PEMBROKE – Pembroke is the only town in the tri-town area that follows the traditional Town Meeting format. Unlike its neighboring towns, Hooksett and Allenstown, which have adopted the official ballot law format, often called SB2 for the Senate bill that preceded it, which separates deliberation and voting, Pembroke continues to uphold the historical method where residents vote on town and school issues in person during the deliberation process.
This process unfolds in two sessions:
March 11: Residents will cast ballots for town officials at the Pembroke Academy Gymnasium from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March 15: The Town Meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at the Pembroke Academy Auditorium, where all warrant articles will be debated, amended if necessary, and then voted on by those present.
What’s on the ballot?
On March 11, voters will select town and school officials, including select board members, town clerk, treasurer, and other positions. These elections are done via official ballot at the Pembroke Academy gymnasium.
Town Meeting on March 15 is where residents will debate, listen, learn and then vote on important town warrant articles, covering topics such as the town and school budgets, major infrastructure projects, and public safety investments.
Town warrant articles
Article 3: $10.4 Million PFAS water treatment project
One of the most significant proposals this year is a $10.4 million project to address PFAS contamination in the town’s water supply. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known as “forever chemicals” and have been linked to serious health risks.
This project would include:
• Connecting Pembroke’s water system to Concord Water for a cleaner source.
• Constructing a new well and treatment facility at Route 3 wellfield to filter out contaminants.
• Implementing ongoing water quality monitoring.
The project would be funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund and a PFAS Remediation Grant, requiring a three-fifths majority vote (60 percent) to pass.
Article 4: $730,402 for an electric refuse truck
Pembroke’s Public Works Department is proposing the purchase of an electric refuse truck as part of the town’s transition to more environmentally sustainable municipal vehicles.
Article 5: $152,000 for stormwater infrastructure at Memorial Park
This article requests funding to address erosion issues along the Merrimack and Suncook River banks to improve conservation efforts and public safety.
Articles 6 and 7: Property tax exemptions for elderly and disabled residents
These articles propose adjustments to elderly and disabled tax exemptions, helping financially vulnerable residents maintain their homes.
Article 8: Veterans’ tax credit
If approved, this measure would extend property tax credits to veterans and their spouses as a way to recognize their service.
Article 9: $75,000 for Public Works Equipment Capital Reserve Fund
This article would replenish the town’s capital reserve fund, ensuring Pembroke can maintain and replace essential infrastructure equipment.
Article 10: $55,420 for a new police cruiser
The Pembroke Police Department is requesting funds to replace an aging police cruiser and maintain effective law enforcement services.
Article 11: $250,000 for a six-wheel dump and plow truck
This funding would replace an outdated plow truck, ensuring the town can effectively maintain roads during winter storms.
Article 12: $190,000 for a 1-Ton Pickup Truck for Public Works
This vehicle would replace an aging pickup truck, allowing Public Works to continue efficient municipal operations.
Article 13: $60,000 for a vehicle lift machine
Funding for a vehicle lift machine at the Public Works garage to improve maintenance efficiency and safety.
Article 14: $66,648 for a new cardiac monitor for Pembroke EMS
This article seeks funding to replace a cardiac monitor that is vital for emergency medical response.
Article 15: $65,000 for a Wood Chipper
Public Works is requesting a new wood chipper to replace an old and potentially unsafe unit used for town landscaping and maintenance.
Articles 16 & 17: Property tax exemptions for low-income and senior residents
These measures aim to ease the financial burden on vulnerable residents by adjusting property tax exemption thresholds.
Article 18: Petitioned resolution on Education Freedom Accounts (vouchers)
This non-binding resolution urges state lawmakers to reject further expansion of private school vouchers funded by taxpayer dollars. Proponents argue that taxpayer money should stay within public schools, while opponents believe in greater school choice.
