February News Notes

Election Papers Available for April 1st Town Election
Nomination papers are available for Rehoboth’s April 1st annual town election. Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s office and must be returned, signed by a minimum of 50 voters, by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11. Positions to be elected on the ballot for 2019 are: Moderator (one for 1 year), Selectmen (one for 3 years), Treasurer (one for 3 years), Assessor (one for 3 years), School Committee (one for 3 years), Constable (three for 3 years), Planning Board (one for 5 years), Park Commission (one for 5 years), Housing Authority (three positions; one for 5 years, one for 4 years, and one for 2 years), and Water Commissioner (two for 3 years and one for 1 year). The final voter registration date to be eligible to vote in the Annual Town Election is Tuesday, March 12th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Clerk’s Office. All three precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 1.

Plans for Building Project for Rehoboth’s New Municipal Complex Moving Forward
The building committee for Rehoboth’s new government complex recently updated selectmen on the project, according to a Sun Chronicle article. Last May, town meeting approved $819,000 for the purchase of 14.7 acres off Anawan Street. The town plans to use prefabricated building materials for the new government complex, which is expected to include a new town hall, new animal shelter and renovated police department and fire station. The design is expected to cost $1.1 million. Selectmen plan to put an article for funding for the project on the May town meeting warrant.

Rehoboth to Receive State Funds for Early Voting
The state is reimbursing cities and towns for costs associated with early voting. Rehoboth is expected to receive $3,725, according to an article in the Sun Chronicle. The early voting law was passed in 2014 and requires cities and towns to allow voting during a 12-day early voting period. Early voting has proved to be very popular, with more than 584,000 voters casting ballots early during the 2018 general election. Municipalities were also reimbursed for early voting in the 2016 election.

Rehoboth to Receive Fire Safety Grant
The state has awarded 245 fire departments Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) grants to educate students on fire and life safety. The program teaches students to recognize the dangers of fire and the fire hazards of tobacco products. In addition, 240 fire departments have received Senior S.A.F.E. grants to provide similar training to older adults. Rehoboth has been awarded $3,754 and $2,400 respectively, according to a Sun Chronicle article. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services administers the programs.