Bennington residents will have the opportunity to review and amend the majority of the warrant at the town’s deliberative session on Wednesday.
Town Administrator Kristie LaPlante described the year’s warrant as “just your typical” list of appropriations to capital reserve funds for town infrastructure and services, as well as donations to nonprofits supporting town residents and incorporating funds raised for the town’s Conservation Fund.
One new item, she said, is determining whether the town should adopt a solar tax exemption. The article, if adopted, would allow an optional tax exemption for the value of solar energy system equipment used on site. Previously, LaPlante said assessments would note if a property had a solar amenity, but didn’t assign a value to it. “In 2019, we learned that we do need to assign a value,” she said, and can’t exempt that value without voter approval. She described it as an item with minimal potential for effects on taxes.
Other articles appropriate funds towards existing fire truck, rescue vehicle, police cruiser, highway heavy equipment, mower, town buildings, revaluation and library capital reserve funds, as well as funds for maintaining roads, water infrastructure, sidewalks, and bridges, and funds for fire department protective gear and breathing apparatus.
The Selectmen and Budget Committee have recommended the town donate funds to the following nonprofits: End 68 Hours of Hunger, The Grapevine & Family Resource Center, 4 Community Volunteer Transportation Company, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Child Advocacy Center, Contoocook Housing Trust, American Red Cross, and Hundred Nights Shelter.
The deliberative session is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Pierce Elementary School. Voting will be held on March 10 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the elementary school.