Select Board
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Kathy Scott, Andrea Hodson
Attendees: Erin Hammerstedt, Chick Colony, Anne Havill, Sarah Kendall, Keith Stilling, Clare Stilling, Scott Caswell, Don Scott, Karen Coteleso, Steve LaMears, Dave O’Neil, Cathy Lovas, Ned Hulbert, Mary Day Mordecai, Claire Lingham, Bryan Kingsbury, Ranae O’Neil, David Belknap
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm. Mr. Maneval immediately opened the public hearing on the proposed 2026 operating budget and warrant.

Proposed Budget – Of note, the bottom line of the proposed 2026 budget shows an increase of 5.1%, or $90,546, over 2025, largely due to increased medical, ambulance service, fire/mutual aid, and contributions to retirement plans.  The board also proposes a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for eligible employees. Department heads kept their budgets flat or otherwise reduced proposed expenditures as much as possible. The SB and Treasurer were happy to report that the Town has finished paying off the twenty-year loan for construction of the Highway Barn.

Other budget lines of note: the technology line is proposed to increase for strengthening of cybersecurity; the buildings and grounds payroll will now fall under public works, as will some of the expenses previously allocated to general government; and building maintenance and repairs proposed for the Fire Department will be included as a Warrant Article instead of in the operating budget.

In discussion of personnel changes, the board noted the need for one more Cemetery Trustee, in addition to the candidate who filed for candidacy for this position.  They also noted the addition of Ernie Belletete as Police Officer to support Matt Perry, who will assume the Police Chief role upon completion of full-time academy training. Steve LaMears is now full time Municipal services Director overseeing Highway, Recycling, and Buildings and grounds.

Warrant Article Review – in addition to Capital Reserve fund allocations, and a vote on the proposed operating budget, the 2026 Warrant contains 6 non-financial articles and 5 financial articles.  The non-financial articles include Election of Town Officers, the vote by separate ballot on proposed zoning amendments, an article to propose changing the Treasurer position to appointed vs. elected, and an article proposing reducing the Supervisor of the Checklist terms to 3 years vs. the current 6 years.

The remaining 5 articles include road maintenance, culverts, two new pieces of highway equipment, and Fire Dept building repairs. The SB discussed the proposal to lease vs. purchase upfront the two pieces of equipment, and they will include a rationale for this method in the Town Report for voters to review. Mr. Maneval noted the leases contain escape clauses and are not considered debt for the town, and it is an increasingly common strategy of towns. The fire station building is 40 years old and everything in it is original.  On road paving, due to the increase in costs, last year’s paving was not finished. This year’s article addresses what was supposed to be done last year but wasn’t, and will use carryover funds (53K) plus additional highway block grant money.

With no additional discussion, Mr. Maneval closed the budget hearing at 8:16 pm to continue with additional business.

RFP for 2026 Road Paving – The SB noted it received one quote, from All States Construction. Following discussion, Mr. Maneval moved to accept the bid for $130K for improvements to Roxbury Road, Meadow Road and Hancock Road. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.

The board then returned to discussion of the professional services line in the operating budget. For 2026, the SB proposes an additional $15K for any needed funds for possible engineering and grant work for a walking path and crosswalk along “Mill Hill” on Main Street, a project initiated by the Transportation Committee. The committee reiterated its hope that the town could budget some funds, which may not be spent, to keep the project moving forward. Kathy Scott emphasized she believes it’s premature to set taxpayer money aside, as many questions need to be answered regarding the town’s ability to spend money for a walking path within the DOT’s right of way over land owned by Historic Harrisville. Mr. Maneval and Ms. Hodson noted they believe it’s important to indicate the town’s commitment to the project as part of an effort to obtain grant money, reiterating it may or may not be spent. They further noted that nothing would be spent until these important questions are answered.  The committee is committed to continuing its research and its collaboration with the NHDOT and Historic Harrisville and all interested parties to identify and obtain answers to all the issues raised.

Andrew Maneval then moved to maintain the proposed total amount of $17K for the professional services line, which includes $15K for possible funding of additional engineering work toward the crosswalk and walking path on Main Street. Andrea Hodson seconded. The board voted 2-1 in favor with Kathy Scott opposed, reiterating that too many questions need to be clarified and answered. The 2nd budget hearing is next Thursday, Feb 12, at 7 pm and the final vote on the operating budget will occur at Town Meeting on March 10.

South Road Bridge – The board confirmed that the state will reimburse the town for needed tree removal for replacement of the South Road Bridge. As soon as the permitting phase is complete in the next month or so, the RFP will be issued for construction. Dubois & King is working with the Dam Bureau to finalize plans.

Correspondence and other business
-The SB approved the SB Minutes of 1-28 continued to 1-29 but will confirm with Mary Day Mordecai her raising of the idea of the $5 addition to vehicle registration fees to fund transportation needs, and whether this was a formal request for the SB to consider it.
-The SB approved the payroll warrant for $36,221.39 and signed the pay warrant for $2,331.91.
-On the correspondence inquiring about winter road maintenance, Andrea Hodson will respond.
-The SB will review town counsel’s suggested edits to the Draft Warrant, and finalize it for the second budget hearing.

Next Wednesday, Feb 11, at 7 pm, the SB will attend a joint meeting with the Planning Board, Ordinance Review Committee and Affordable Housing Team to discuss the status and next steps on the housing initiative.  The 2nd Budget Hearing is set for Thur, Feb 12, at 7 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.