Approximately two dozen residents and officials unanimously approved the items on the call of the Annual Town Meeting on June 20th, forecasting the approval of all questions at the June 27 referendum.

After electing First Selectman Allan Cahill moderator, participants approved standard items such as: authorization of the Board of Selectmen to borrow, if necessary, money to defray expenses until funds are available, to enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation for the expenditure of funds for improvement and maintenance of Town roads, and to accept Local Capital Improvement Funds for road improvement. Residents also approved the 5-Year Plan as presented, which included improvements to roads, the Little River Preserve, the Town Hall, Community Center, and Transfer Station, the completion of the Tennis/Pickle Ball court, and the purchase of a Tractor and Road Mower for the Department of Public Works.

Stephanie Bayne was elected by acclamation to serve a three year term on the Regional District #11 Board of Education. She is replacing Kathy Freed.

First Selectman Cahill reviewed the Town Government’s $1,949,439 budget, a 3.17% increase over the current year, to be voted on at the referendum, listing the reason for increases in computers, programs and support in the Offices of the Town Clerk and the Assessor, the costs of early voting, mandated, and previously reimbursed by the State, hikes in heating oil and electricity, legal costs due to the Solar Park litigation, and a 2.5% cost-of-living-adjustment for all Town employees. He also explained the most significant increase, the rise in the contract with KB Ambulance, noting that funds from the American Rescue Plan Act were used in the past to offset these costs.

The Hampton Elementary School’s budget was also slated for a referendum vote. Board of Education Vice-Chairman Mark Becker explained that the proposal of $2,262,603, which represents a 3.81% increase over the current year, has added a full time Scientific Research Based Interventionist to the staff for students needing additional assistance. He explained that the majority of increases are fixed costs, such as transportation and tuition.

Other matters voted on, and ultimately approved, at the referendum were the transfer of funds for a building and mechanical evaluation study at the elementary school, for the purchase of a Tractor and Road Mower for the Department of Public Works, and to fund the Volunteer Firefighter Length of Service Program.