NEWRY — A public hearing is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the Bear River Grange Hall on three referendum questions going to voters next month. Selectmen will meet afterward.

The June 14 referendum questions are:

* Whether to continue pursuing withdrawal from SAD 44.

* Whether to amend the Fire Department Ordinance.

* Whether to settle a boundary issue at Head of the Tide Cemetery.

Town Administrator Amy Bernard said the Board of Selectmen was advised to put the withdrawal question before residents as a secret ballot, rather than at the annual town meeting in March. Selectmen decided to do that at their meeting Tuesday, she said.

Residents voted in September 2014 to authorize the Withdrawal Committee to investigate options for leaving the district, which also includes Bethel, Greenwood and Woodstock. The committee and the SAD 44 board have not reached a withdrawal agreement to present to Newry voters.

Some residents suggested selectmen ask the school board to review a possible funding formula change instead of withdrawing.

Newry has few students, but its high property valuation means it pays about $3 million a year toward the $10 million annual budget, according to published reports. A change in the funding formula could factor in student population and shift more of the cost to the three other towns.

The change would involve setting up a committee with representation from each district town and crafting a proposed formula, according to state law. A majority of district voters would have to approve it.

Residents at next week’s hearing will also discuss whether to approve changes to the Fire Department’s ordinance.

Assistant Town Clerk Laura Lowell said the amendments include changing the term of chief to one year, having one assistant chief instead of two and adding the position of captain.

The third item involves Head of the Tide Cemetery beside Route 26 in North Newry near the Grafton Township line. Board of Selectmen Chairman Gary Wight said when the Cemetery Committee had graveyards surveyed they discovered a discrepancy in the boundary. To settle it, he said, town officials and Robert Cummings have agreed to swap some land. Voters must approve the deal.

Following the hearings, selectmen will consider whether to rebate David Bartlett some of the Grange Hall rental fee because of heating issues and whether to sign the Sunday River Golf Course liquor license.

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