By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — Citing declining attendance numbers at the annual town meeting, Harrison officials suggested a different approach this year.

Rather than hold a June meeting, Harrison residents will go to the polls not only to elect municipal officials, they will also decide whether to approve 33 warrant articles. Polls will be open on June 9, 2020 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, in the meeting room at the town office. 

COVID-19 also forced another new twist.

Normally, selectmen hold a public hearing to review and answer questions might have regarding the proposed budget and warrant articles. But the virus outbreak has prompted the town to hold a “virtual” public hearing tonight, March 26 at 6 p.m.

“You can use your computer, tablet, iPad or smartphone. No one needs to come in and it will be recorded,” according to a message posted in the town’s electronic weekly update. 

A copy of the draft warrant will be posted on a computer screen that will show up for people on computers, tablets and smartphones. 

“People will need to mute themselves and unmute when they want to talk. If you type in your name when asked, it shows your name on the computer screen so we will have a record of who attends,” town officials said. 

To join the meeting from a computer, tablet or smartphone:

One can also dial in using a phone (toll free) at 1-877-309-2073 or 1-(312)-757-3129

Access Code: 262-507-813

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when the meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/262507813

What’s on the ballot

By moving to a secret ballot, absentee voting on the warrant articles and other questions can occur. Voters will be able to order or pick up a ballot from the clerk’s office and take it home to complete. (Absentees are available 30 days prior to the election.) 

“This means you can order an absentee ballot instead of coming to the polling place. This may become very helpful in the months ahead with more and more people being required to stay at home and not congregate,” the clerk’s office said. 

What will be on the ballot?

• Proposed amendments to the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, Site Plan Review Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Mooring Regulations Ordinance, Recall Ordinance

• Raise and appropriate $869,900 from revenue to reduce taxes

• Raise and appropriate the following amounts (selectmen recommend a “yes” vote): $585,277 for administration; $640,998 for public works; $140,704 for fire department; $294,497 for solid waste disposal; $131,573 for parks; $147,672 for recreation; $82,800 for insurance; $214,342 for public safety; $82,650 for community services; $174,938 for code enforcement; $600,000 for capital roads; $500,000 for comprehensive capital reserve account

• The final warrant article asks whether voters wish to continue to vote on all warrant articles by secret ballot (a “no” vote calls for the town to return to an open floor meeting for business articles).