BELLOWS FALLS-In one of three contested races, Paul Obuchowski won his bid for Village Trustees president, defeating Deborah Wright 145–18. Both have served as president in past years.
Incumbent trustee Susan MacNeil and newcomer Samantha Snow also won seats, with 131 and 135 votes, respectively, while former trustee Wright received 30 votes.
In the race for village treasurer, Donna Harty beat challenger Pamela Willard, 108–47.
Voters assembled downstairs in the Town Hall for the Annual Village Meeting on May 19, passing all the articles on strong voice votes. These included:
• approving a village budget of $1,982,076.
• authorizing borrowing up to $812,500 for the village portion of water line replacement on Kissell Hill and Colony Road.
• borrowing up to $300,000 to fund sewer improvements to Laurel Avenue.
• approving borrowing up to $400,000 to fund operations at the village sewer plant.
The last three articles would sponsor debt that would be paid back via consumer utility bills over the next 10 to 30 years.
All-day voting on May 20 was done by paper ballot at the Masonic Temple. Ballots were cast by 163 village residents.
Election results
Australian ballot voting for town offices took place on May 20.
A trustee seat was open due to long-time public office holder James "Jigs" McAuliffe stepping down after serving as a trustee since 2017. He also retired this year from his seat on the Rockingham School Board.
The annual village report was dedicated to McAuliffe.
Dennis Harty ran unopposed for moderator and won with 158 votes. Kathleen Kelly received 156 out of 158 votes for village clerk.
'A serious responsibility'
MacNeil said she wasn't sure what to expect when she was appointed to fill the trustee vacancy six months ago.
"Although I've served on many boards over the years, this experience has not included being on a municipal board," MacNeil said. "The trustees oversee four critical infrastructure areas for the Village - police, fire, water, and sewer - matters that contribute to the well-being and safety of village residents. It is a serious responsibility that I do not take lightly."
MacNeil has been a Bellows Falls resident for 11 years, and said she is "pleased to continue this assignment after being duly elected by my fellow citizens."
This News item by Robert F. Smith was written for The Commons.