Did you know that in colonial times there were mandatory weekly town meetings? When the people decided town meetings should be less frequent, they became monthly mandatory meetings. Eventually, annual town meetings were instituted, but they were still mandatory and one’s absence resulted in a fine. 

As town meetings evolved and colonists became more empowered by their government, it was increasingly seen as a threat to Britain. Town meetings fueled the spark that ultimately led to the American Revolution.

That was 246 years ago, and our annual Town Meeting and School District Meeting still play a critical part in our lives. Fines are no longer assessed if you are absent from a meeting, but attendance by all voters is especially important because our annual meetings determine policy and budget for the ensuing year.

Prior to our annual meetings, the Budget Committee holds a public hearing(s) on all matters to be presented at the meetings. The purpose of public hearings is to ask questions, discuss the budgets and articles that will appear on the various warrants, and form your opinions as to how you will vote. 

Lots of interesting conversations and debates take place around town after public hearings and before the annual meetings, which are the business meetings of the Town and the School District and are the places to amend the budgets and warrant articles if you feel it is necessary.

2022 Town Meeting Warrant

This year there are nine articles on the Town Meeting warrant. Some are customary appropriations to expendable trust funds and capital reserve funds. New articles include raising and appropriating funds for a $10,000 contingency fund and raising and appropriating $400,000 to construct a Highway Department garage. These funds are to come from the unreserved fund balance. 

The Town operating budget shows an increase of $111,601 with increases in the new and improved accounting software, cemetery labor, retirement, and health insurance. There were also reductions in some lines, including the Transfer Station, Recreation Committee, zoning enforcement, and Town buildings and maintenance.

We all tend to be passionate about our visions for the town, and it is easy to get carried away and say things we never intended, but it is important to remain civil. Let’s all practice civility, cooperation, and compromise and have a productive and effective Town Meeting.