Holden voters to decide SAD 63 budget proposal

HOLDEN – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at the Holden Municipal Building on U.S. Route 1A for voters to cast ballots on local elections, statewide referendum issues, and a controversial local proposal to revamp the way the SAD 63 budget is approved.

Voters also will decide on new wording for an amendment to the town charter that deals with the authority of the Town Council to borrow and spend certain amounts of money.

A heavier-than-usual turnout is expected by town officials.

Two candidates are vying for one position on the Holden Town Council: They are incumbent Clare Payne and newcomer Mike Nelligan. The opening is for a three-year term.

Running unopposed for SAD 63 school director are incumbents Don Varnum and Richard Berry. These terms also are for three years.

Following Tuesday’s referendum vote, a meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at the Holden Elementary School, where voters will decide whether to approve the municipal budget only. The total amount of the budget requested for FY 2004 is $1,778,146, an 11 percent increase compared to last year.

The amount to be raised locally is $670,946. Adding in county taxes of $160,405 and an estimated school assessment of $2,137,165, the total amount to be raised locally is $2,968,516.

The SAD 63 school budget will be voted on at a separate meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Holbrook School on Route 46.