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

Article 21.pdf

What it means: The $146,000 will fund the revaluation of all properties in Hampton. The last town-wide valuation was in 2011.

Those in favor say: This is a self-funding expenditure for most homeowners, because with all the new construction in town, the updated valuation should distribute the tax burden more fairly across a wider base.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact:   The average Hampton home valued at $329,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $17.27 if this Article passes.

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

Article 22.pdf

What it means: This Article seeks to make repairs at Tuck Field; and to purchase a new bus. There is no tax impact because there is a reserve that receives contributions each year equal to 20% of parking lot revenue. This article seeks permission to use some of the accumulated funds to accomplish the work.

Those in favor say: The requested repairs are necessary. Seniors, children and even Police and Fire personnel use the 10-year old, 14-seat bus for trips.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: There is no tax impact.

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

Article 23.pdf

What it means: The aging Air Conditioning system will be replaced with a more up-to-date system, including digital, programmable thermostats, and the carpeting on the first floor will be replaced.

Those in favor say: The new system will eliminate the compressor that is both noisy and has a large footprint. The carpet is 30 years old and has seen better days.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

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

Article 24.pdf

What it means: This Article seeks to fund training of Police Officers to increase part time staffing, primarily in the summer when our population swells with beach visitors. This funding will support an additional class of trainees to allow the town to augment the current police force.  (One class of candidates is currently being trained.)

Those in favor say: Our police force is understaffed, and this is the best way to accommodate seasonal needs. The Police Chief said that our staffing has been going down while our needs have been increasing. It was clarified that the term “Special Police Officer” is a NH designation for the level of training, but the officers will be doing the everyday work of our local policing needs.

Those against say: There was some concern about the level of funding in the Police Department, and whether the money for training might already be available via the Operating Budget. It was clarified at Deliberative Session that this Article represents training for a second class of candidates to be available in the Fall and the summer of 2016. One speaker at Deliberative Session mentioned that in the future, this funding should be made part of the ongoing budget and not be treated as a separate Warrant Article.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $329,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $11.77 if this Article passes.

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

Article 25.pdf

What it means: During normal police operations, items of value may be forfeited by individuals. There are expenses associated with the management of such property, including storage, auctioning, returning items where appropriate, etc. NH law permits the auctioning of this property where appropriate, and the funds so received are put into a fund.   This Article seeks approval to use the funds to cover the cost of managing the forfeiture process.

What people say: No one spoke either for or against at Deliberative Session, other than to explain the Article.

Fiscal Impact: No tax impact.

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

Article 26.pdf

What it means: Apparently, some pine trees at the Pine Grove Cemetery are dying, and as large branches fall, gravestones and nearby houses are being damaged. It has been determined that some of the trees need to be removed, and the area restored. There is a Trust Fund put aside for such purposes and this Article seeks to allow the removal of $50,000 from the principle of the fund to contract for the work.

Those in favor say: This is a safety issue, and the work needs to be done. The stumps will be ground down to not disturb the graves.

Those against say: It doesn’t seem right to take pine trees out of the Pine Grove Cemetery. We are not supposed to remove principle from a trust fund (to which the answer was given that The Office of Charitable Trust Funds approved the amendment.).

Fiscal Impact: No tax impact.

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

Article 27.pdf

What it means: A new vehicle will be purchased to replace the 2004 Ford pick up truck that now has 120,000 miles on it with some condition issues. The truck is used to handle animals and is also used for plowing. Since the vehicle started to have more serious issues, the Police Department is no longer plowing with it.

Those in favor say: This is something that we replace every 10 years or so, and the vehicle is worn out.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $329,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $4.38 if this Article passes.

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

Article 28.pdf

What it means: This Article seeks to remove interest earned on the Cemetery Burial Trust Fund and use the money to offset the cost of maintaining the cemeteries in town. It was amended at Deliberative Session from $10,500 to $10,650 to reflect the actual amount received via interest.

Those in favor say: This is an established procedure that allows us to take advantage of interest income to offset expenses.

Those against say: No one spoke against the Article per se, but there was some confusion about why this Article was being represented with a fiscal impact, when it is a transfer of interest earned. The answer was provided that because the revenue was appropriated in a prior fiscal year, it was transferred to the General Fund as required by law. Since the funds will be used in 2015, we will need to appropriate them out of the General Fund, and thus must show it as a fiscal impact.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $329,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $1.24 if this Article passes.

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

Article 29.pdf

What it means: $10,000 will be put into the Land Fund for allowed purposes. This is a fund that seeks a modest annual contribution, so that if the town has a future opportunity, the money does not have to be raised all at once.

Those in favor say: This is a prudent way to reserve funds for open spaces and associated expenses.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $329,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $1.18 if this Article passes.

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

Article 30.pdf

What it means: If the voters approve Article 30, it will allow the town to take advantage of new state legislation that provides for the direct deposit of funds to the Trustee of the Trust Funds without passing through the Town’s General funds. This will save time and allow the funds to accrue interest for a greater period of time.

Those in favor say: This is a time and money saving option for the Town.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: No tax impact.