Committee, two seats with three-year terms — Molly Rapp and Nancy Slator, both incumbents.
- Municipal Light Board, three-year term — Cameron Dunbar, incumbent.
There are no candidates on the ballot for a five-year Planning Board seat, along with a three-year seat and a two-year seat on the library trustees.
Polls will be open at the old library, located at 24 North Main St., from 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.
