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Date: 7/28/2020
SOUTHAMPTON – A month later, the town is still waiting on the state to approve to reschedule their Annual Town Election. The election that was originally scheduled for June 23 was rescheduled to Sept. 1.
According to Town Administrator Edward Gibson, the town postponed the election due to safety and health concerns for residents and staff due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
When asked why the state has not approved the new date, Gibson said, “The election date for the Town Election was petitioned of the Mass. State Legislature which has been busy with budget and other issues.”
When residents see the ballot, they can expect to see the offices for the town officials that are up for election which are as follows: moderator, two select board members, three people for the board of health, and two people for the park commission. A full list of open positions can be found on the town’s website.
“There is a question in regards to making our town treasurer/collector an appointed rather than an elected position, and another ballot question to purchase a one-ton dump truck/plow for $140,000 as a debt exclusion vote,” said Gibson.
The Annual Town Meeting that was originally scheduled for May 5, has also been rescheduled. It will take place on Aug. 15 on Labrie Field starting at 9 a.m. Gibson said, if the weather is an issue, the meeting will be moved to the next day.
Gibson said during the meeting they will discuss items such as the fiscal year 2021 budget appropriation and five articles for approval for projects from their Community Preservation Committee. The meeting will also cover eight capital expenditure articles ranging from repairs and equipment for Norris Elementary School, upgrades to the Hampshire Regional School HVAC system, and thermal imaging cameras for the Fire Department.