[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6345412,"mediaKeyId","2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c","parentId",2249229,"title","Selectmen adopt revised fund-balance policy after extended discussion on enterprise funds, DRA guidance","audioSeconds",1142,"startMs",1204000,"endMs",2346000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c&start=1204&end=2346","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c/thumbnail_1204000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345412/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-adopt-revised-fund-balance-policy-after-extended-discussion-on-enterprise-funds-DRA-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345412-fb76d57f853a3947d563b2e1cafbc1bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775441248&Signature=OvXVaXYTflYbotwGqWJd0lbfmM06bWAfvJR-fBtRNVdgDsC6N419DIM9mh8-mXBrDzAaRF41mW9jc3UmcRX55beCUzGa467wBbPotoBync1fi8mYrGUpJxww311PU6eWfu-ptildtbgXCFgWt3S8dwKuho2oQ009sVva6~A13P23uMyfseaDLOfNbf-achXE56osEK1TjTX3GdYnR94fgOx4gjAm~J2dOkyzvSkw-MkBsTe~38MD-cEHUyz2txwOf2l~7LW4pd-AON5xfQQsLqp0gwSVOJU~trdQfGJJQW1SR~UsIeTMyp6sfeIBmKVwOr9E8mAubY7PFNnqz9pJBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-06T13:35:13Z","article","The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen voted Feb. 5 to adopt the revised fund-balance policy (FIN-007, revised 00) as recommended by Finance Director Sam Kelly after an extended discussion that ranged from the policy’s 8% unrestricted fund-balance target to questions about enterprise fund accounting and DRA guidance.

Sam Kelly presented the policy and told the board the document is unchanged from the prior draft and that staff are waiting for a response from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) on a related question. “Good evening. Sam Kelly, finance director. I’m here to have you review the fund balance policy, FIN-007,” Kelly said on the record.

Board members pressed for clarity about several topics. One selectman noted the policy’s stated 8% target for unrestricted fund balance and asked that the town better explain government fund-accounting terminology to the public so residents understand the difference between retained earnings and a cash checkbook. Several board members discussed a prior letter to the DRA that said the town would “strive to use any unassigned fund balance for the purpose of setting the annual tax rate rather than for warrant-article projects,” and asked that results of any DRA opinion be appended to the policy or attached to meeting minutes.

Members also raised repeated concerns about enterprise funds, specifically sewer and water, that have run deficits or required general-fund support. A board member asked for the votes that authorized enterprise funds to run year-end deficits that are later covered by the general fund, and asked staff to request a formal DRA opinion on whether the town’s practice aligns with DRA guidance. Sam Kelly confirmed staff would follow up with the DRA and that auditors had said there is no automatic requirement for the general fund to cover enterprise fund deficits, though voters can approve transfers.

After discussion the board moved to adopt the revised FIN-007 policy. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention; the member who abstained said the abstention would be lifted once a specific DRA memorandum (referenced in the discussion) was included in the meeting minutes.

The board directed staff to send the DRA inquiries already in process, to include the referenced DRA memorandum in the board packet and minutes when available, and to return with any formal DRA advice and the auditor’s findings for further consideration. The vote places the revised policy into effect pending those follow-up actions and documentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5 February 2025 Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen (BoS) Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen voted Feb. 5 to adopt the revised fund-balance policy (FIN-007, revised 00) as recommended by Finance Director Sam Kelly after an extended discussion about the town’s 8% unrestricted fund-balance target and enterprise-fund practices.","taxTitle","Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen, Wolfeboro, Carroll County, New Hampshire","taxId",68303,"location","New Hampshire","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6345408,"Engineers recommend modest water increases, larger sewer hikes to restore reserves; board asks for build-out and I&I analysis",750,2375000,3125000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c&start=2375&end=3125","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c/thumbnail_2375000.jpg","/articles/6345408/New-Hampshire/Engineers-recommend-modest-water-increases-larger-sewer-hikes-to-restore-reserves-board-asks-for-build-out-and-II-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345408-c7745bc6fbcbec4c992437bab0106803/orig.mp4?Expires=1775441248&Signature=n7oPWcspA-mdRkDrqa-Rt3wO2ZLjWvZKi6IXk8BK2bJcib5ElPYUoGfSIA30OtVlt~yzFwaC7uQko2pspZt1PsLAYDQnTo2xAveSFg7Yg2ZXpicqv-g2OthquCGROLO0~MBBLBZde0iHoMGqmHKxyHPGIynhlTkHTvE57SePtYsri2xM6k5rWA8-dayqYkbKeb3ElDmminwz04hOmpmNZoUvz1tWDNGI9HmFqWhClKY-Q2Gd0mE-9szON5wkC7Sd~qS7nKq3L-yhbfKFKZuHg0HGjnazLcwS4W0OFxYaejlLuTwXfvNAeU0RTpgw9dt6lE3rJuJm-1uVfHBwZo2fOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Underwood Engineers presented the town’s annual water-and-sewer rate review at the Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen meeting Feb. 5 and recommended modest, phased increases for water but larger, catch‑up increases for sewer to restore fund health and meet capital needs.

Keith Pratt, president of Underwood Engineers, and Steve Randall, the town’s director of public works, reviewed the utility models, historical rates and projected capital outlays through 2027. Pratt said the firm used the 2025 budgets as a baseline, applied conservative operating-cost growth assumptions (5% in 2026 and 2027 for modeling purposes), and included planned capital items such as Crescent Lake water-main work and several sewer pump‑station and South Main sewer projects.

Pratt reported that unaccounted-for (non‑revenue) water is roughly 30% of plant production — higher than industry goals — and that sewer infiltration and inflow (I&I) is running about 47%. The consultants also said a target of six months of operating expenses in reserve is prudent; Underwood’s model estimated reserve targets of approximately $930,000 for the water fund and $670,000 for the sewer fund.

To move toward those targets, Underwood recommended a 2% water-rate increase for 2025 and two subsequent 2% increases (2026–2027). For sewer, to recover a recent operating deficit and rebuild reserves, the firm recommended a 7% increase in 2025 and 5% increases in 2026 and 2027. Pratt noted that “every 1% rate increase generates about $16,000 on water and about $11,000 on sewer” in the town’s model.

The presentation included sample-bill calculations using Wolfeboro’s typical consumption (estimated at 106 gallons per day): under 2024 rates a typical household would pay roughly $500 annually for water and $675 for sewer; the proposed increases would raise those sample annual bills to about $541 for water and $720 for sewer. The presenters also compared Wolfeboro bills to statewide benchmarks (state averages are based on a standardized 247-gallon usage), noting differences in consumption assumptions and the need to normalize comparisons.

Selectmen focused questions on several items: the board asked for a projection that ties specific capital projects and I&I remediation work to expected reductions in unaccounted-for water and sewer I&I; asked for a build‑out/capacity analysis to show how many additional hookups or what capital investments would be necessary to reach different financial stability benchmarks; and raised equity questions about general-fund contributions. Board members noted the general fund currently pays roughly $324,000 per year for hydrant/fire protection and that the general fund also covers some sewer capital/debt service; members asked staff whether debt allocations to the general fund could be shifted to users or otherwise restructured.

Underwood and staff said they will update the model and return with proposed rate changes and a formal warrant-ready schedule at a future meeting (the board discussed scheduling an update in March). The board also asked the consultants to provide scope language for a build‑out/capacity analysis and to include the likely timing of projected rate changes so the board can review final rates before any formal adoption.","Underwood Engineers presented the town’s annual water-and-sewer rate review at the Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen meeting Feb. 5 and recommended modest, phased increases for water but larger, catch‑up increases for sewer to restore fund health and meet capital needs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6345414,"Selectmen accept $13,437.03 in donations for Wolfeboro events; one abstention recorded",229,832000,1061000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c&start=832&end=1061","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c/thumbnail_832000.jpg","/articles/6345414/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-accept-1343703-in-donations-for-Wolfeboro-events-one-abstention-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345414-89383b908d0c4c7b5e20cf4fff627d06/orig.mp4?Expires=1775441248&Signature=f0DxnJEPRKgFivDu11UMqUT2zUPR3fuQKfxsiDbEzslqPhZRPYkxGDnqa2AqkK2npbM0KFjm6uKtGzY9DuaN5WjlL5JNHHUvde6RM4CmBgy7Fa7KrnectHu7~UahY4bxu8j-x5yWYpoNfGxuDsUJx9kw1v39pCfU-5nsoqdOtjTtcHEgzxuRaDphYfIgtvZMm3BEClV-Rrze9zWgd3eemEpztmI5W2svG3bC~p9dskT-3ZgYLs7jQqRGz3lQu9SzavdC9v6KLINTpX5m8jLkKA3qRAVmD2LwNd9t5qN6ZAFblSNkCKfiwBfi09h24EWeMPTc6UIYrS-JEXK~VGgRXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen on Feb. 5 voted to accept $13,437.03 in unanticipated donations raised at recent community events and to place the funds as allowed under RSA 31:95-b(3)(a).

During a public hearing, a board member read a list of donors and in-kind contributors that supported the event; the list included local businesses, nonprofits and individuals. The speaker noted a range of in-kind contributions (use of facilities, donated door-prize certificates, discounted signage) and $1,116.03 in cash contributions among the total. The board closed the public hearing without public comment.

A motion to accept the donation under the cited RSA was moved, seconded and carried. The meeting record shows a vote in favor with one abstention; the meeting minutes record the outcome as 4–0–1 (one abstention). The motion specified the amount as $13,437.03.

Board members thanked volunteers and the event’s sponsors for supporting fireworks, performers and the year’s events. No conditions were placed on the funds on the record, and the donations were accepted for general event purposes as presented during the hearing.

The board noted that acceptance of unanticipated donations above $10,000 requires the public hearing and specific statutory authority, which the board cited during the hearing.","After a public hearing, the Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen accepted $13,437.03 in unanticipated donations raised at recent events. The board approved acceptance under RSA 31:95-b(3)(a) with a 4–0–1 vote (one abstention).",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6345415,"Selectmen approve three New Hampshire Boat Museum event permits, including seasonal model yacht series and boathouse tour",321,219000,540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c&start=219&end=540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249229-8842944eb77be645454a560217c6a43c/thumbnail_219000.jpg","/articles/6345415/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-approve-three-New-Hampshire-Boat-Museum-event-permits-including-seasonal-model-yacht-series-and-boathouse-tour","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345415-090dde79254130ce19dd99718b32db2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775441248&Signature=ABr71EbA0w-C6EV-0oSwtpR-iAGnWM7GO2rxzBSSElibTJj8CTjWytUqxjkwH4X0uZGS1bKQuy7EWCydlxaaasU0C5HBRn4tH5wMLCxnU~0AS~Zuudmv1dqs8-S4nvbyH~ZLTPIbZM9oGOayO8L1HXzVhGdesa5vYYuRD7tnlcjqWh1MVAQ9VoUdl6WKoDtSfSxmeTAL8eEfs0P6ZVh5ZHShQNqqWCsirslQydVVuiYAK50wrJrHPbUzyRudy3JG6~N7e9vfh8gs4-5u9L4BB4PCMOskvS7JQH1BMsCyV2AwzKrHsG3b4VH8adgGiyMeGA4idN8s6Q98~WzHEk0~IA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen voted Feb. 5 to approve three temporary-event permits for the New Hampshire Boat Museum: a seasonal model-yacht regatta series from April 29 through Oct. 28, a single-day “Sasquatch” footy regatta on June 14, and a boathouse tour on Aug. 14 with a rain date of Aug. 15.

The permits cover use of the Glendon Street parking lot, Bridge Falls Path and the town dock for the respective events. The board opened public hearings for each permit and heard brief descriptions from a museum representative about each event and the museum’s plans to encourage municipal-lot parking and use of the Molly trolley to reduce downtown congestion.

The seasonal model-yacht permit (listed in the record as “permit 2020Five-eleven”) was described as recurring Tuesday and Thursday races, with Tuesday the primary race day and Wednesday as the rain date. The board moved and seconded approval and voted in favor. For the Sasquatch footy regatta (listed as “permit 2020Five-twelve”), the museum explained the event involves 12-inch model yachts and invites out-of-town competitors; the board approved that single-day permit without objection. The boathouse tour permit (listed as “permit 2025-13”) would close one dock at the town docks for scheduled pickups and returns; the museum agreed to provide dock attendants and signage, and the board approved that permit as well.

Board members asked for clarification about signage, who will mark the single reserved dock for the boathouse tour, and whether museum volunteers or staff would be present; the museum representative said volunteers and dock attendants would be on hand and that the museum would coordinate signage with town staff.

The board recorded the motions and approvals during the meeting; no formal conditions beyond the permits’ listed dates, times and locations were added on the record.

The museum’s series and events are scheduled for spring and summer 2025 and are expected to attract local residents and visitors to the waterfront and downtown areas.","The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen on Feb. 5 approved three temporary-event permits for the New Hampshire Boat Museum: a seasonal model-yacht regatta series (April–Oct.), a one-day Sasquatch “footy” regatta (June 14) and a boathouse tour (Aug. 14, rain date Aug. 15).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Selectmen adopt revised fund-balance policy after extended discussion on enterprise funds, DRA guidance

Engineers recommend modest water increases, larger sewer hikes to restore reserves; board asks for build-out and I&I analysis

Selectmen accept $13,437.03 in donations for Wolfeboro events; one abstention recorded

Selectmen approve three New Hampshire Boat Museum event permits, including seasonal model yacht series and boathouse tour