Select Board votes to place voter-led municipal tax-levy limit on special ballot

The chair of the Select Board asked members to place a voter petition on the ballot asking whether the town should limit annual municipal tax-levy increases to the consumer price index. Administrator Michelle read the draft ordinance aloud and said it "reads, shall an ordinance entitled municipal tax levy limit be enacted" and that the provision would tie levy growth to CPI‑U; she said the ordinance would be administered by the Select Board and, if approved by voters, would become effective on a referendum scheduled for 11/03/2026.

Board members and attendees debated trade-offs. One speaker noted the petition carried 160 verified signatures (150 required) and that, while CPI‑based caps may limit tax growth, contractual cost increases (for example, recent hauling and bridge work) have produced spikes that CPI alone would not cover. A committee member asked whether the board could present historical spending and ten‑year trends so voters understand which services or capital projects could be affected; a participant suggested a visual pie chart showing how town, county and school taxes each contribute to residents' bills.

The chair framed the vote as following the petitioners' request to let voters decide: "If that's the will of the people, then that's what it is," the chair said. After discussion on how a CPI limit would affect staffing, paving, and major equipment purchases (including fire apparatus and bridges), a motion was made and seconded to place the question on the special election ballot. The board approved the motion by roll call; outcome recorded as a unanimous board vote to put the measure before voters.