DEERFIELD — Voters will be asked to head to the polls again in January, as the Selectboard has called a second special election in hopes of authorizing up to $5 million for road repairs around town.

The special election for the Proposition 2½ debt exclusion will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 16, as the Selectboard seeks authority to borrow up to $3 million to pay for already completed road repairs, while also providing flexibility for unanticipated repairs and future work on River Road, which suffered extensive damage and could fail if another significant storm hits the town. The cost of holding an election is about $2,000.

January’s election comes on the heels of the Dec. 5 special election, during which the same question narrowly failed, 195-191. Voter turnout was approximately 9.8%, as just 386 of the town’s 3,957 registered voters went to the ballot box. With such a low turnout, Selectboard members feel like they need to do a better job at communicating with residents about the election and its importance.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to communicate to people what we’re asking them to do,” said Selectboard member Tim Hilchey, “so they can make an informed decision, whatever that might be.”

In the wake of the first vote failing to pass and “cash flow difficulties,” the Selectboard has started a discussion about possible cost-cutting measures that will help the town make up its deficits.

The day after the Dec. 5 vote, Selectboard Chair Carolyn Shores Ness said they may consider up to 20% departmental budget cuts, a hiring and spending freeze, and stop the Highway Department from contracting outside workers for snow removal on sidewalks, if they are unable to get borrowing authority.

On Friday afternoon, Shores Ness and Hilchey — member Trevor McDaniel was absent — took the first step in cutting costs, as they voted to require residents to clean the sidewalks in front of their homes.

“We have to have an action plan in place. We can’t wait until the 16th and then say, ‘Oh, sorry,’” Shores Ness said. “The town, unfortunately, will not be able to sign a contract. That’s a consequence of not being able to borrow. We don’t have the money.”

In a notice posted on the town website, residents are encouraged to contact Assistant Town Administrator Chris Nolan with any questions by calling 413-665-1400, ext. 104 or by emailing ata@town.deerfield.ma.us.

There may be state relief on the way, though. Legislators last week passed a $3.1 billion supplemental budget that includes $15 million for municipal disaster relief, although the timing of aid and the amount coming to individual municipalities is unknown while the state determines where money should be sent.

With yet another election coming before residents, as well as tax bills and other town notices being sent out over the coming weeks, Town Clerk Cassie Sanderell said if anyone has any questions about what is being asked of them, do not hesitate to call Town Hall.

“I am a bit concerned about residents being inundated with materials in this timeframe that asks something of them. If residents do find themselves overwhelmed or with questions, contact the Town Offices and we can direct them to the appropriate place,” she said. “If we stay positive, we’ll navigate through all of this together.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.