Voters on Saturday defeated 37-24 an ordinance that would have put a six-month hold on wind-power development. Many who spoke seemed to be in favor of the moratorium, but it was defeated by secret ballot.
Voters on Saturday defeated 37-24 an ordinance that would have put a six-month hold on wind-power development. Many who spoke seemed to be in favor of the moratorium, but it was defeated by secret ballot.
CANTON - Voters on Saturday defeated 37-24 an ordinance that would have put a six-month hold on wind-power development.
Many who spoke seemed to be in favor of the moratorium, but it was defeated by secret ballot.
Resident Judy Drury spoke passionately in favor of the hold so people could be better informed about the impacts of wind turbines by talking to people from other towns who have them.
Impact on taxes seemed to be the controlling factor, rather than any health effects.
Administrative Assistant Harry Childs had prepared a projection on tax impact with property values and windmill evaluation. If the wind farm is valued at $40 million and a person's taxes were $1,965 on a $100,000 house, the taxes could go down to $1,080.
Voters …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]CANTON - Voters on Saturday defeated 37-24 an ordinance that would have put a six-month hold on wind-power development.
Many who spoke seemed to be in favor of the moratorium, but it was defeated by secret ballot.
Resident Judy Drury spoke passionately in favor of the hold so people could be better informed about the impacts of wind turbines by talking to people from other towns who have them.
Impact on taxes seemed to be the controlling factor, rather than any health effects.
Administrative Assistant Harry Childs had prepared a projection on tax impact with property values and windmill evaluation. If the wind farm is valued at $40 million and a person's taxes were $1,965 on a $100,000 house, the taxes could go down to $1,080.
Voters also defeated an article to see if the town would vote money from the disaster relief fund and wood lots income to clean up the property at 9 School St. The money would be repaid from a special tax on the property, which burned in February. Selectman Donald Hutchins said the town had received numerous complaints about the odor and appearance of the ruins.