Macro level information to provide context to the annual budget brought to voters for their approval
Each year in developing our budget, the Merrimack Valley School District asks for your support in our mission of “Ensuring that ALL students are provided with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to prepare them for college, career, and citizenship.” This is an extraordinarily lofty and challenging mission and our focus is on our students. We strive to spark a passion in and engage all of our unique learners. With that in mind, we also endeavor to be conscientious and conservative in our budget development. We take our charge as stewards of taxpayer’s money very seriously. Although our overall budget has not increased significantly in the past 4-years, school districts, towns, and cities in NH are all facing decreasing revenues that typically help offset certain expenses and provide financial support in our budgets. The Merrimack Valley School Districts uses the following calculation to divide educational costs out to our MV communities: Total Approved Budget (inclusive of all warrant articles) - Revenues = District Assessment The District Assessment is then allocated (apportioned) to each town based on the number of resident students (ADMA - or Average Daily Membership in Attendance). 98.6% of the Assessment is distributed in that fashion. Approximately 1.4% of the District’s expenses are currently classified as “capital outlays.” These expenses are disbursed to the towns based on the equalized valuation of each community (estimated true and market value of all taxable property in a municipality). From these amounts, the local education portion of tax bills are set. Over the past 4-years, the increase to the MVSD budget is a total of 1.89%. However, in that same period revenues (from the state and federal levels) have decreased by a total of 10.12%. Resultingly, the District Assessment has increased by 13.18% in this timeframe. The equalized assessed valuation of each town serves as the denominator in determining the local educational tax rate. As such changing valuations impact the tax rate as well. The Public Hearing for the proposed 2018-2019 budget in on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at MVHS. The first day for candidates to file a Declaration of Candidacy for an elected Town or School office is Wednesday, January 24, 2018. Filing period ends 5:00PM Friday, February 2, 2018. All candidates should file with Linda Landry, Town Clerk. (See contact information below). Linda will also be available between the hours of 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Friday, February 2, the final day of the filing period.
CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire-Vermont-Maine reciprocal snowmobile weekend is fast approaching, coming January 26-28, 2018 (Friday through Sunday). The tri-state event gives snowmobile enthusiasts a chance to explore new trails in northern New England.
"This weekend is one of the highlights of the winter for many resident and non-resident riders, especially with good riding reported in most of the state," said N.H. Fish and Game Captain Dave Walsh, who coordinates Snowmobile and Off Highway Recreational Vehicle enforcement, registration and safety education for New Hampshire. CONCORD, N.H. -- Our recent record-breaking cold weather has formed some great early season ice this year on our lakes and ponds. Why not get outside and enjoy New Hampshire’s ice-covered waterbodies by learning how to ice fish?
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Let's Go Fishing Program offers free ice fishing classes at many locations around the state. Classes are designed for families and individuals who are new to ice fishing, or people who would like a refresher to get back into the sport. Instructors are trained volunteers who love to teach others the skills needed to get out on the ice. Registration is required to save your spot. To register, visit www.fishnh.com/fishing/lets-go-fishing.html, select “Register for Ice Fishing Classes,” and then choose the date and location that works for you. CONCORD, N.H. -- Take advantage of New Hampshire’s second annual winter free fishing day on Saturday, January 20, 2018. That’s a day you can fish without a license in New Hampshire. Note that all other regulations must be followed. Learn more about fishing rules by reading the NH Freshwater Fishing or Saltwater Fishing digests at www.fishnh.com/fishing/publications.html.
Persons participating in a fishing tournament must still hold a license, even on free fishing day. The State Legislature authorized the addition of the winter free fishing day in order to provide an opportunity for those interested in trying ice-fishing. Find more information about ice fishing in New Hampshire, including videos, a list of bait dealers, and more, at www.fishnh.com/fishing/ice-fishing.html. This annual winter event will be the third Saturday in January each year for those who want to plan ahead. New Hampshire also offers a free fishing day on the first Saturday in June. CONCORD, N.H. -- NH Fish and Game will host a free ice fishing seminar on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord.
Come hear New Hampshire Fishing Guide Tim Moore talk about how to catch white perch and lake trout through the ice. You’ll get the latest insights on equipment and gear, where to find these fish, and strategies for angling success. Both experienced ice anglers and those new to the sport are welcome. Tim Moore is a full-time New Hampshire fishing guide and outdoor writer. He conducts fishing seminars from Maine to Minnesota and guides hundreds of ice anglers from around the world in search of lake trout and white perch. |
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