Hanson voters will decide the fate of the Community Preservation Act on Saturday, as well as two races for Planning Board and Housing Authority.

The Community Preservation Act passed by an overwhelming majority at last year’s October Town Meeting.  To be accepted by the town, it must also pass at the ballot box.

The Community Preservation Act is a Massachusetts state law that allows towns to add an additional property tax assessment, and set the money aside for open space, historic or community housing-related projects.

Currently 130 towns in the state have adopted the act.  In addition to Hanson, it is on the ballot in five other communities, including Plympton.

At annual Town Meeting last week, Hanson voters approved the creation of a by-law that establishes a Community Preservation Committee in Hanson, despite the fact that the act has not been officially accepted.  Proponents of the CPA say this will help kickstart the process, as there are many rules and regulations involved in the fund.

Towns can assess a property tax increase of up to 3 percent when the act is approved, which is then matched up to 100 percent by the state.  Hanson’s assessment will be 1.5 percent of the total property value of a home, less the first $100,000.  Although, as more communities accept the act, the matching percentage will cease to be 100 percent, the match is still estimated to be between 60 and 70 percent.

Adoption of the CPA is supported by many of the boards and committees around town, including Parks and Fields, Conservation and Planning.  Both candidates running unopposed for the Board of Selectmen are also in favor of passing the act.

Due to the resignations of Jesse McSweeney and Mark Gallivan from the Board of Selectmen, two one-year positions are on the ballot.  Steven Amico and Donald Howard are the only candidates running for those slots.  Christopher Colclough and James Egan are running unopposed for full three-year terms.

Amico feels his service on other town boards, notably the Finance Committee, will help him be a good selectman.

“I’ve served the town in a number of different areas: the school committee, the finance committee. I have also been very involved in local sports,” he said.  “I’d like to continue to serve the community.”

Howard worked for the town as a member of the Highway Department and has served on the Board of Health in the past.

“I enjoy working for the town. I’ve been coming to the meetings of the selectmen to understand the issues,” said Howard. “I think they’re doing an excellent job.”

The two contested races are for Housing Authority and Planning Board.

Ken Lawson is challenging incumbent Gordon Coyle for a seat on the Planning Board. Michael Jones, who was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Housing Authority, is running against Thomas Powers, a resident of Meetinghouse Lane.