Article 35: Abolish Heritage Commission

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

Article 35.pdf

What it means: The Heritage Commission, which helped to recognize and preserve structures of historical importance, has not been active of late and does not have a current budget. They have asked to be disbanded since other groups in town have taken on much of their intended focus. Apparently, based on discussion at Deliberative Session, there is a specific procedure that needs to be followed to abolish the Commission. Since that has not yet happened, it is unclear what the passing of this Warrant Article would actually mean. A “no” vote would mean the status quo – an inactive commission with no budget.

Those in favor say: It is appropriate to disband the commission, as it has not been active lately. Those who spoke were current or former members of the Commission.

Those against say: Why not leave it on the books in the event there is a grant that we might qualify for? We could at that point ask someone to steer it through.

Fiscal Impact: No tax impact.