Only a few handfuls of residents attend Gilford SB-2 session

GILFORD — About 15 people, excluding department heads, Budget Committee members and selectmen attended last night's annual SB-2 deliberative session of Town Meeting at the High School.

Those who did show up, had very little to say about the money articles and all of them will go on the March 10 ballot as written.

This was the only time voters could alter any of the warrant articles.

The next step is for voters to have their final say in the privacy of a voting booth on 26 different warrant articles that fund the general operating budget and about $500,000 in proposed additions to capital reserve funds, which comes to a total of $12,334,000.

The capital funds are either maintenance or capital purchases and include recreation facilities, sewer maintenance, fire equipment, the town water supply, the Glendale boat launch ramp, building maintenance and a dump truck with a plow for the Public Works Department.

All were supported by selectmen and the Budget Committee.

Individuals spoke about supporting the so-called "outside agencies" that include Genesis Behavioral Health, Child and Family Services, the Laconia Area Center of the Community Action Program, New Beginnings and Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice.

Traditionally, even though all of these programs have been overwhelmingly financially supported by voters, the selectmen chose not to endorse the request for appropriations, saying it was up to the voters to make their own decisions.

Selectman John O'Brien spoke in support of his petitioned warrant article banning personal fireworks, as did Pam Hayes who is running for School Board.

O'Brien objects to them because of noise, fires, and personal safety issues, as does Hayes.

Speaking against a ban on fireworks was Budget Committee member Kevin Leandro, Budget Committee candidate Harry H. Bean III, and Selectman Gus Benevides who is a long-time opponent of a ban.

Supporters said they are legal in the state and the ordinance in place specifies times when fireworks can't be used.

"Why don't you punish them (people who break the rules) instead of punishing the rest of us," said Bean who wants the irresponsible users to be fined and chastized.

Benevides noted that the ban is impossible to enforce on the islands and to have an ordinance that covers only a part of Gilford is unacceptable.

Voters go to the polls on March 10.