Merrimack Voters Approve Budgets, Deny New Turf Field

MERRIMACK, NH — Town voters on Tuesday approved all town and School District warrant articles, except for the proposal to spend $1.2 million on a new turf field at Merrimack High School. The turf field, proposed by a citizen petition, failed in a 917-2368 vote.

In the only contested race in Merrimack this year, Barbara Healey and Lon S. Woods won Town Council seats. Healey got 1,818 votes and Woods got 1,613 votes. They competed against Mike Malzone, who got 1,539 votes and lost the election.

Approved warrant articles included the proposed operating budget of $32,776,693, several collective bargaining agreements for town employees, and the $13.1 million bond issue for upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility. The proposal to allow the gambling game Keno at local establishments was also approved.

On the School District side, voters approved the $77,654,036 operating budget and the three-year collective bargaining agreement with teachers.