NEW VINEYARD – A proposal to tighten the building permit ordinance will be brought before voters at the annual town meeting Saturday, March 13.

Fay Adams, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen, said now townspeople do not have to apply for a permit to build anything under 200 square feet. The proposed change would require everyone come before the Planning Board regardless of the size of the proposed structure, and the board will decide whether a permit is needed.

Adams said the total amount the town will ask voters to approve from taxation is $131,600, which is $5,600 more than last year. Voters will also be asked to approve $10,000 to be taken from surplus.

Positions to be filled are a three-year term for selectman, two, two-year terms for the Planning Board, and a road commissioner to serve from April until October.

A baked bean and casserole dinner will be served about 11:30 a.m. by the Franklin County 4-H Working Steer Club.

This is the first year the club has put on the dinner for the town. Proceeds go for club activities. Cost for the dinner is $5 for adults and $2 for children and includes a drink and dessert. People are welcome to bring any food they would like.

Jerry Howard, leader of the club and town selectman, said the club includes children ages 9-18 who have a pair of steers to train and show at fairs. He said it teaches them how to handle and love animals. Younger children are also welcome in the club, but are not allowed to participate in fairs.

The town meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at Smith Hall.

Townspeople will vote on a total of 42 warrant articles.

The Town of New Vineyard has a population of 725, with 512 registered voters as of the last official count.