Manchester’s Board of School Committee will conduct a recount Nov. 20 of the vote on a ballot question that would have limited annual increases in school property taxes and capped school administration spending. The question received 20,827 “Yes” votes and 13,919 “No” votes in the Nov. 3 general election, according to unofficial results released by the Office of the City Clerk.
The result gave the proposal 59.94% support, leaving it 21 votes short of the 60% supermajority required for adoption under state law and guidance from the secretary of state. Former Manchester alderman and school board member Rich Girard filed a recount petition Nov. 10.
What voters considered
Ballot Question 2 would have placed a limit on the amount of property taxes that could be raised for school budgets from one year to the next. It also would have restricted spending on school administration to no more than 6% of the Manchester school budget.
The proposal drew more “Yes” votes than “No” votes in 11 of the city’s 12 wards. Ward 3 was the only ward where voters opposed it, with 1,213 “No” votes compared with 1,183 “Yes” votes.
The Board of School Committee voted Nov. 9 to certify the results of the election. State law requires the recount to be scheduled no sooner than five days after a petition is filed and no later than 10 days afterward. The school committee is responsible for carrying out the recount.
Recount details
Girard said Friday that the recount is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Nov. 20 and will continue at the school district’s Welcome Center at French Hall, 148 Concord St., until the work is finished.
“Go until it’s completed.” — Rich Girard
Girard is seeking volunteers to serve as observers during different periods of the recount. He asked volunteers to call 603-624-5668 and leave their contact information and availability so the observation schedule can be coordinated.
- The recount concerns the Nov. 3 vote on Manchester Ballot Question 2.
- Approval required at least 60% of votes cast on the question.
- The recount is scheduled for Nov. 20 at the school district’s Welcome Center.
