Debate over three petition articles fueled most of the discussion during Peterborough’s deliberative session on Tuesday night.
Two of the articles outline how the town should interact with residents regarding their immigration status — namely, that they shouldn’t in most circumstances.
To start the discussion, the sponsors of article 9 offered an amendment to the language to reflect language proposed by the American Civil Liberties Union. The original language of the article required that town employees “shall not enquire about, report or act upon any person’s immigration status under any circumstances.” The new language allows for inquiry as it “relates to a legitimate law enforcement purpose that is unrelated to the enforcement of a civil immigration law” or “where required by state or federal law to verify eligibility for a benefit, service or license conditioned on verification of certain status.”
Residents discussed the issue at length, with many expressing support, but a handful raising concerns about federal retaliation through the withholding of funds or ensuring that employees were still able to perform their duties as required. Ultimately, however, the body voted strongly in favor of the amendment and moved the article to the ballot.
A second, similar petition article, article 11, calls for Peterborough to become a “Sanctuary City” and directs that police officers will neither ask any person about immigration status or to share any such information with the United States Immigration and Customs, except in cases involving violent criminal activity or felonies.
When asked his opinion on the two articles, Peterborough Police Chief Scott Guinard told the crowd that he had discussed the amendment to the first article with its sponsors, and is confident that the police force can continue to do their job as they currently are within the restrictions outlined. He added that the second article he felt would hinder police.
“I would support article 9, as it has been amended,” said Guinard. “And simply, I would not be able to support article 11 as written.”
There were few comments on this year’s proposed budget, which is set at $14.8 million. The Select Board anticipates that budget will result in an estimated tax rate increase of about 73 cents per $1,000 of valuation – an $183 increase for a home valued at $250,000. If the town passes the budget and all of this year’s warrant articles, they can expect to see an overall 9.3 percent increase in the tax rate.
While few offered criticisms of specific items in the budget, some requested that the town keep taxpayers more in mind.
“My taxes went up 5 percent last year, and it’s not a tenable situation,” said resident Joanne Carr, who added that she sees 9.3 percent as a “really frightening” increase.
Residents saw both sides of the issue when it came to a proposed additional car registration fee – up to $5 – that would be put in an account that could be used for pedestrian and bike improvements.
Some felt the additional fee on auto registrations was counterintuitive for use on pedestrian improvements, but the majority spoke in favor, saying that additional safety measures for walkers and bikers was badly needed on some roads.
The other article which drew some debate was a request to create an expendable trust fund for “winter operations” for when the cost of managing winter storms exceeds the operating budget. This year’s budget currently is over by about $10,000 according to Town Administrator Rodney Bartlett, and the Highway Department will have to look to other parts of their budget – likely road maintenance – to make up the difference.
Resident and Budget Committee member Rich Clark protested that the town should just increase the operating budget if this is a consistent problem, seeing things like plowing and snow removal as clear operating costs. He also put forth an amendment to limit the use of the proposed reserve to “overtime, sand and salt,” suggesting that leaving it open to anything related to winter operations was too broad, but the amendment ultimately failed.
The remaining articles, including a $10,000 addition to the geographic information system capital reserve fund and discontinuing two capital reserves that are no longer relevant, were moved to the ballot with minimal discussion.
None of the articles were voted on during Tuesday’s deliberative session, but moved to the ballot, where the public will vote on them in May.
The ballot session for the town, which includes all articles discussed at the deliberative session, zoning amendments and election of town officials, will be held on May 9 at the Town House from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The second open session, where residents will vote on any items that include accrual of debt, including new leases or bonds, will be held on May 10 at 7 p.m. in the Town House. The budget and warrant are available on the town’s website.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.