Merrimack Voters To Decide On Gambling, Pay Raises Tuesday

MERRIMACK — This Tuesday Merrimack voters will decide whether to allow a gambling facility in town, otherwise known as a keno. Voters will also cast ballots on proposed collective bargaining agreements, the operating budget, and the proposed bond to fix the wastewater treatment facility. Elections of local officials will also take place. Voting is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9.

Among this year's proposals are several proposed collective bargaining agreements for town employees. The one-year agreement with New England Police Benevolent Association Local 112, which includes a 2-percent wage increase and a training stipend. It includes police support staff and dispatchers.

The proposed four-year contract with Police and Fire department supervisors includes wage increases and proposes that employees contribute more toward their copays. It also includes incentive for training.

The collective bargaining agreement with clerical and supervisory public works employees includes 2-percent wage increases for each of the next three years. A three-year contract with public works laborers also includes 2-percent wage increases each year.

Residents will cast their votes on the proposed $13.1 million bond for the Merrimack Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrade. It will include replacing 50-year-old equipment and two pump stations, according to town officials. Funding for the 30-year bond would come from sewer user fees, not taxes.

The proposed next year's operating budget is $32,776, 693. It includes a 2-percent pay increase some union employees next year, and a 3-percent raise for non-union employees. It also proposes changing a library custodian position from part-time to full-time, at a cost of $22,000.

Personnel costs in the proposed budget are almost $180,000 more than this year. According to the town's voter guide, this is mostly as a result of increases in health insurance premiums.

The proposed budget would be a 0.92-percent increase over this year's budget, if one is to subtract capital reserve funds from this year's budget. Although capital reserve funds have traditionally been including in the operating budget, starting next fiscal year those funds will be approved in separate warrant articles due to a law change, town officials say.

If voters turn down the proposed budget, the town will operate at the default budget of $30,517,636 next fiscal year.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The town has three polling locations: James Mastricola Upper Elementary School at 26 Baboosic Lake Road, St. John Neumann Church at 708 Milford Road (Route 101A), and Merrimack Middle School at 31 Madeline Bennett Lane. To find your polling location, visit www.merrimacknh.gov.