HARRISON — For the first time since 2019 Harrison residents will vote on its annual operating budget at town meeting, which will be at Harrison Elementary School at 6 p.m. on June 14.

The change follows upheaval experienced last year when taxpayers rejected several warrants at the ballot box and officials had to schedule an emergency town meeting to avert the town office and services shutting down on July 1, the first day of the current fiscal year.

Local elections will be held on June 13 at Harrison Town Office. Voters will be asked to decide on two open selectmen seats.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Rick Sykes will not seek re-election, stepping down when his term ends.

The board’s vice chairman Matthew Frank is running to retain his seat.

Five new candidates will also vie for a seat on the board: Colleen Densmore, Michael Garvey, Debora Kane, Nathan Sessions and Brian Spaulding.

Harrison’s proposed 2023-24 budget is $3,462,900, up $408,300 from last year.

Voters will be asked to consider additional spending for the town’s fire department. Hiring a fulltime fire chief will add $74,000. There is also a proposal to staff the fire department with per diem coverage for seven days a week between 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Last year a similar proposal combined both additions into one warrant at a cost of $306,054 failed.

The operating budget for the fire department is $184,988.

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