The continuing problem of cyanobacteria blooms in French and Keyser ponds, mostly caused by phosphate from runoff and septic systems, would be targeted under a proposal to hire a consulting firm to recommend ways to tackle the problem. The $100,000 cost should be covered by $100,000 under the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

Budget: The proposed operating budget for the town is $6.66 million, up 6% from the amount approved last year. Major increases in (this particular area) make up for the crux of the increase. Most of the increase comes from merit and cost-of-living increases in salaries and in a hike in health insurance premiums that could be as high as 14%. One part-time position would be increased to full-time.

If the budget and all warrant articles pass, the town tax rate is estimated to increase from $6.93 per $100,000 of assessed valuation to $7.52, adding about $180 to the annual tax bill of a $300,000 home.

Noteworthy articles:

A $1.5 million bond would be floated to pay for upgrades to the town’s wastewater treatment system, $425,000 of which will be covered by the state’s revolving fund loan program. 

$20,000 for continued restoration of granite and mortar on the exterior of the Tucker Free Library, covered by funds from the state’s Moose Plate fund. A separate item would pay $266,244 to operate the library.

A change in qualifications for elderly exemption from some property taxes, including raising the amount of assets owned from $48,000, an amount so small that you can’t own a home, to $400,000.

A petitioned article would eliminate rental fees for using town property from organizations “whose efforts benefit residents of Henniker.”

Contested races: 

Four people are running for two 3-year seats on the Select Board: Incumbent Kris Blomback, Michael Barnard, Peter Flynn, Gabriel Reynolds. Scott Osgood not running for re-election.

Two people are running for one 3-year seat on the Trustees of the Trust Funds: Sue Fetzer, Stuart Bernstein. Lori Marko not running for re-election.

When and where:

Traditional town meeting for voting on warrant items is Saturday, March 16, starting 1 p.m.