Articles of note: Voters will be asked to approve two separate bonds for the town’s water and sewer systems. A $10 million bond is part of a $23.5 million project to upgrade the town’s waste water treatment plant. Another bond request for $573,000 would be part of a $3.5 million project to construct a new well and connect it to the town’s existing water system. Voters will be asked whether they support the Newport Community Power plan for electricity procurement. There also is a petitioned warrant article that would 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.

Contested races: There are five people running for two three-year seats on the Newport Selectboard: Barry Connell; Jeffrey S. North; Douglas Ring; Bert Spaulding Sr.; and Herbert R. Tellor Jr.

Budgets and spending articles: The proposed budget is $10.45 million, which is up from the $10.2 million voters approved last year. Voters also will be asked whether they support the cost of a renegotiated collective bargaining agreement with the Public Works Union, which includes a total cost of $102,000 in the first year; $300,000 for a new ambulance, $60,000 of which is to come from taxes; and $189,000 for the roof at the Richards Free Library.

When, where and how to vote: Voting will take place at the Newport High School gymnasium, 245 North Main Street, on Tuesday, May 9 from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

]]>