State says Atkinson can start field construction

From the Eagle Tribune;

State says Atkinson can start field construction
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — Construction of two athletic fields on East Road should be completed this year.

Selectmen received word from the state Department of Revenue Administration yesterday that they will be allowed to use money from a 2008 warrant article to pay for construction of the two fields.

"It looks like we will be able to do that by the end of the year," Selectman Bill Friel said.

Selectmen previously said the project would have to be put off for another year since they believed the wording of a March warrant article prevented them from touching a $40,000 warrant article approved at the 2008 Town Meeting.

Construction was originally supposed to start in April. The project's total cost will be about $136,000, but construction will begin with the $85,000 they have available.

Voters approved a $45,000 warrant article at Town Meeting this year to construct the lacrosse and multipurpose field. But voters rejected a $25,000 warrant article that would have funded a 50-car parking lot and walking path around the two fields.

More money will have to be requested at next year's Town Meeting in order to complete the project.

Patti Mangini, chairwoman of the Recreation Commission, said previously the athletic leagues and Recreation Commission would fundraise before next March to help ease the burden on taxpayers.