Bow’s operating budget decreases this year

After Bow settled a tax dispute with a public utility over the assessed property value of Merrimack Station power station, this year the town’s operating budget is down 5.2%.

Budget: The proposed operating budget for the town is $11.4 million, down from the previous year’s $12 million. If approved, the town-portion tax rate will be $6.57, a 36-cent decrease, which is $108 less annually on a $300,000 home.

Noteworthy articles: Residents will be asked to vote on leasing four town-owned parcels for a solar project that could be the largest in the state. If approved, the six-mega-watt project could be nearly twice the capacity of Manchester’s municipal solar array, helping the town offset the costs of powering its municipal buildings.

Adding $500,000 to the community building fund for the repair or construction of the building on Bow Center Road is also on the ballot.

Contested races: Incumbent Matthew Poulin, Ian Flanagan, Kip McDaniel, and Brock Ehlers are running for two positions on the select board.

When and where: The town meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 13 at the Bow High School.