Select Board — June 29, 2026
The meeting was professional and orderly, characterized by unanimous votes and constructive engagement with resident input.
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Exeter Select Board Update: Significant Utility Fee Increases Approved
At the June 29 Select Board meeting, the Board unanimously approved three motions that will directly impact the monthly and quarterly bills of Exeter residents. Effective July 1, 2026, quarterly water service fees will increase by 23%, water usage fees will rise by 6%, and quarterly sewer service fees will increase by 4%.
Finance Director Corey Stevens presented these increases as a strategy to prepare for long-term infrastructure needs, specifically a potential $40 million surface water treatment plant required in the early 2030s. The Board argued that implementing gradual, steady increases now is preferable to a single, massive rate spike in the future.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted a critical nuance in the town's finances. While the General Fund shows a surplus, Finance Director Stevens noted that these surpluses are largely the result of staff vacancies and turnover rather than actual operational savings. As one remark noted during the meeting: "Money accumulated but opportunity lost."
Residents also used the public comment period to raise concerns regarding the Park Street Bridge, the safety of freight train vibrations near historic homes, and a 23-foot retaining wall proposed for a new auto dealership. The Board has scheduled a follow-up update regarding the bridge for the July 13 meeting.
Public impact
6% increase in water usage fees, 23% increase in quarterly water service fees, and 4% increase in quarterly sewer service fees.
The board unanimously approved the three separate motions for fee and rate adjustments.
The board will review the results of these 2026 increases in approximately one year.
Topics discussed
A multimedia segment covering the history of the Exeter railroad, upcoming library programs, and the renovation of Rains Barn.
Information was shared regarding a public design session for the train station on August 7th and an open house for Rains Barn on July 18th.
Public design session on Friday, August 7th, at Lincoln Street School.
The Select Board presided over the swearing-in of new police officer Christopher Dow.
Christopher Dow was formally sworn in as a police officer.
Christopher Dow is scheduled to attend the Police Academy in late August.
Residents expressed concerns regarding the Park Street Bridge, a proposed auto dealership, and train bridge safety.
The Board took the agenda suggestion under advisement and noted the upcoming July 13th update regarding the bridge.
A community update regarding the bridge is planned for July 13th.
Finance Director Corey Stevens presented a proposal for gradual rate increases to fund future infrastructure needs.
The board unanimously approved three separate motions to increase water usage fees, water service fees, and sewer service fees.
The board will review the results of the 2026 increases in approximately one year.
Finance Director Corey Stevens provided a snapshot of the town's financial health and major fund performance, including detailed 2025 General Fund revenues and expenses.
The board received the financial snapshot for the period ending 12/31/25.
A summary of the enterprise funds for water and sewer, including consumption rates, debt service, and fund balances.
Water fund balance increased to $3.7 million; sewer fund balance increased to $6.7 million.
An update on the current water situation and usage concerns is scheduled for the July 13th meeting.
Discussion regarding New Hampshire House Bill 340 and its potential impact on the ability of public employees to provide factual information to the community.
The board voted unanimously to send a letter opposing the bill to Governor Ayotte.
The Chair is authorized to sign the letter to the Governor.
An announcement regarding the American Independence Center's annual festival on July 11th and associated festivities.
The board shared these community updates with the public.
Review of recent emails and a presentation of the Select Board's meeting schedule through September.
The schedule was presented and reviewed by the board.
The board noted a placeholder meeting on September 1st if needed.
Notification regarding the Planning Board's upcoming discussion on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
The information was added to the meeting record for public awareness.
Planning Board meeting on August 13th.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Water and Sewer Rate Increases
New Hampshire House Bill 340
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, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-01.