CONCORD, N.H.- Those in opposition to placing a proposed property tax cap on spending for schools before voters in the general election say it could cost cities and towns thousands of dollars to print a second ballot.
On Tuesday the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee heard the concerns of citizens, including the bill’s sponsor Rep Ross Berry R-Weare, who told said he’s confident the question will not require a separate ballot in November’s general election. However, Nashua’s City Clerk Daniel Healey, speaking on behalf of the New Hampshire City and Town Clerks Association, said a second ballot would cost his city about $20,000 in printing, staffing and other costs.
Committee chair James Gray R-Rochester noted that the past Supreme Court cases have made clear that additional ballots for an election does not constitute an unfunded state mandate on cities and towns.
Berry’s proposal if adopted, would limit property taxes in support of school spending each year to no more than cost-of-living index and the annual increase in the community’s property assed value.
