Welcome to Town Meeting season. Each year the Monitor covers the issues, arguments and people across our communities that are the backbone of this uniquely New England form of government.
Budgets and petitioned warrant articles make up many of the headlines, but so do the stories of people in each of our communities from Boston Post Cane reciepents to amendment debates at the microphone.
This year we also asked residents to respond to an anonymous prompt as well: "When my taxes change, I..." Stay tuned for a project that explores these answers, hearing first-hand from residents on how property tax bills impact their personal lives and budgets, as well as the town services they receive.
Thank you for reading.
A Beginner's Guide to Town Meeting
If you’re new to a community that has an annual meeting for town and school, the whole process can be intimidating. With that in mind, veteran Monitor reporter David Brooks hereby presents Everything You Wanted to Know About Annual Meeting But Were Afraid to Ask. Here's a glossary of Town Meeting terms:
When is my Town Meeting?
Find out when your Town Meeting or deliberative session is using the table below.
We Asked, You Answered
This year, Monitor reporters set out to hear from residents about how changes to their property taxes impact their personal lives and budgets, as well as the town services they recieve. Click here to read the responses.
Allenstown
Allenstown is a SB2 town, meaning they hold a deliberative session and voting day.
Deliberative session: Saturday, February 1 at 9.a.m. at Allenstown Community School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Allenstown Elementary School
Read more from Monitor reporter Rebeca Pereira:
Seven candidates file for two seats on Allenstown Select Board
Allenstown chooses default town budget, elects new select and school board members
Read more from Monitor reporter Rachel Wachman: Allenstown school board candidates want to prioritize communication
Boscawen
Boscawen is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day. Boscawen is part of the Merrimack Valley School District.
Budget public hearing: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Municipal Office Building
Town Meeting: Saturday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at Boscawen Elementary School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Boscawen Public Library for town and Thursday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Merrimack Valley High School for school
Read more from Monitor reporter Jeremy Margolis:
Boscawen proposed budget close to equal with last year’s, but large expenses looming
Boscawen candidate drops out of Merrimack Valley School Board race
Lorrie Carey wins re-election to Boscawen Select Board by 3 votes
Boscawen residents vote to fund major renovation of public works building
Bow
Bow is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day.
Budget public hearing: Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at Bow High School
Town Meeting: Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Bow High School
School district meeting: Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at Bow High School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bow Community Center
Read more from Monitor reporter Sruthi Gopalakrishnan:
Bow school board debates how long to keep meeting recordings available online
Special education costs drive up Bow’s school budget
Lowering taxes a top priority for Bow select board candidates
Bow School Board candidates discuss voucher programs and state funding
New land conservation opportunity for Bow on town warrant
Bow voters to decide youth center’s financial oversight at town meeting
Bow joins other towns in expanding conservation opportunities with new financial support option
Bow High School to get field lights, voters push for better pay for support staff
Canterbury
Canterbury is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day.
Budget public hearing: Monday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. at Town Meeting House
Town Meeting: Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at Canterbury Elementary School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Old Town Hall
Read more from Monitor reporter Rebeca Pereira:
Canterbury budget hearing previews rising fuel costs and transport station expansion
Canterbury town meeting approaches, 2 parents running for regional school board
Constructive deliberation, Sam Lake renovation take front seat at Canterbury town meeting
Chichester
Chichester is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day.
Budget public hearing: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at Grange Hall
Town Meeting: Saturday, March 15 at 9 a.m. at Chichester Central School
School meeting: Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at Chichester Central School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Grange Hall
Read more from Monitor reporter Rachel Wachman:
Chichester residents voice concerns over town administrator salary, board of selectmen decisions
Chichester to vote on granting selectmen power to hire, fire firefighters
In Chichester, MacCleery seeking reelection to Board of Selectmen with Stolnis challenging his seat
Chichester nearly cuts school finances by 9% but ultimately passes budget unchanged
Read more from Monitor reporter Catherine McLaughlin:
Dunbarton
Dunbarton is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day.
Budget public hearing: Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:15 p.m. at Town Office
School budget public hearing: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at Dunbarton Elementary
Town Meeting: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at Noyes Community Center
School meeting: Saturday, March 8 at 4 p.m. at Dunbarton Elementary School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Noyes Community Center
Read more from Monitor reporter Sruthi Gopalakrishnan:
At budget hearing, Dunbarton residents want lower tax rate
Dunbarton select board candidates focus on maintaining town’s rural charm
Dunbarton voters approve school budget, teacher pay raises
Dunbarton voters approve land purchase and budget, reject one proposal
Epsom
Epsom is a SB2 town, meaning they hold a deliberative session and voting day.
Town deliberative session: Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. at Epsom Central School
School deliberative session: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at Epsom Central School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Epsom Bible Church
Read more from Monitor editor Jonathan Van Fleet: Emblematic of struggles across the state, Epsom residents question spending and rising taxes
Read more from Monitor reporter Rachel Wachman:
Special education takes center stage at Epsom school budget deliberative session
Epsom’s Select Board candidates hope to boost collaboration and connection
Henniker
Henniker is a SB2 town, meaning they hold a deliberative session and voting day.
School delibertive session: Monday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at Henniker Community School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Henniker Community School
Read more from Monitor reporter David Brooks:
Henniker school deliberative session is fast but not furious
Hopkinton
Hopkinton is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day.
Budget public hearing: Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at Hopkinton Town Hall
Town Meeting: Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle/High School
School meeting: Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at Hopkinton Middle/High School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle/High School
Read more from Monitor reporter Sruthi Gopalakrishnan:
Hopkinton considers change to SB2; Pittsfield and Allenstown may return to traditional
Two educators compete for Hopkinton School Board seat
Hopkinton voters call for action on ‘inadequate’ state funding for public education
John Stark Regional School District
John Stark is a regional school district that consists of the towns Henniker and Weare.
Deliberative session: Friday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at John Stark Regional High School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11, voting hours and locations vary by town
Read more from Monitor reporter David Brooks: Special ed costs raise John Stark budget despite drop in salaries, benefits
Kearsarge Regional School District
Kearsarge is a regional school district that consists of the towns of Bradford, Newbury, New London, Sutton, Springfield, Warner and Wilmot.
Deliberative session: Saturday, Jan. 4 at 9 a.m. at Kearsarge Regional High School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11, voting hours and locations vary by town
Read more from Monitor reporter Jeremy Margolis: Kearsarge voters overwhelmingly reject proposed school budget cap
Loudon
Loudon is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day. Loudon is part of the Merrimack Valley School District.
Budget public hearing: Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m., Wednesday Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at Loudon Town Office
Town Meeting: Saturday, March 15 at 9 a.m. at Loudon Elementary School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Arthur Colby Safety Complex
Read more from Monitor reporter Charlotte Matherly:
Loudon residents voice opposition to new fire truck purchase
Four candidates face off for seat on Loudon Select Board
‘Voting our wallets’: Loudon residents vote overwhelmingly against $1.7M bond for new fire truck
Merrimack Valley School District
Merrimack Valley is a regional school district that consists of the towns of Boscawen, Loudon, Penacook, Salisbury and Webster.
Public hearing: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at Merrimack Valley High School
School meeting: Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at Merrimack Valley High School
Voting day: Thursday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Merrimack Valley High School
Read more from Monitor reporter Jeremy Margolis:
Emotions spill out at Merrimack Valley schools budget hearing following $2m overspending disclosure
Merrimack Valley school board clashes with superintendent over process for budget cuts
Pembroke
Pembroke is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day.
Budget public hearing: Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at Pembroke Academy
School meeting: Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at Pembroke Academy
Town Meeting: Saturday, March 15 at 9 a.m. at Pembroke Academy
Voting day: Tuesday, March at11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Pembroke Academy
Read more from Monitor reporter Jeremy Margolis:
Pembroke schools facing potential $400,000 reduction to proposed budget
Decoding the mistake on Pembroke school district ballot: All three candidates will win seats
In emotional reversal of last year, Pembroke residents approve larger school budget
Read more from Monitor reporter Michaela Towfighi:
Three previous select board members vie for two seats in Pembroke
In Pembroke, Education Freedom Accounts draw debate, voters pass budget
Pittsfield
Pembroke is a SB2 town, meaning they hold a deliberative session and voting day.
Deliberative session: Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. at Pittsfield Middle High School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Pittsfield Middle High School
Read more from Monitor reporter Alexander Rapp:
Pittsfield debates tax relief versus more funding for schools
Four longtime residents run for two select board positions in Pittsfield
Pittsfield town votes to rescind SB2, the school district does not, and most warrant articles pass
Salisbury
Salisbury is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day. Salisbury is part of the Merrimack Valley School District.
Budget public hearing: Monday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at Academy Hall
Town Meeting: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at Salisbury Town Hall
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Salisbury Town Hall
Read more from Monitor reporter Rachel Wachman:
Salisbury discusses transfer station and paving with 1.07% proposed budget increase
Salisbury takes a stance on Education Freedom Accounts, passes most warrant articles unanimously
Read more from Monitor editor Jonathan Van Fleet:
Warner
Warner is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day. Warner is part of the Kearsarge Regional School District.
Budget public hearing: Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Warner Town Hall
Town Meeting: Wednesday, March 12 at 6 p.m. at Warner Town Hall
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Warner Town Hall
Read more from Monitor reporter Michaela Towfighi:
Warner faces proposed 30 percent increase in town portion of tax rate
In Warner, residents to vote on 29 percent tax increase, select board expansion
‘Look at tightening our town belt’: Warner fends off budget cuts and a tax cap amid rising taxes
Weare
Weare is a SB2 town, meaning they hold a deliberative session and voting day. Weare is part of the John Stark Regional School District.
Town deliberative session: Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. at Weare Middle School
Weare school deliberative session: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at Weare Middle School
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Weare Middle School
Read more from Monitor reporter David Brooks:
Budget cap and article targeting vouchers survive debate in Weare school session
Two newcomers vie for one-year Weare school seat
Two seeking open seat on Weare select board
Weare voters nix school and town budgets, reject John Stark teacher contract
Webster
Webster is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day. Webster is part of the Merrimack Valley School District.
Budget public hearing: Monday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at Webster Town Hall
Town Meeting: Saturday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at Webster Town Hall
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Webster Town Hall
Read more from Monitor reporter Sruthi Gopalakrishnan: Webster proposed budget up 6.5%
Wilmot
Wilmot is a traditional town, meaning they hold a Town Meeting and voting day. Wilmot is part of the Kearsarge Regional School District.
Budget public hearing: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at Wilmot Town Office
Town Meeting: Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at Wilmot Town Hall
Voting day: Tuesday, March 11 at 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Wilmot Town Hall
Read more from Monitor reporter Alexander Rapp:
Development and funding key issues in Wilmot select board race
Wilmot approves town budget and focuses on having options in the future