A group of Blacksmith Valley residents are now proposing an alternative plan to one that was negotiated by the town of Chilmark over several months. At the annual town meeting two weeks from today, voters will be asked to decide on a direction for the town.

In a show of confidence for the fiscal management of their town, Oak Bluffs voters at their annual town meeting Tuesday approved a large increase in the operating budget and said yes to spending a combined $15 million for a new town hall and fire station.

Discussion on the Mill Pond began at the doors of the West Tisbury School where advocates for and against dredging welcomed voters with Save the Mill Pond buttons and pamphlets.

Edgartown voters approved a $30.7 million operating budget and agreed to spend Community Preservation Act funds for a range of projects, including $350,000 to renovate the interior of the town hall.

In Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, balloting takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In West Tisbury polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. There is a selectman's race in Oak Bluffs.

Funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project comes from the $50 billion Hurricane Sandy relief bill passed in 2012. Aquinnah wants the dredging, but Chilmark does not.