Selectboard — January 12, 2026

Presentation and public discussion of a proposed 285.6 kW solar array at the wastewater treatment plant, including financing via state revolving loan, $250k loan forgiveness, potential $300k federal direct pay, total project cost up to $1.3M, net metering details, environmental benefits, and need for voter approval via warrant article. Extensive Q&A on loan terms, annual payments under different scenarios, impact on sewer users, and transparency requirements.

Opening of public hearing on the proposed 2026 operating budget, disclosure of default budget, explanation of gross budgeting, special warrant articles, and factors contributing to an apparent 12% increase that is characterized as 6% after accounting for previously approved items.

a speaker explained petition warrant articles (requiring 25 signatures), special warrant articles (including bonds, capital reserves, and new positions like fire chief or police officer), and their separation from the operating budget in an SB2 community with deliberative session and voting.

a speaker disclosed the default budget (last year's budget plus/minus contracts and NH retirement changes) and clarified how contracts approved by town meeting are included, while emphasizing that special warrant articles do not automatically integrate until the operating budget passes.

a speaker presented a lean budget with a nominal 12% increase (effectively 6% after accounting for $492k in new third-party costs and prior warrant articles), 57% personnel/43% operating split, and focus on maintaining core services without expansion.

a speaker reviewed changes including deputy town clerk reduced to part-time, consolidated insurance/unemployment lines, PD and transfer station increases, slow-rolled hiring, outsourced HR, and return of some (but not all) 2024 staffing levels.

Board discussion of providing additional financial scenarios and communication to voters, followed by motion to advance the $1.3M solar installation and energy efficiency measures to the ballot.

Audience members (Susan, Phil Schwarzenegger) questioned land use staffing impacts, wage increases in PD/library, hydro self-funding status, library operating costs, and which positions are being restored; responses addressed capacity constraints and comparisons to 2024 baseline.

Discussion of library wage increases (18.6%), staffing levels, operating costs, and reliance on Friends/Foundation funding; comparisons to prior year and other departments.

Public input on fire department (2.4% increase) vs. library/administration budgets; calls to reallocate funds for a full-time firefighter position and address perceived overstaffing or high raises elsewhere.

Review of projected tax rate impacts (to 277 or 309), revenue offsets, and specific warrant articles including operating budget and capital items.

Deliberation on creating a permanent full-time fire chief role (~$65k added cost including benefits) to professionalize the department.

Discussion of adding a permanent full-time police officer position with $65k (including benefits) for 5 months in 2026, non-lapsing and to become part of operating budget; motion to recommend to ballot.

Debate on contribution amount ($294k proposed vs. current $319k balance) for ladder truck/engine replacements; motion to reduce to $200k discussed but not passed; fund recommended at original level.

Proposal to add $200k to reserve fund (current $33k balance) for trucks and equipment; motion to recommend passed.

Proposal for $60k to fund engineering for water/sewer/fire suppression at garage; extensive discussion on alternatives like cisterns; motion to recommend passed.

Discussion of $150k addition and $250k final tranche for bridges (including George's Mills); motions to recommend passed.

Proposals for $50k dirt roads reserve and $50k town buildings maintenance reserve; both recommended.

Debate on contribution level (proposed $25k vs. cut to $5k) given high existing balance; public input on development vs. conservation tradeoffs.

Discussion of prior year's conservation article vote (544 yes, 476 no) and Conservation Commission goals, budget uses, and trail access initiatives.

Review of $85,000 transfer mechanics from Hydro Fund to General Fund and need for annual warrant article.

Recommendation for funding lake protection; discussion of cyanobacteria concerns and three-town contributions.

Debate on $100k-$250k appropriation for engineering study of road, sewer, water, and drainage improvements; conversion to capital reserve fund.

Approval of $77k from town forest fund for Dewey Woods and Wendell Marsh improvements without tax impact.

Trade-in of van and $300k for sewer pump station generators and upgrades, both non-tax impacting.

Amendment to allow engineering, permitting, and survey costs from existing bond funds.

Increase credit from $2,000 to $2,500 to comply with recent legislation changes.

Creation of fund to accept donations for food pantry, heat/utilities, and rental assistance.

Re-authorization under RSA 674:40-a to formally adopt and dedicate specific town roads; correction of prior procedural issues.

Clarification that Rec Fund is a trust fund rather than special revenue fund for better accountability.