Pelham voters will decide the fate of some big-ticket items – a new fire station and high school – when they go to the polls on Tuesday, March 11.

Selectmen have placed a $4,273,000 bond article on the town warrant to build a new central fire station. The proposed 19,000- square-foot building, which is supported by the Budget Committee, would be located across from the town hall and police station on the town’s village green. The new station is designed to last more than 50 years and can be expanded.

According to selectmen, the current 37-year-old fire station is too small for the staff has a failing septic system, and does not meet local electrical and fire codes, federal safety standards, and the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association.

Currently, firefighters have to store much of their equipment outside the station, which increases wear and tear and leads to higher maintenance costs. It is not cost effective to add on to the current station, according to officials. The proposal requires at least a 60 percent majority to pass.

Two dozen warrant articles, including a proposed $10,877,184 operating budget, are also on the ballot.

One of these is a new collective bargaining agreement between the town and the police union. The first year’s cost is $140,049. Union employees have not received any pay raises or step increases since the current contract expired in April 2006, according to Chief Joseph Roark.

Two three-year seats are available on the Board of Selectmen and three candidates are running: Al Torrisi, a Realtor and contractor, and incumbents Douglas Viger and William McDevitt, who were both appointed to fill vacancies last year.

School district ballot

The School Board is asking voters to approve three bond articles relative to a new high school: $3 million to purchase 48 acres of land off Windham Road on which to build the new school; $44,665,000 to build the new school and renovate the current one; and $3,116,000 for an auditorium at the new school.

The Budget Committee is recommending the land purchase but not the new school or auditorium. The new school is contingent upon the land sale being approved, and all three warrant articles require at least a 60 percent majority to pass.

The new school, if approved, would bring to reality a four-school model for the school district. The high school would be renovated for safety improvements and to accommodate grades 7 and 8. Memorial School would educate students in grades 5 and 6, and the elementary school would house up to grade 4.

If all three articles pass, the highest tax impact on the owners of a home valued at $362,000 would be about $1,000 during the second year of bond payments.

There are nine other warrant articles primarily seeking money for new employees, capital repairs and technology upgrades on the school district ballot.

Incumbent School Board member Linda Mahoney is being challenged for a second three-year term by Ray Perry, a former School Board member.

Because Michael Conrad is resigning from the board, a one-year seat is also available. Three residents are running: Lorraine Dube, Linda Koehler and Joseph Farris.

The polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. at Pelham High School.