Two Local Questions on Portsmouth Ballot

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth has four different ballots, reflecting the four General Assembly districts. But everybody in Town will vote on two local ballot questions, according to Registrar of Voters, Jacqueline S. Schulz.

The first question deals with a plan to build a new police station, while the second asks if voters want to change the charter so they would no longer elect the Town Clerk.

Question 8 asks citizens to approve or reject the money for a proposed new police station.

A "yes" vote means the Town could issue general obligation bonds for up to $10 million to finance the new station's design, construction and equipping. A "no" vote means the facility would stay as is.

According to the explanation, the Town in 2015 hired Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. to conduct a feasibility and space needs study for both the police and the fire departments. The firm recommended replacing the existing police station after its study "concluded that the current police station is considerably undersized and insufficient for law enforcement functions; poses numerous safety, security and health concerns; and attempting anyadditions/renovations would be highly disruptive and create even more issues."

If approved, construction would start next summer and the building would be ready in October or November 2018.

Question 9 -- Shall the Town Clerk be an appointed position? -- asks voters about changing the charter so the town clerk would no longer be elected. A "yes" vote means starting Nov. 6, 2018, the Town Administrator would appoint the town clerk, and the town councilors would approve the choice. If the proposal's rejected, the voters would continue electing the clerk.