NEW BOSTON --?A bid by the town to purchase a large tract of open space was defeated by voters Tuesday, but the remaining articles on the town ballot passed comfortably.
 
A request to raise and appropriate $900,000 to purchase nearly 160 acres for both conservation and future town facilities failed to secure a simple majority, with 429 voting in favor, and 509 against.
 
The town's operating budget of $4,223,370 passed easily, 576 to 347.
 
Voters also approved a $15,000 request to purchase a pumper for the fire department, 688 to 237.
 
Incumbent Selectman Dwight Lovejoy will return to the board after besting his opponent, Louis Lanzillotti, 523 to 359.
 
The school district's operating budget totaling $12,573,692 passed with a vote of 727 to 187.
 
A three–year collective bargaining agreement with the district's teachers was approved, 556 to 375. The agreement will cost taxpayers $81,455 in the first year, $72,007 the second year, and $84,637 in the third year.
 
Voters also agreed to enter into a new area agreement with Goffstown and Dunbarton by a vote of 714 to 212. Middle and high school students from New Boston will be sent to Goffstown on a tuition-basis through this agreement.