2026 Barrington Warrant (Ballot) Information

This amendment gives the Zoning Administrator (the Building Inspector) authority under certain circumstances to allow a new use in an existing development without formal site plan or other review by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.  A change of use determination is used to decide whether a proposed new activity on a property is a similar use, a permitted new use, or a different use that triggers additional zoning or site plan approvals.  This amendment will allow the Zoning Administrator to act as the administrative gatekeeper between routine permitting and the need for review by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The change-of-use determination evaluates whether a use (for example, a tenant in a shopping center) replacing a former use, fits within the same category under the Barrington Zoning Ordinance. The criteria will guide the Zoning Administrator to make a determination as to whether it is a new or more intensive use that requires formal review by either the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, or both. If the Zoning Administrator finds the change of use will increase impacts such as traffic, parking, noise, or intensity, the applicant must obtain any approvals which may be necessary from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and undergo Planning Board site plan approval before the new use can be established at a location.

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Explanation and Additional Details

Planning Board Recommendation

This amendment is recommended for approval by the Planning Board 6-0.   The purpose of this amendment is to require additional details from a developer as part of Yield Plan development to illustrate that any developer proposing a conservation subdivision provides the Planning Board an accurate basis for the number of housing units they will be allowed to build. A developer is required to prove how many units are possible to develop on the proposed parcel(s) using Barrington’s standard subdivision regulations.  The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations work together to form the framework, which requires minimum lot sizes, frontages, setbacks and other dimensional requirements.  Standard subdivisions tend to disturb more land area than a conservation subdivision would.  The zoning ordinance allows a developer, once a Yield Plan is approved, to propose a new conservation subdivision layout that concentrates development within a much smaller area of the overall project area included in the proposal, minimizing disturbance of the natural habitat, to include upland and wetland areas, steep slopes and other features of the land. Understanding that a developer wants to yield as many units as possible, the Planning Board is making it clear through these proposed requirements that a Yield Plan must be in full compliance with the subdivision regulations as written, with no waivers.  In addition to that, it will add the requirement for a developer to provide a Return on Investment Calculation (ROI) to illustrate that the proposed Yield Plan would be financially feasible, with the standard that it will at least break even.

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=15832

This amendment creates a new district within the overall Town Center District.  It will be called the Dove District Town Center and contain 92 acres. The Dove District Town Center will allow the Planning Board flexibility to work with an applicant using a concept/technique called form based code to design and develop this area into a nicely laid out, walkable mix of commercial and residential development, which will connect into the trails systems that surround the Town Center, along with connectivity to the new library and the rest of the Town Center District.  As the Dove District is developed, the plan will be to guide development of the overall town center in a similar fashion.  Developers will be required to enter into development agreements with the Town to ensure that the required commercial component of a project is built. 

Form based code stresses design and placement of buildings and public spaces in a way that enhances public interaction and different recreational and civic activities.  The objective is to provide a place for people to gather, interact and enjoy activities in a thriving atmosphere for businesses of a scale that works for the Dove District Town Center.  As part of the process of writing this code, a market study was completed that supports demand for certain small businesses within Barrington.

See proposed map of the Dove District Town Center.  Route 9 is shown on the bottom of this map with the Route 125 intersection in the bottom right corner.  The proposed district includes developed lots including Bellaviso Salon and Spa, The Christmas Dove, and The Village Barn, as well as undeveloped lots.

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=3912

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=4353

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Explanation and Additional Details

Like any vehicle, fire trucks must be replaced as they age.  The cost of a new firetruck or other emergency response vehicles vary but can cost in excess of $1 million.  The anticipated replacement schedule can be found here (Fire/EMS Truck Replacement Schedule 20250930).  We set aside money annually in this capital reserve to stabilize our future tax rate.  Without this savings account, our tax rates would increase in the years we purchase new equipment, or we would need to borrow, paying long-term interest costs.

Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation

The Advisory Budget Committee unanimously recommends this article.  They feel that saving in capital reserve accounts is a fiscally responsible way to plan for large future expenditures.  The planned purchases from this capital reserve are essential for operations of the Department and should not be deferred.  Each year, the Advisory Budget Committee reviews updated plans for each capital reserve account and challenge Town staff to find cost savings and alternative purchase and replacement options.  In recent years, the Advisory Budget Committee has applauded the work of the Fire Chief and officers to find lower-cost alternatives to full replacement, such as the cab and chassis remount of the Town’s tank truck and buying a new ambulance with a refurbished patient compartment.  This approach demonstrates good planning and careful stewardship of public funds. 

Select Board Recommendation

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=6485

Explanation and Additional Details

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=6885

Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation

The Advisory Budget Committee unanimously recommends this article.  They feel that saving in capital reserve accounts is a fiscally responsible way to plan for large future expenditures.  Residents have been saving for essential radio improvements for nearly twenty years in Barrington.  In 2022 and then 2024/2025 multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent bringing Barrington’s radio infrastructure up to date.  These planned purchases from this capital reserve are essential for reliable emergency communications and should not be deferred.  Each year, the Advisory Budget Committee reviews updated plans for each capital reserve account and challenge Town staff to find cost savings and alternative purchase and replacement options.  This year’s contribution is lower than recent years since most of the planned projects have been completed and the focus now is saving for an additional repeater in the future.

Select Board Recommendation

The Select Board unanimously recommends this article.  They feel that Barrington has a very successful program to save funds in advance of large expenditures.  In recent years, this account was well-used for its intended purpose; by saving a regular amount year-over-year, the community was able to upgrade vital communications equipment, as planned, without the need to borrow or approve a one-time large expenditure.  Support from voters is essential because missing an annual contribution to these savings accounts sets the expenditure plan behind.  The Select Board is glad that the contributions to this savings account can be reduced based on upcoming needs.  These funds are outside of the operating budget and require Select Board approval for all expenditures which are also monitored by the Trustees of the Trust Funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explanation and Additional Details

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=7117

Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation

The Advisory Budget Committee unanimously recommends this article.  They feel that saving in capital reserve accounts is a fiscally responsible way to plan for large future expenditures.  The planned purchases from this capital reserve are essential for operations of the Department and should not be deferred.  Each year, the Advisory Budget Committee reviews updated plans for each capital reserve account and challenge Town staff to find cost savings and alternative purchase and replacement options.

Select Board Recommendation

The Select Board unanimously recommends this article.  They feel that Barrington has a very successful program to save funds in advance of large expenditures.  Support from voters is essential because missing an annual contribution to these savings accounts sets the expenditure plan behind.  This equipment is essential for the safety and capabilities of our first responders.  These funds are outside of the operating budget and require Select Board approval for all expenditures which are also monitored by the Trustees of the Trust Funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation

The Advisory Budget Committee unanimously recommends this article.  They feel it is important to keep the Town's accounting and records current and closing out unused accounts is a great way to do that.

Select Board Recommendation

The Select Board unanimously recommends this article.  They are glad the Library project was finished under budget and support returning a portion of these capital reserve funds back to taxpayer as revenue to offset taxes.  The Select Board also unanimously recommends the following article, which is contingent on approval and this article, and asks voters to place $15,000 into the Library Technology Capital Reserve.  If both articles pass, $13,000 will be returned to voters are revenue to offset taxes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation

The Advisory Budget Committee unanimously recommends this article.  They feel that saving in capital reserve accounts is a fiscally responsible way to plan for large future expenditures.  The planned purchases from this capital reserve are essential for operations of the Department and should not be deferred.  Each year, the Advisory Budget Committee reviews updated plans for each capital reserve account and challenge Town staff to find cost savings and alternative purchase and replacement options.  In 2025, the ABC felt that the annual contributions were inadequate to fund the plan presented by the Library.  The ABC supports closing the Library and Community Center Capital Reserve (Article 22) and using a portion of the current balance ($15,000) to add to this capital reserve and fully fund the plan through 2029.

Select Board Recommendation

The Select Board unanimously recommends this article.  They feel that Barrington has a very successful program to save funds in advance of large expenditures.  Support from voters is essential because missing an annual contribution to these savings accounts sets the expenditure plan behind.  At their November 17, 2025 meeting, the Select Board discussed the building project surplus and future technology needs with the Library Trustee Chair.  The Library Trustee Chair explained that fully funding the Library Technology Capital Improvement Plan would mean that there would not need to be an annual contribution to this capital reserve in the next few years.  If both Article 22 and this article (Article 23) pass, there will be net positive impact on the 2026 tax rate of 0.6 cents.  These funds are outside of the operating budget and require Library Trustee approval for all expenditures which are also monitored by the Trustees of the Trust Funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation

The Advisory Budget Committee unanimously recommends this article.  They recognize that law enforcement is a core service in the community and that recruitment and retention is especially challenging throughout New Hampshire.  The Advisory Budget Committee appreciates the Select Board’s historical commitment to third-party data collection for wages and benefits in comparable communities to ensure we remain competitive and cost conscious.  Supporting this article is important for the retention of the valuable employees in the Police Department.

Select Board Recommendation

The Select Board unanimously recommends this article.  It remains challenging to hire qualified employees to protect our community and retention of our highly trained law enforcement personnel is essential.  The proposed total compensation changes are likely to help the Town retain our existing employees and help attract from a broader pool of applicants for future vacancies.  Approval of the cost items contained in this article allows the Select Board to implement the collective bargaining agreement which will be in place for three years.  Negotiations for this three-year contract were efficient and amicable, taking only two sessions.  The Select Board reviewed and approved the terms of the collective bargaining agreement on December 1, 2025.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Advisory Budget Committee Recommendation

The Advisory Budget Committee unanimously recommends this article.  They feel making data-driven decisions for employee total rewards is important.  Care and maintenance of our roadways and operations of the Transfer Station are core services which residents rely on every day.  Supporting this article is important for the retention of the valuable employees in the Highway Department and Transfer Station.

Select Board Recommendation

The Select Board unanimously recommends this article.  The Select Board remains committed to treating union and non-union employees as equitably as possible.  The cost items in this contract provide wage increases for the employees of the bargaining unit in the same manner as other Town employees consistent with the recommendations of the Total Compensation Study.  At a time when it is challenging to hire qualified employees to plow our roads, retention of our skilled workers is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Select Board Recommendation

If voters defeat the cost items of the collective bargaining agreements, the terms will need to be renegotiated and the cost items of the new terms would need to be presented before voters at a special meeting.  Passage of this article would allow the Select Board to call a special meeting for that purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explanation and Additional Details

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=9694

Explanation and Additional Details

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=9928

Explanation and Additional Details

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=11465

Explanation and Additional Details

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://youtu.be/aylgtDc6_r0&t=13363

The filing period for School District Officers is from Wednesday, January 21, 2026 through Thursday, January 29, 2026, by appointment only. The SAU office will be open on Friday, January 30th from 3pm-5pm for those who don’t have an appointment and wish to file for School District positions. Contact the SAU at 603-664-2715 or the School District Clerk at 978-807-8241 to learn more about open positions or to schedule an appointment.  The Moderator will not be hosting a candidate forum this year. 

The FY 2026-2027 Total Operating Budget of $34,173,459 is recommended unanimously by both the Barrington School Board and the School Board Advisory Budget Committee.

The proposed 2026-27 Operating Budget represents a 5.58% increase or $1,806,165 from the 2025-26 Operating Budget and .63% increase or $202,793 more than the FY 2025-2026 general fund default budget of $33,970,666. 

The proposed budget increase is primarily driven by a 34.8% increase in mandated health insurance coverage.  This immense increase represents 3.28% of the overall 5.58% proposed budget increase or $1,063,117.  The remaining 2.3% increase is a result of mandated contractual salary increases and increases to supply lines due to the cost of goods and shipping.  This proposed 5.58% increase results in a tax impact of $.95 per $1,000.00 of assessed home value with the default budget resulting in an increase of $.85 per $1,000.

The proposed operating budget also supports specialized in-district and out-of-district programs for all our students, no matter what their educational needs might entail, and no matter what school(s) they attend. Special education and related service costs have risen dramatically while our state and federal funding has declined.

The Barrington School District has a longstanding tradition of delivering excellent education to its students while maintaining fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. The dedication of Barrington's educators to student academic and social/emotional success has resulted in assessment scores that are comparable to the state average by children who are grounded and empathetic demonstrating a return on the community’s investment in our schools.

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/WvZStxQIKmg?t=5344s

Two members of the Barrington School Board in conjunction with two members of the Barrington Education Association collaborated throughout the months of September through December to compile a robust 3-year agreement.  The proposed agreement aims to continue Barrington’s competitive paraprofessional salaries and benefits in order to stay ahead of market value and attract qualified personnel for our learners. This demonstrates a commitment to retaining our current paraeducators while attracting highly qualified candidates to the district. By stabilizing staffing, Barrington schools will be better positioned to implement and sustain long-term programs and initiatives, continuing our tradition of enhancing educational outcomes for students.  This contract proposal results in a $.05 increase per $1,000 of assessed home value.

Deliberative Session Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/WvZStxQIKmg?t=6237s

If the Warrant Article for the newly negotiated Paraprofessional Contract (Article 3) should fail at the March 10, 2026 vote, Article 4 would permit the School Board and Union negotiators the opportunity to revisit and renegotiate the cost items of the contract only.  This would potentially afford us the opportunity to hold an additional hearing and vote to get an adjusted contract put forth before and reconsidered by the voters.  

The Barrington School District Facilities Capital Reserve Fund (FCRF) has been an invaluable planning and budgeting tool for the School District. The FCRF provides the School District the opportunity to repair and replace school infrastructure that is both planned and unexpected. In addition, the FCRF is a valuable funding source in competing for competitive grants that require matching funds. The Barrington School Board remains committed to the upkeep and maintenance of the Barrington School District facilities and grounds.  In the upcoming decade we will have many high dollar maintenance needs that require this proactive approach.  This $250,000 FCRF deposit from the current year’s unassigned fund balance does not require an appropriation of new funds. The existing capital will provide a funding source for future school district projects such as parking lot replacement and striping, roof repair and replacement, a generator for the ECLC and other future building infrastructure projects and needs.

Open Enrollment is 30 year old legislation that has gained recent traction across the state of New Hampshire as a result of parental interest in school choice.  The current regulatory statute permits school districts to put forth warrant articles for voter consideration in regard to becoming a district who sends or receives open enrollment students.  The state has not yet made this a requirement.  It remains at this time a local decision however, those of us in the field of public education are quite certain that the legislation will be revisited by the State Board of Education in this upcoming legislative session.  As a result, it is the collective recommendation of the notable education attorneys for school districts to put forth warrant articles for voter consideration during this budget year in order to be able to define at the local level what we are able to manage not only fiscally but also from an enrollment standpoint. 

For the past four years the Barrington School District has realized a slight decline in student enrollment.  For four years in a row our kindergarten class has been under 100 students resulting in an elementary population next year of 362 with each of the four grade levels being under 100 students.  As a result, we cut one 4th grade position for the 26/27 school year which is reflected in the proposed budget.  We did, however, decide to remain at current staffing levels for kindergarten and first grades.  The predicted smaller class sizes in these two grade levels allows us to suggest that we become a receiving open enrollment district for the 26/27 school year for kindergarten and 1st grades only.  Additionally, in order to respect parental choice, we have decided to also become a sending open enrollment district for up to 5 students.  This narrow scope will allow us to start small, permitting the opportunity to create policies and procedures for student enrollment, invoicing, as well as curtailing the financial impact when a family chooses to send to a different district.  The latest iteration of the Open Enrollment bill shifted the tuition amount to be paid to the receiving district from 80% of Barrington’s cost per pupil to 100% of the receiving district’s cost per pupil.  If Open Enrollment becomes a statewide mandate we will struggle to accurately budget for and staff our schools.   When a parent requests to send their child to a different school it is important to note that students are permitted to change schools once per school year and that attendance is presumed to be full time at that receiving public school.  Open Enrollment is not intended to be a compilation of public school, home school, online school, private school or any other means.