Alton voters to decide $10,000 petition for Welcome-to-Alton sign after amendment

A petitioned article to authorize $10,000 for a “Welcome to Alton” sign near the Alton rotary drew public speakers and an amendment at the town’s deliberative session. The amendment requiring that “choices of the sign size and style will be presented for a public hearing and selection prior to a final decision by the Board of Selectmen” was adopted on the floor; the article as amended will appear on the March 11 ballot for voter decision.

Carol Diveny, who represented petitioners and spoke on behalf of longtime resident Ruth Arceneaux, said the sign is intended to celebrate Alton’s role as a gateway to the Lakes Region and to reflect goals in the town’s 2023 master plan. "Ruth and others see this as long overdue," Diveny said, urging support for the article.

Jill Houser — who offered the on-the-floor amendment — asked that the amendment require public presentation of design choices and a final selection by the Board of Selectmen after a public hearing; the moderator accepted the amendment language and the assembly voted to adopt it. Resident Hunter Taylor also spoke in favor of the article, saying a welcoming sign could encourage visitors to stop in town.

Questions from the floor addressed placement and funding. Moderator and selectmen confirmed that, if the article passes, the town would raise $10,000 regardless of any private fundraising; speakers said additional private contributions were being sought but not guaranteed. Resident Robin Lane Douglas asked…