Warrant Articles: your Role in Town Governance & Decision-Making

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration 2025 Warrant

Littleton

The inhabitants of the Town of Littleton in the County of Grafton in the state of New Hampshire qualified to vote in Town affairs are hereby notified that the Annual Town Meeting will be held as follows:

First Session of Annual Meeting (Deliberative Session)

• Date: Monday, February 3, 2025 - SNOW DATE: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Littleton High School Cafeteria
• Details: 159 Oak Hill Avenue, Littleton NH 03561

Second Session of Annual Meeting (Official Ballot Voting)

• Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
• Time: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Location: Littleton Department of Public Works – Highway Garage
• Details: 28 Boynton Lane, Littleton NH 03561

Governing Body Certification
We certify and attest that on or before Monday, January 27, 2025, a true and attested copy of this document was posted at the place of meeting and at the Littleton Public Library and that an original was delivered to the Littleton Town Clerk.

• Linda MacNeil – Chair
• Roger Emerson – Vice-Chair
• Kerri Harrington – Member

ARTICLE 1 — ELECTION OF OFFICERS

To choose necessary officers, including:

• (1) Board of Selectmen (3 Year Term)
• (1) Board of Selectmen (3 Year Term)
• (1) Board of Selectmen (1 Year Term)
• (1) Town Clerk (3 Year Term)
• (1) Library Trustee (3 Year Term)
• (1) Library Trustee (3 Year Term)
• (1) Library Trustee (3 Year Term)
• (1) Parks & Recreation Commissioner (3 Year Term)
• (1) Trustees of the Trust Funds (3 Year Term)
• (1) Town Treasurer (3 Year Term)

ARTICLE 2 — ZONING AMENDMENT NO. 1

Amend the definition of Building/Zoning Permit in Article II to require permits for the demolition of structures in addition to construction, enlargement, or movement of structures.

• Recommended by Planning Board: 7-0-1

ARTICLE 3 — ZONING AMENDMENT NO. 2

Add "Amusement Services," already defined in the Zoning Ordinance, to the list of permitted uses in all Commercial Zones.

• Recommended by Planning Board: 8-0-0

ARTICLE 4 — ZONING AMENDMENT NO. 3

Remove the last sentence of the first paragraph of Article VI, Section 6.01 Fence Regulations, regarding the requirement for outdoor swimming pools to be surrounded by a security fence, as it is now covered by the 2021 International Building Codes.

• Recommended by Planning Board: 8-0-0

ARTICLE 5 — ZONING AMENDMENT NO. 4

Change the zoning classification of a 2.96-acre parcel owned by BBJ Properties Inc., located at 431-433 Cottage Street, to Commercial-I.

• Recommended by Planning Board: 8-0-0

ARTICLE 6 — PUBLIC WORKS: BORROWING FOR PALMER BROOK CULVERT GRANT MATCH

Raise and appropriate $2,000,000 for the Palmer Brook Culvert Replacement on Mann’s Hill Road, with $1,500,000 expected from FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants. Up to $500,000 will be issued through bonds.

• Estimated Tax Impact for 2025: None (Estimated tax impact for 2026-2033: $.144 per thousand)
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3-0-0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6-0-0
• Requires 3/5 Ballot Vote

ARTICLE 7 — PUBLIC WORKS: BORROWING FOR SEWER/WWTP SEPTAGE RECEIVING IMPROVEMENTS

Raise and appropriate $500,000 for septage receiving improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. The full amount will be funded by bonds or notes. Future payments will be sourced from Sewer User Fees.

• Estimated Tax Impact for 2025: None (Future bond payments will come from Sewer User Fees)
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3-0-0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6-0-0
• Requires 3/5 Ballot Vote

ARTICLE 8 — LITTLETON WATER & LIGHT: BORROWING FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,200,000 (one million two hundred thousand dollars) for the purpose of all work needed to identify, engineer, purchase materials, and replace water system services improving compliance with the Federal Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR); to authorize the issuance of not more than $1,200,000 (one million two hundred thousand dollars) of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33) and to authorize the Selectmen to issue, negotiate, sell and deliver such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon and the maturity and other terms thereof, and to authorize the Selectmen to apply for, accept and expend federal, state or other aid, if any, which may be available for said project and to comply with all laws applicable to said project, and further to authorize the Selectmen to take any other action or to pass any other vote relative thereto. Without impairing the general obligation nature of the bonds or notes, it is anticipated that debt service payments will come from Water & Light User Fees. It is anticipated that the Town will receive up to $840,000 in principal forgiveness from the State Revolving Fund loan program.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None for 2025 (future bond payments will come from Water & Light User Fees
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6 – 0 – 0
• Requires 3/5 Ballot Vote

ARTICLE 9 — 2025 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET
Shall the Town raise and appropriate as an operating budget for the General Fund, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $10,875,119 (ten million eight hundred seventy-five thousand one hundred nineteen dollars)? Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $10,841,985 (ten million eight hundred forty-one thousand nine hundred eighty-five dollars) which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Town or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $7.958 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6 – 1 – 0

ARTICLE 10 — 2025 SEWER FUND OPERATING BUDGET
Shall the Town raise and appropriate as an operating budget for the Sewer Department the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $1,417,364 (one million four hundred seventeen thousand three hundred sixty-four dollars). Said sum to come from the Sewer Fund and be offset by user fees. Of this amount, $960,514 will be used for Direct Expenses associated with running the sewer system, and $456,850 will be used to reimburse the General Fund for Indirect Expenses included in the Article 9 operating budget, such as salaries. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $1,413,364 (one million four hundred thirteen thousand three hundred sixty-four dollars) which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Town or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 11 — 2025 WATER & LIGHT OPERATING BUDGET
Shall the Town raise and appropriate as an operating budget for the Water & Light Department, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $11,893,102 (eleven million eight hundred ninety-three thousand one hundred two dollars)? Said sum to be offset by user fees. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $11,885,512 (eleven million eight hundred eighty-five thousand five hundred twelve dollars) which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Town or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 12 — TOWN OFFICE BUILDING PURCHASE, RENOVATIONS AND MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $700,000 (seven hundred thousand dollars) for the purchase of 0.9 acres of property and buildings located at 50 Pleasant Street, Littleton, NH (Tax Map 79/Lot 31 and Tax Map 78/Lot 199). Said property will cost $625,000 with an additional $75,000 to be used for immediate renovations to the building, as well as preliminary design of longer-term renovations for the existing building and site improvements for Town Office purposes. Said sum shall come from the unassigned fund balance. Furthermore, to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a multi-year lease agreement with Northern New England Telephone Company (Consolidated Communications) for it to continue to occupy approximately 4,414sf +/- of the existing building for $3,500 per month for a 5-year term with two 5-year options to renew. If this article is approved, the Board of Selectmen plan to request funding at the 2026 town meeting or a special town meeting for the cost of final design services, site improvements and renovation plans of the building and site.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6 – 1 – 0

ARTICLE 13 — POLICE — VEHCILE & EQUIPMENT CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from taxation the sum of $50,000 (fifty thousand dollars) to be added to the Police Vehicles & Equipment Capital Reserve Fund previously established in 2020 under Article 33 under the provisions of RSA 35:1.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $ 0.057 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 14 — FIRE — ESTABLISH HAZMAT REVOLVING FUND
To see if the Town will vote to establish a revolving fund pursuant to RSA 31:95-h, for the purpose of Fire Dept hazardous materials management and response. Invoice payments received for providing services related to hazardous materials will be deposited into the fund and the money in the fund shall be allowed to accumulate from year to year, and shall not be considered part of the Town’s General Fund Balance. And, further to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 (five thousand dollars) to be added to the Fire Dept HAZMAT revolving fund to come from Unassigned Fund Balance with no amount to be raised by taxation. The Town Treasurer shall have custody of all monies in the fund, and shall pay out the same only upon order of the Board of Selectmen and no further approval is required by the legislative body to expend. Such funds may be expended only for any purpose related to providing these services, including but not limited to buying equipment and hiring or paying personnel.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 2 – 1 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 15 — FIRE — ESTABLISH EVENTS, PROGRAMS & DETAILS REVOLVING FUND
To see if the Town will vote to establish a revolving fund pursuant to RSA 31:95-h, for the purpose of Fire Dept events, programs and details. Invoice payments received for providing services for events, programs and details will be deposited into the fund and the money in the fund shall be allowed to accumulate from year to year, and shall not be considered part of the Town’s General Fund Balance. And, further to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 (five thousand dollars) to be added to the Fire Dept Events, Programs & Details revolving fund to come from Unassigned Fund Balance with no amount to be raised by taxation. The Town Treasurer shall have custody of all monies in the fund, and shall pay out the same only upon order of the Board of Selectmen and no further approval is required by the legislative body to expend. Such funds may be expended only for any purpose related to providing these services, including but not limited to buying equipment and hiring or paying personnel.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 16 — PUBLIC WORKS — SWEEPER VACUUM TRUCK 8-YEAR LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH ESCAPE CLAUSE
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into an 8-year lease-purchase agreement in the amount of $375,000 (three hundred seventy-five thousand dollars) to lease-purchase a Highway Dept Sweeper Vacuum Truck to replace the Town’s 2003 Sterling Elgin Whirlwind Sweeper Vacuum truck, and to raise and appropriate from taxation $46,875 (forty-six thousand eight hundred seventy-five dollars) for the first year’s payment. This lease-purchase agreement contains an escape clause.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $ 0.054 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 2 – 1 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 17 — PUBLIC WORKS — SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from taxation the sum of $75,000 (seventy-five thousand dollars) to be added to the Highway Sidewalk Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund previously established in 2013 under Article 15 under the provisions of RSA 31:19-a.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.086 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 18 — PUBLIC WORKS — ROAD IMPROVEMENTS CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from taxation the sum of $250,000 (two hundred fifty thousand dollars) to be added to the Highway Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund previously established in 2007 under Article 12 under the provisions of RSA 35:1.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.287 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 19 — FIRE DEPT CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from taxation the sum of $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) to be added to the Fire Department Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment previously established in 2015 under Article 28 under the provisions of RSA 35:1.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.115 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 20 — FIRE DEPT — VEHICLE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from taxation the sum of $150,000 (one hundred fifty thousand dollars) to be added to the Fire Department Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Vehicles previously established in 2003 under Article 23 under the provisions of RSA 35:1.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.172 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 21 — CEMETERY — CEMETERY MAINTENANCE EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from taxation the sum of $5,000 (five thousand dollars) to be added to the Cemetery Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund previously established under Article 24 under the provisions of RSA 31:19-a.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.006 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 22 — TRANSFER STATION CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from taxation the sum of $25,000 (twenty-five thousand dollars) to be added to the Transfer Station Capital Reserve Fund for Equipment previously established in 2010 under Article 20 under the provisions of RSA 35:1.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.029 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 23 — ESTABLISHING RECREATION EQUIPMENT EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
To see if the Town will vote to establish a Recreation Equipment Expendable Trust Fund per RSA 31:19-a for the purpose of maintaining and replacing playgrounds and other recreation facilities and equipment, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 (fifty thousand dollars) to be placed in the fund. Said funds to come from taxation.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.057 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6 – 1 – 0

ARTICLE 24 — NON-CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR IT/COMMUNICATIONS UPGRADES
To see if the Town will vote to establish a Non-Capital Reserve Fund under RSA 35:1 for IT/Communications upgrades for town departments and raise and appropriate the sum of $75,000 (seventy-five thousand dollars) to be placed in this fund.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.086 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 6 – 1 – 0

ARTICLE 25 — CONSERVATION LAND PURCHASE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000 (twenty-five thousand dollars) to be added to the Conservation Land Purchase Capital Reserve Fund established under the provisions of RSA 35:1.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.029 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 26 — POLICE DEPARTMENT BODY CAMERA SYSTEM
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $125,000 (one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars) for the purchase and implementation of a Police Department Body Camera System.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.144 per thousand
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 27 — ROAD RECONSTRUCTION BOND AUTHORIZATION
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500,000 (two million five hundred thousand dollars) for road reconstruction projects and authorize the issuance of bonds or notes for said amount in accordance with RSA 33:3-a.

• Requires 3/5 Ballot Vote
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 28 — REPLACING FIRE STATION ROOF

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200,000 (two hundred thousand dollars) from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the replacement of the roof on the Fire Station.

• No Tax Impact
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen: 3 – 0 – 0
• Recommended by Budget Committee: 7 – 0 – 0

ARTICLE 28 — PETITION  — CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $19,411 to support downtown beautification efforts—a partnership between the Town of Littleton and the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce, including Downtown (Main Street) Flowers, Holiday Decorations, and flags. Excess costs covered by business and individual donations.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.022 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 5-2-0

ARTICLE 29 — PETITION — TRI-COUNTY COMMUNICTY ACTION

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $12,010 for the operation of Tri-County Community Action Program, Inc. services in Littleton, including transportation, energy assistance, weatherization, guardianship, Head Start, and homeless intervention.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.014 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 6-0-0

ARTICLE 30 — PETITION — NORTH COUNTRY HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate $21,500 to support home health, palliative, and long-term care services provided by North Country Home Health & Hospice.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.025 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 6-0-0

ARTICLE 31 — PETITION — BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate $11,000 to support the Boys & Girls Club of the North Country for after-school and vacation programs, including transportation from Littleton schools.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.013 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 6-0-0

ARTICLE 32 — PETITION — PATHWAYS PREGNANCY CARE CENTER

To see if the Town will assist Pathways Pregnancy Care Center with $3,200 to maintain its Material Assistance and Education Programs, which include resources like diapers, clothing, and educational courses on parenting and healthy relationships.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.004 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 2-1-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 5-1-0

ARTICLE 33 — PETITION — AMMONOOSUC COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate $15,000 to support Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, which provides primary healthcare to Littleton and nearby communities.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.017 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 6-0-0

ARTICLE 34 — PETITION — SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL RESCUE, INC.

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate $5,000 to support Second Chance Animal Rescue’s shelter and spay/neuter programs for abused and abandoned animals.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.006 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 6-0-0

ARTICLE 35 — PETITION — WHITE MOUNTAIN MENTAL HEALTH & NORTHERN HUMAN SERVICES

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate $9,696 to support mental health services, recognizing the social and economic impact of untreated mental illness.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.011 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 7-0-0

ARTICLE 36 — PETITION — CASA COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate $2,000 to support the recruitment and retention of CASA volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children.

• Estimated Tax Impact: $0.002 per thousand
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 3-0-0
• Budget Committee Recommendation: 7-0-0

ARTICLE 37 — PETITION — LITTLETON OFF ROAD RIDERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB

To see if the Town will lease town property (Map #84 Lot #7) to the Littleton Off Road Riders Snowmobile Club Inc. for $100 per year for five years.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 2-1-0

ARTICLE 38 — PEITION — RESCIND 2019 ARTICLE 9 DONG LICENSE ADDITIONAL $1 FEE

To see if the Town will rescind the 2019 warrant article that added a $1 fee to dog licensing for a dog park that has not been built.

• Estimated Tax Impact: None
• Board of Selectmen Recommendation: 2-1-0