For the full wording of the Article, see this link: Link to the Warrant as Amended following Deliberative Session
What it Means: The petitioners are asking to stop the practice of Selectmen stating whether they believe an Article should be passed, or not. (“Recommended” or “Not Recommended” on most questions.)
Those in Favor: No one spoke in favor of this Article at Deliberative Session.
Those Opposed Say: Legal Counsel has indicated that Selectmen are required by statute to provide recommendations for all appropriations, including Special Warrant Articles. A “special warrant article” is defined by RSA 32:3, VI and incudes any article with an appropriation that is a petitioned warrant article; an article involving capital reserve funds, trust funds or special reserve funds; an article designated as non-lapsing; and appropriations for capital projects. Selectmen recommendations are also required for Collective Bargaining Agreements. Even if this Article passes, it will not remove those requirements.
By state law, a Select Board may also include both its vote tally and its recommendation in in the town warrant next to the affected warrant article, at its discretion. Thus, even where it is not required, it is allowed by statute and passing of this Article would not change that. Further, the language of the articles and presentation on the Town’s Warrant is the purview of the Select Board, per the NH Supreme Court, Olson v. Town of Grafton.
Fiscal impact: There is no direct tax impact.