GILMANTON – In its first year using the SB-2 meeting format, the town drew 141 out of 2,506 voters, or 6 percent, to its deliberative session Saturday.<br /><br />
Residents amended several articles in the proposed $3.3 million budget during the five-hour meeting, said Debra A. Cornett, the town clerk and tax collector.<br /><br />
It took three times to amend Article 27, which as proposed asked voters for $44,000 to be deposited in the town’s Capital Reserve Ambulance Replacement Fund.<br /><br />
One amendment was proposed that would have reduced that amount to $5,000 but that failed. A second amendment that failed would have eliminated the deposit entirely, Cornett said.<br /><br />
After much discussion, a third amendment was passed that changes the amount to be deposited in the ambulance fund to $22,000.<br /><br />
Also amended was Article 28, which proposed $87,000 to be deposited in the Capital Reserve Fire Engine Fund. Residents chose to change the amount to the budget committee’s recommended $85,000. The selectmen had not recommended this article.<br /><br />
Residents also sided with the budget committee on Article 32, which would have asked voters for $64,040 to be deposited in the Capital Reserve Highway Equipment Fund. The selectmen did not recommend this article, but the budget committee recommended the amount of $30,000, which was the voter’s preference as well.<br /><br />
Voting will take place on March 12 at Gilmanton Academy from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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dseufert@newstote.com