The town of Peterborough will hold general election voting at the Community Center this year.
The Select Board decided to change the voting venue for Nov. 8 to the Community Center on 25 Elm Street due to parking and space concerns at the Town Hall, as well as improved ADA access at the Community Center.
“We have an opportunity to make voting more of a social event,” said Selectwoman Barbara Miller. “It’s also a great way to show off the Community Center.”
Selectmen said they would assess the Community Center as a voting venue for future elections after the general election.
The Sept. 13 state primary election will still be held at the town hall.
The Select Board also voted to raise the town’s water rate by five-percent and the town’s sewer rate by 15-percent effective Sept. 1.
Town Administrator Rodney Bartlett told the board that the increases were needed to generate sufficient revenues to fund the budget as approved.
With the increase in water rates, the yearly cost for the average family home according to Bartlett is $541.41, $67.81 over the state average from 2015. The water rate has been increased from $5.62 per 100 cubic feet to $5.62.
For the sewer rates, the yearly cost for the average family home will be $685 per year, up $90 from last year. The state average in 2015 was $593.
Bartlett said the sewer rate has not been increased in three years and the water rate hasn’t been increased since fiscal year 2012.
Rob Werner, NH state director of the League of Conservation Voters presented the town with a 2016 Green Medal for Local Energy Achievements, highlighting the town’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship.