The three articles ask the voters to approve unanticipated expenditures that exceed the town's approved budget. Australian ballot voters are required for all articles that request funding in excess of $5,000.
Town officials are currently circulating informational literature to residents explaining the three separate articles and the select board's reasoning for holding the special vote.
The first article to be voted on addresses quarry legal fee expenditures and asks the voters to authorize the town to spend an amount not to exceed $8,200 to pay invoices associated with quarry litigation.
QUARRY LITIGATION
"Shall the voters of the town of Moretown approve the expenditure of a sum of money not to exceed $8,200 to pay invoices relating to the quarry litigation, in lieu of paying the expenditure by taking from other line items in the existing town budget that was approved by the voters on March 3, 2009?"
The town's position on each article is detailed in the informational literature in circulation among voters. Where Article 1 (quarry litigation) is concerned, the select board explains:
"The legal defense of the town's position on the quarry has exceeded the approved budget by $8,200. The select board authorized this work because it was needed to complete the appeals process which was started previously. The case is now in Environmental Court awaiting final decision. This is expected before the end of the year. A YES vote on this article means we would add the money to the budget and collect it in taxes in November. A NO vote means we would find the money within the existing budget."
2008 AUDIT
The second article asks voters to authorize the town to take an amount not to exceed $15,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund to cover costs associated with the 2008 audit.
"Shall the voters of the town of Moretown approve the expenditure of a sum of money not to exceed $15,000 from the capital reserve fund to pay for an audit of the 2008 financial records, in lieu of paying the expenditure by taking from other line items in the existing town budget that was approved by the voters on March 3, 2009?"
The newsletter explains, "An Audit of the 2008 financial records is needed as part of the town's requirements to secure long-term, low interest financing to pay for the new town garage. Expenditures for the 2007 audit exceeded what was budgeted for 2008 and had to be paid for with money from the 2009 budget; therefore the select board is asking voters to approve spending an additional amount up to $15,000 to pay for the audit. A YES vote takes the money out the Capital Reserve Fund without increasing taxes. A NO vote means we would find the money within the existing budget."
TOWN GARAGE COSTS
The third article asks voters to allow additional funds to be spent to pay invoices for various items related to the new town garage.
"Shall the voters of the town of Moretown approve the expenditure of a sum of money not to exceed $25,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund to pay invoices related to the new town garage project, in lieu of paying the expenditure by taking from other line items in the existing town budget that was approved by the voters on March 3, 2009?"
According to select board members, "The Town has spent the voter approved $900,000 for the new garage construction and land purchase. This included $31,000 in changed conditions. We made a commitment to replace the Ferris' septic system with the 'best fix' the state would allow which cost an additional $25,000.This work has been completed."
A yes vote authorizes the town to take money from the Capital Reserve Fund (without increasing taxes). A no vote means the town will have to find the money within the existing budget. Currently, there is $47,000 in the Capital Reserve Fund.
The informational meeting will take place tonight, June 18, at the Town Hall. Residents will be asked to vote by Australian ballot on the three articles on June 22. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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