Select Board — April 13, 2026
The meeting was characterized by standard administrative approvals, ceremonial items, and professional updates without significant public confrontation.
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During the April 13 Select Board meeting, several high-impact financial decisions were made that will affect Exeter residents for years to come.
On the infrastructure front, the board approved significant spending to maintain our town's water supply. This includes awarding a contract to N. Grenice and Sons Inc. for $3,877,750 for groundwater supply improvement projects, along with $510,000 to Underwood Engineers Inc. for engineering services. These are large-scale investments in our essential services.
Regarding the town budget and tax base, the board reviewed various tax exemptions. A particularly large $24.2 million charitable exemption was addressed, an amount significant enough that Selectboard member Daniel Chartrand recused himself from the vote to avoid a conflict of interest. Such large exemptions directly impact the shared tax burden of Exeter residents.
Finally, the board adopted a formal policy for municipal credit card usage. This new policy aims to provide clearer rules for purchasing food for town business and how credit card rewards and points are managed, representing a step toward stricter fiscal oversight of town-issued cards.
Public impact
Large-scale infrastructure investment totaling $4.39 million for construction and engineering.
Broad impact through the approval of various veteran, elderly, disability, and charitable exemptions affecting the total tax base.
Topics discussed
Chief Josh McCain presided over the swearing-in ceremony for four new officers: Bailey Bush, Ryan Avy, Blake Dunlap, and Jeff Gilman.
A public hearing was held to discuss the acceptance of a $21,575.67 rebate from New Hampshire Saves related to renovations at 10 Hampton Road and determining whether to allocate the funds to the General Fund or the Recreation Revolving account.
Outgoing Principal Bill Rosson provided updates on Academy construction projects (building renovation, dormitory conversion, and a new swimming pool) and expressed gratitude for the relationship between the Academy and the Town.
The board discussed a proposed formal policy for municipal credit card usage, including clarifications on the purchase of food for town-related purposes and the handling of rewards/points.
The board conducted the annual reorganization of committee and commission representations for board members.
The board reviewed and voted on various tax year 2026 exemptions including veteran, elderly, disability, charitable, religious, and educational exemptions, as well as property tax abatements for the 2025 and 2026 tax years.
Discussion regarding the installation of a mini-split HVAC system and a drop ceiling at the Dan Healey concession stand to improve employee safety and climate control.
The Public Works Department presented bids for groundwater supply improvement projects, including construction and engineering services.
A request from the restaurant 'In by the Bandstand' to waive a prorated outdoor dining permit fee due to recent property improvements.
Acknowledgment of donations received in March 2026 for the design and construction of Pairpoint Park.
Updates on professional development, the transition to the new town manager, budget processes, and upcoming town meetings.
Reports from Select Board members regarding solar energy, state legislation, planning board updates, and sustainability/conservation activities.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Charitable Tax Exemptions
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-05-31.
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