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Warner voters reject petition to cap local tax increases at 4%
Summary
A citizen petition to adopt a 4% tax-cap on year-over-year local-tax increases failed by paper ballot, 71-127; supporters argued it could be suspended in emergencies, while the Select Board did not recommend it.
Warner voters rejected a citizen petition to adopt RSA 32:5-b and implement a tax-cap limiting recommended local-tax increases to 4% on March 10.
Petitioner James Gaffney introduced the article, saying similar caps exist in other New Hampshire towns and can be suspended by vote when necessary. "It oesn—ut forward increases henceforward, not cutting this year—udget," Gaffney said, describing the proposal as a cap on future budget submissions rather than an immediate cut.
The article required a paper ballot and remained open for at least one hour as required by law. The moderator closed the ballot box at 8:49 p.m. and announced the tally: 71 yes, 127 no. The measure therefore failed.
The Select Board did not recommend the petition (2-1). The meeting record includes both proponents and opponents discussing the petition nd its implications for future budgeting and emergency flexibility.
