Barrington taxpayers will be faced with another bond vote at this year's financial town meeting.

The town manager is proposing a $6 million bond — $2.6 million would be used for Peck Center (public library building) renovations and improvements; $3.4 million would be dedicated to a road resurfacing project in Barrington. 

Just a year ago, taxpayers approved a $68.4 million bond that is paying for the construction of a new middle school. The project included a 35 percent reimbursement from the state — officials said the state is expected to reimburse the town on an annual basis.

Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha included the $6 million bond request in his annual budget report, which was released last week. The $2.6 million for Peck Center improvements would reportedly pay for a new roof on the building, improvements made to TAP-IN headquarters, fire code upgrades and asbestos removal. 

Mr. Cunha also proposed a 17 percent increase in the municipal capital requests, which would pay for new rights of way markers ($10,000), a Police Cove transient dock ($50,000), park and trail improvements ($10,000), and an update to the town's comprehensive plan ($5,000). Members of the planning board reviewed the capital requests and recommended that the budget be reduced by $110,000, although Mr. Cunha wrote in his report that he was concerned about the potential impact of that cut.

"Of greatest concern is the elimination of capital funding to support the Mathewson Road seawall construction ($75,000)," Mr. Cunha wrote. "Continued deterioration of the seawall will have a dramatic impact on the stability of the roadbed."

Two changes were made to the manager's proposed budget during last week's town council meeting. 

Mr. Cunha had requested a $3,904 increase for the council, including $2,000 more for the president and $1,000 more for the members, but the council rejected the offer. 

Mr. Cunha argued that the Barrington Town Council is currently the lowest paid council in the state and would still rank near the bottom after the increase. The town manager said he planned to bring this request to the committee on appropriations despite the council's objection.

Also, the council requested $10,000 be dedicated to a new line in the budget: "Conservation Land Acquisition." The money would be used by the town to purchase small parcels of property for conservation when they become available.

Too early for tax rate

Mr. Cunha's proposed municipal government operating budget includes a 2.55 percent increase over the current budget. And when combined with the proposed school budget, capital requests and debt service, is expected to reflect a 3.82 percent total increase. 

So, how much would that add to the tax rate? Mr. Cunha said it's likely too early to say.

"The statistical property tax revaluation is incomplete and with changes in the senior tax and veteran exemptions, it is impossible to determine the final tax rate at this time," wrote Mr. Cunha in his report.

Some budget increases

• Salaries: All union employees will receive a 2 percent salary increase in accordance with the negotiated contracts. In addition, most non-union employees, including the town manager, will receive a 2 percent increase.

• Benefits: $76,000

• Insurance: $31,000

• Computer operations: $12,786 for contractual services and supplies.

• Inspections: $38,838 due mainly to the transfer of 50 percent of a full-time position from the DPW to the Inspections Office. 

• Recreation department: $18,652, which includes the salary of a part-time position that was transferred from senior center.

• Police department: $107,786, which will primarily support the full-time school resource officer position.

• Dispatch: $11,525 for salary step increases and longevity pay. 

• Public works: $101,771 to pay for street lights line item, tipping fees at the state landfill, part-time help, overtime, electricity, and winter maintenance.

• Refuse and recycling expense: $13,862

Some budget decreases

• Finance: $918 reduction in part-time help, printing, postage, contractual services. 

• Senior center: $7,676 reduction in part-time salaries and special projects.

• Fire department: $25,777 reduction in salaries (due to a grant the department received).

• Animal control: $5,000 reduction in veterinary fees.