HANOVER – In just under an hour Tuesday night, about 30 residents passed 43 of the 44 articles on the annual town meeting warrant, and raised about 9 percent more money this year than last.
They also elected a new selectman and a new School Committee member.
The voter-approved 2005-06 budget, which includes school and county taxes, came in at about $363,000, up from $333,000 adopted last year. The greatest percentage of the budget goes for educating the town’s 47 or 48 students who are tuitioned to SAD 44, SAD 43 or Gould Academy.
Just under $210,000 was raised for education, while about $117,000 was raised to operate the town and $15,700 appropriated for the Oxford County tax.
First Selectman Bruce Powell recommended a $20,000 reduction in the capital projects account, to $10,000, because of the higher school tax this year. He said funds could be raised later to replace the so-called Second Bridge on the Howard Pond Road.
Tax liability for education was several thousand dollars higher this year than last because fewer dollars were carried over, said Powell.
Most other accounts changed very little. Salaries for town officials rose 5 percent, to $10,253 and road and bridge maintenance increased about 3 percent to $31,000, while recreation costs declined 50 percent to $500.
Residents currently pay $14.30 per $1,000 valuation. The new tax rate will be determined early in November, then tax bills will go out later in the month. Residents have until June 30, 2006, to pay.
Elected to complete the two years remaining in Selectman Scott Gould’s term was Frank Morrison, a retired contractor who made a first bid for elective office. Gould, who had served for six years, resigned because he was moving out of town. Morrison was nominated from the floor and ran unopposed. First-timer Dan Force was elected to complete the two years remaining in former School Committee member Debbie Barlow’s term. He won over Amy Verrill, 14-8.
Powell ran unopposed for a fourth, three-year term on the board. Town Clerk Clem Worcester ran unopposed for additional one-year terms as clerk, tax collector and treasurer. Vicky Fimiani ran unopposed for a second, three-year term on the Hanover School Committee.
Norman Ferguson, former state senator and longtime moderator for the annual town meeting, was honored as the town’s Volunteer of the Year with a pin and plaque.
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