January 25, 2009
Eagle Times
CLAREMONT — When Claremont residents vote on March 10, there will be six items on the ballot.
The first item is for the school board elections, where there are three seats up for election. In addition to the three seats, which are currently held by Chris Shaban, Mary Dakin and Jeff Coburn, the position of moderator, district clerk, and district treasurer are also up for election.
The filing period for positions is open and will close on Friday.
The second article is for the main budget for the school year beginning July 1, which is $29.4 million. The default budget is $29.3 million.
The estimated tax rate for the proposed budget would decrease by 85 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The current tax rate is $16.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, and the estimated tax rate in the proposed budget is $15.82 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The default budget would see an estimated decrease of 94 cents, for an estimated rate of $15.72 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The tax rate will decrease because state aid is expected to increase to $1.6 million.
The school board approved the proposed budget on Jan. 7.
The third article is for the architectural services needed for the school reinvestment project. The article has a tentative amount of $500,000 which is being used as a placeholder until the actual number is known. Several architectural firms have returned bids to the school, but the firm has yet to be chosen.
The project icalls for updating, improving and expanding Stevens High School, as well as renovating the other Claremont schools.
The final number will be presented during the deliberative session on Feb. 3.
The last two articles are on the ballot by petition.
The first is for state representatives, state senators, and the governor to reject the no new tax pledge, and to have a discussion to discuss all options, and to adopt a revenue system that will lower property taxes. The petition was presented with 27 signatures.
The second petition is a request to reduce the budget by $8.8 million, so as to reduce property taxes, and to put a freeze on all non-emergency funding. The second petition was signed by 27 residents. The petition in advisory only.
The deliberative session will be Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Voting for Wards 1 and 2 will take place at Claremont Middle School, and at Disnard Elementary School for Ward 3 residents.