For the third year in a row, residents will have the opportunity to consider putting a $4.7 million warrant article for the construction of a new fire station on the March ballot.

While selectmen opted against asking voters to appropriate the funds for a new station for the third time in as many years, a petition has put it up for discussion at the town’s deliberative session at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Sherburne Hall in the Municipal Building.

On the ballot is a Planning Board proposal to expand the town’s business zone along Bridge Street to north of Rita Avenue and south of Balcom Road – about 102 acres of land in all – in an attempt to both broaden the commercial tax base and create local employment opportunities.

Proponents of the zoning amendment hope to bring banks, health clubs, educational services and other professional office buildings as well as retail stores, eating and drinking establishments to the town.

The proposal will exclude fast food restaurants with drivethrough windows, new and used car dealerships and big box retailers from setting up shop in the extended business zone.

Selectmen are also looking for approval from the voters to receive any potential federal money received through the proposed $825 billion economic stimulus package for their intended projects, even if the town meeting has deleted or does not approve an appropriation included in this year’s warrant articles.

The board is asking residents to establish a record of voter support for the spending of federal or state funds for projects that do not impact on the tax rate even if the project has failed during town meeting.

The town is also looking for approval to appropriate a $10.6 million operating budget for the next year. Other appropriations include raising $64,537 to increase the salaries and benefits of public works and municipal employees.

A further $64,897 is being asked to fund the first year of salary and benefits increases as part of a three-year agreement reached between selectmen and the Pelham Supervisors Association.

An appropriation of $156,877 would go toward funding increases in the salaries and benefits of local law enforcement officials if the warrant article meets voter approval.