Article 20: Human Services Agencies $171,881

Here’s a link to the Article as it will appear on the Ballot:

Article 20.pdf

What it means: Each of the listed agencies will receive a donation from the town in the amounts noted on the ballot. The amounts donated in 2014 are also noted. The difference from last year, where there is one, is a result of a request from the agency. This is an “all or none” Warrant Article. If the Article passes, all the listed agencies receive the specified donations. If it fails to pass, none do.

Those in favor say: This is something we do every year. These agencies handle social issues that would otherwise fall to the Town to manage.  The Selectman and the Budget Committee had the opportunity to review the requested amounts and the rationale.

Those against say: This sort of funding should be voluntary, not mandated via property taxes. A person should not be required to support all of these agencies if he or she has a philosophical disagreement with one or more on the list. No other town has mandated charitable giving.  Some of the agencies requested rather large increases.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $329,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $20.33 if this Article passes.