Select Board — April 13, 2026
The meeting focused heavily on administrative approvals, budget transfers, and standard departmental requests without significant public outcry or heated debate.
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At the April 13 Select Board meeting, several decisions were made that will have long-term impacts on Goffstown’s budget and infrastructure.
On the fiscal front, the board authorized the purchase of a new fire engine for $1,090,979. To manage departmental needs, the board also approved a budget transfer that moves funds originally slated for road reclamation into fire department coverage and stipends. This highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining our roads and funding essential public safety equipment.
Regarding long-term planning, the board moved to start the process for a potential new police station. A motion to draft a charter, timeline, and deliverables for a planning committee was passed, though Board Member Josh abstained from the vote. This marks the beginning of a significant conversation regarding land acquisition and capital expenditure.
Additionally, the Police Chief addressed the issue of high overtime costs, noting that improving staff retention is the most effective way to decrease overtime units and stabilize the department's budget. Residents should keep a close eye on how these staffing and infrastructure decisions affect the town's long-term financial health.
Public impact
Approval of a $1,090,979 purchase for a new waterless pumper engine.
Reallocation of funds from road reclamation to fire coverage and stipends.
Discussion regarding high overtime costs and the need for better retention to stabilize the budget.
Topics discussed
The meeting opened with a roll call and the approval of public and non-public minutes from March 16 and March 23, 2026.
The board read proclamations for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and 'Keep Goffstown Beautiful' Week.
Discussion regarding accidents at the intersection of Locust Hill and Elm Street; the committee recommended installing a 'stop sign ahead' sign.
A request to install a convex mirror on private property at St. Lawrence Church was reviewed and not recommended due to visibility and solar glare concerns.
The Fire Chief proposed creating a volunteer Emergency Management Coordinator position to assist with grants and town planning.
The Fire Chief presented a proposal to replace a 21-year-old engine, noting significant savings through a delayed payment strategy.
The DPW Director presented the 2026 road plan, including reclaimed streets, preservation projects, and budget considerations regarding asphalt and oil prices.
Discussion regarding the invitation to bid for pavement markings for the period of 2026–2029.
Discussion on extending the period of performance for the Monroe Road grant to May 2027.
The DPW Director requested authorization to apply for a state grant to replace a solid waste tractor-trailer.
Review of personnel changes, event permits, proclamations, and cemetery rights.
Discussion of land use changes, tax credits, elderly exemptions, and timber tax warrants.
Request to waive interest on late property taxes for a taxpayer due to the death of a co-owner.
Correction of facility use fee deposits to ensure funds are directed to the restoration fund rather than the general fund.
Proposed changes to the committee charter, including membership reduction and updated objectives for pedestrian bridge funding.
Reallocation of funds from reclamation to various departments, including fire coverage and stipends.
Discussion on whether to purchase, lease, or finance town vehicles to manage capital expenditures and cash flow.
Proposal to unify the rating scale and approach for performance reviews across all municipal departments.
Discussion regarding long-term goals for police station relocation, including land acquisition and potential ad hoc committees.
Discussion regarding the potential use of town-owned land, specifically a property on Henry Bridge Road that might provide access to the DPW area.
The board discussed how the Select Board vets the CIP, concluding that the board will review the finalized list after it has been processed by the CIP and Planning departments.
An update on municipal vehicles, noting the replacement of a fire engine and mentioning out-of-service vehicles including an F-550 and a transfer station backhoe.
A discussion regarding how board members should introduce new business and the guidelines for moving into non-public sessions.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Police Station Relocation and Planning
Vehicle Acquisition Strategy
Split votes
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 2026-06-01.
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