Buxton favored overriding an increase allowed under a tax cap mandated by the state with a 19-to-2 vote in a special town meeting on Wednesday.
Voters were asked to increase this year’s tax cap limit for Buxton by $186,581 to $1.1 million. The townspeople approved a $4.1 million town budget in their annual town meeting in June. Although the budget was nearly $100,000 less than last year, Buxton exceeded the amount allowable by law under the tax reform legislation passed last year, known as LD1.
The problem arose when the town appropriated $400,000 from the undesignated surplus account to ease the burden on taxpayers this year. Last year, Buxton used $600,000 from that account for the same purpose. Cliff Emery, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said taking less from surplus was “the sticking point,” which led to the need for a vote.
Resident Don Warren asked what would happen if the voters failed to raise the tax cap limit.
“We’ll have to cut $187,000,” Emery said.
In a close vote for town moderator, Edward Newell defeated Hiram Davis 10 to 9. Warren nominated Davis, and Barbara Elwell nominated Newell.
(Roland Tapley) – Buxton resident Roland Tapley votes in a special town meeting on Wednesday while Town Clerk John Myers and Registrar of Voters Joan Weeman attend the ballot box.Send questions/comments to the editors.
