Select Board — March 30, 2026
While there were pointed public comments regarding fiscal policy, the meeting was characterized by standard procedural business and unified decision-making.
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At the March 30 Select Board meeting, several decisions were made that will have long-term impacts on Exeter’s budget and community atmosphere.
First, the Board approved a proposal to allow controlled alcohol sampling at the Swasey Parkway Farmers Market. While the Board implemented strict requirements—including vendor fees and limited sampling—the decision introduces alcohol into a public community space, a move that has raised concerns regarding precedent and potential regulatory loopholes.
Second, the conversation around fiscal responsibility remains a point of tension. Following public comments urging fiscal conservatism for the 2027 budget and municipal bonding, Board members defended current bonding strategies as a way to access loan forgiveness. This comes at a critical time, as the Board is also reviewing groundwater improvement bids that vary significantly in cost, from $1.27 million to over $3.2 million.
As state-level policies continue to shift more of the tax burden onto local municipalities, Exeter residents should remain closely attentive to how the Select Board manages large-scale capital expenditures and long-term debt.
Public impact
Significant capital expenditure with bids ranging from ~$1.28M to ~$3.25M.
Potential increase in local property taxes due to state-level policy changes.
Topics discussed
The formal swearing-in ceremony for Josh McCain, who officially started as Police Chief on March 17th, following his tenure as interim chief.
The board reviewed two bids for the groundwater supply improvement project: Mechanics LLC ($3,249,800) and Granese and Sons Incorporated ($1,277,950).
Resident Mark Furlong requested an update on the Park Street bridge and urged fiscal conservatism regarding the 2027 budget and municipal bonding.
The board reviewed and approved the minutes from the March 11th, March 16th, and March 19th, 2026, meetings.
Discussion and vote regarding the appointment of Elaine Hayes to the Planning Board.
Public Works Director Steve Cronin requested public hearings regarding signage/traffic changes in the Wadleigh Street and Cass Street neighborhoods.
The board announced the appointment of Paul Cohen as the new Town Manager, effective May 26th, 2026.
Interim Town Manager Melissa Roy provided an update on various municipal grants, including solar tax credits and transportation programs.
Finance Director Corey Stevens presented the 2026 investment results and requested the re-adoption of the town's investment policy.
The board processed several batches of tax abatements, solar exemptions, veteran's credits, elderly exemptions, religious exemptions, and charitable exemptions.
Skyler Amston from Seacoast Eat Local presented a proposal to allow controlled alcohol sampling at the Exeter Farmers Market. Discussion regarding the implementation of guidelines for alcohol sampling at the Swasey Parkway farmers market, addressing concerns about precedent and potential loopholes.
An update on the spray pad repairs and a recommendation to purchase rubber flake surfacing from Rubberize It.
Procedural discussion regarding the close-out of the Planet Playground grant and authorizing the interim town manager to execute necessary documents.
Various updates from the Energy Committee, Planning Board, and Facilities Advisory Committee.
Report on several bills moving through the state legislature, including changes to the state primary, blockchain regulation, and electioneering definitions.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Farmers Market Alcohol Sales Proposal
Fiscal Policy and Municipal Bonding
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-05-31.
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