The Henniker town budget would increase 3.5% under a proposal that will go before residents at town meeting.

The proposed $233,880 increase would raise the budget to $6.66 million, fueled by increases in the police department and highway maintenance. The budget increase is partly a function of making up for a clerical error in 2024, said Town Administrator Diane Kendall.

If it and all warrant articles pass, the estimated town tax rate would rise from $6.96 to $7.55 per $1,000 of assessed value, adding $236 to the annual tax bill of a $400,000 home. The new tax rate could end up lower than that if, as they often do, selectmen use some of the unfunded balance, Kendall said.

A 2% cost-of-living increase in town wages and the accounting quirk that 2025 will have 53 pay periods contribute to the increase, she said.

Other warrant articles include:

Taking $1.075 million from an existing trust fund to buy a new pumper truck for the fire department, replacing a 2004 engine. Because of a long lead time for construction it would not be delivered for two years even if approved this year, Kendall said.

Spending $250,000 for running the Tucker Free Library.

Issuing up to $500,000 worth of bonds to pay for removal of lead and copper fixtures from the Cogswell Springs Water System to meet federal guidelines. Of that, up to $350,000 may be forgiven under state and federal programs. The loans would be paid back through water user fees, not taxes.

A petitioned warrant article would allow residents to possess and discharge Class C Fireworks, also known as consumer fireworks.

A proposal has been pulled that would have asked about joining the Merrimack County Community Power Plan as the new default electricity supplier in town, following questions about rates compared to those offered by Eversource.

A number of items would put money into various capital reserve and expendable trust funds which accumulate money for future purchases.

Two proposals would increase the income limits for people to be eligible for property tax exemptions available to the elderly and people with disabilities.

Town meeting will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, in the Henniker Community School. Town election day is Tuesday, March 11.