Town Meeting: Newport voters approve spending items on ballot
Published: 05-10-2023 1:05 PM |
NEWPORT — Newport said yes in Town Meeting ballot voting on Tuesday.
Voters approved bonds for the town’s water and sewer systems, including $10 million that is part of a $23.5 million project to upgrade the town’s waste water treatment plant, 660-192; and $573,000 that is part of a $3.5 million project to build a new well and connect it to the town’s existing water system, 653-200.
Voters also approved a town operating budget of $10.45 million by a clear margin of 519-324.
They also supported the cost of a renegotiated collective bargaining agreement with the Public Works Union, including a cost of $102,000 in the first year; $300,000 for a new ambulance, including $60,000 from taxes; and $189,000 for Richards Free Library’s roof.
Voters also supported the Newport Community Power plan for the procurement of electricity, 625-209.
Voters approved, 703-145, a petitioned warrant article to allow the town to lease a portion of the public works garage on Route 10 to the Newport School District for a term of 99 years for a cost of $1 a year beginning on May 15, 2023.
In the town’s only contested race, Barry Connell and Jeffrey S. North won two three-year seats on the Newport Selectboard.
Connell, who earned 373 votes; and North, who earned 456 votes; bested Douglas Ring, 199; Bert Spaulding Sr., 285; and Herbert R. Tellor Jr., 205.