A $13.9 million operating budget proposal and a petition article that could be the first step in Peterborough leaving the ConVal School District are on the table tonight.
Peterborough will hold its deliberative session at 7 p.m. in the Town House. The hearing was incorrectly advertised to be at 5 p.m.
At the deliberative session, any articles that will appear on the ballot can be amended before they go to a vote May 10.
Of the $13.9 million budget proposal, the total amount to be raised through taxation would be $6,470,150. The amount is $179,336 more than this fiscal year. Yet, it’s over 7 percent less than the town was faced with earlier this year. Town Administrator Rodney Bartlett and his staff brought the budget increase down by cutting appropriations to building and grounds, parks and cemetery, fire and recreation and capital expenses.
The debt service, anticipated penalties from the Affordable Care Act and capital expenses, however, have kept the gross budget high. The gross budget is $19.4 million.
Also on the ballot is the petition warrant article that would oblige the ConVal School District to study the impact of Peterborough’s withdrawal. The article was submitted by a group called Committee of Concerned Citizens.
Another article up for discussion at the deliberative session asks for $20,000 to hire a consultant for Peterborough in order to review the school district’s study.
Town Meeting is May 11, the day after the ballot election.