[{"_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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6076184,"mediaKeyId","2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b","parentId",2972523,"title","Votes at a glance: April 10, 2025 Merrimack Town Council","audioSeconds",314,"startMs",2931000,"endMs",3245000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b&start=2931&end=3245","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b/thumbnail_2931000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076184/New-Hampshire/Votes-at-a-glance-April-10-2025-Merrimack-Town-Council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076184-affc594f864cb15e3657f20a00f8f675/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135516&Signature=ObyToTPWMlvq~mX4NM4ZJzOfWTgnCcM7PlnQrWPFGah~1ddDPffDemtJpqNVwuRJoGBTDr2X4O4gon6Mk0-TAYHr2f8JzqepGFSgTnQ8NxGunJZhXrOgj1il9NmGkEE4FR46qI~1d11V8DMvsBeQEbyXNNKGFvgLUlK~ZbCmeynUjiW3cQbpHpgy-P8uvg9DXh69Tyw92S06iU52hlqYogFudo01J4bE3~Hyxy7wvfBQLZ0AdwhE15Lb8fs64QFby2quc6pGRP3MyVv6Ks08vmugoox4mYX8SFj7mMd6tDF8jJAco1GKImSc72j3z5gt3f4-Ov3Bm8AXtTsPd9SA7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Merrimack, NH","date","2025-04-12T16:51:53.757Z","article","The Merrimack Town Council recorded the following formal actions on April 10, 2025. All outcomes below are drawn from roll calls and voice votes recorded during the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund (police items): Accepted and expended up to $11,851 for police equipment (drones, e‑bike, 45 phones, suppressors). Motion by Councilor Andy Hunter; second by Jennifer. Vote: 6‑0‑0. Outcome: approved.

- Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund (fire items): Accepted and expended up to $11,852 for fire confined‑space rescue rigging and related equipment. Motion by Councilor Andy Hunter; second by Jennifer. Vote: 6‑0‑0. Outcome: approved.

- Road infrastructure capital reserve withdrawal (Heartwood/Woodland): Authorized withdrawal and expenditure of up to $750,000 for drainage installation and road reconstruction at Heartwood and Woodland; town manager authorized to sign required paperwork. Motion by Jennifer; second by Nancy Murphy. Vote: 7‑0‑0. Outcome: approved.

- Elderly tax‑exemption ordinance (chapter 178, article 2): Move recommended increases to final reading (consent agenda) and make exemptions retroactive to April 1; motion by Councilor Peter; second by Councilor Nancy Murphy. Vote: 7‑0‑0. Outcome: approved to final reading (final adoption scheduled May 8).

- Tabled item: Withdrawal request from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Nutmeg Lane drainage and road reconstruction was tabled earlier in the meeting (motion carried). Outcome: tabled.

- Appointment: Peter (last name not specified) appointed as Town Council representative to the Planning Board. Motion carried (recorded 6‑0‑1 with one abstention). Outcome: approved.

- Proclamation: Designation of National Public Works Week (May 2025). Motion carried 7‑0‑0. Outcome: approved.

- Consent/administrative items: March 27, 2025 meeting minutes approved (vote recorded 6‑0‑1); town manager annual evaluation affirmed (consent agenda approved 7‑0‑0).

Notes and next steps: Several approved items require follow‑up procurement, FAA compliance (for drones), department training, and public outreach (assessing department to publish exemption application guidance if the ordinance is adopted). The town manager will carry out procurement, negotiate equipment purchases, and report back to the council as required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council: April 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal council actions taken April 10, including Abbie Griffin fund approvals, a $750,000 road infrastructure withdrawal, motion to move elderly exemption changes to final reading, a planning board appointment, and proclamations and minutes approvals.","taxTitle","Merrimack Town Council, Merrimack, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire","taxId",70551,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076190,"Council advances larger elderly tax exemptions after public hearing",311,3249000,3560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b&start=3249&end=3560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b/thumbnail_3249000.jpg","/articles/6076190/New-Hampshire/Council-advances-larger-elderly-tax-exemptions-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076190-9caf49ffecdef011a425b4e41b3659dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135516&Signature=BE7lNGjX9WWAj7PcvlOzUWPZIT3l2M5PV~ZsaCXTMM7chU5ujIIbK~bT5Uy6GqEBHn-bVImhpCEJrmjMxE5zrrIwH86q2X8YKGeTQxMRI53s1D4nqdQtm-GBHHTK3susG0wMmj~ZD8fokOjovy5sc7LN-LWn35IL~0jMHLWMr-vgy5pOwWXuHVB2NmmLpv6-lmnnoLUFcSRHQFe1JiFpu-e1wXWkomLmY~iaHt-ZECPCYHAfKzG-BO7FrU~0~rd73Ej9r1~GC3--~WCr~zQ8NchWMk1r0OdBI6MmC8l2cRbOGWdm5NP4vJs8HLWkLkVdwd0~uRK8fwlejS0SsMA7IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Merrimack Town Council held a public hearing on April 10 on proposed increases to the town’s elderly tax‑exemption amounts and voted to move the measure to a final reading on May 8. The council voted 7‑0‑0 to place the proposed ordinance amendment on the consent agenda for final reading; if adopted it would be retroactive to April 1.

The recommended changes to chapter 178 (taxation), article 2 (elderly exemption) would raise the exemption amount by age bracket as follows: 65–74 from $85,000 to $115,000; 75–79 from $115,000 to $155,000; and 80 and older from $150,000 to $195,000. Paul, the town manager, said the increases were chosen to give roughly comparable tax relief across age groups and that the change would amount to about 1¢ on the tax rate.

Public comment focused on affordability and eligibility. Jane Scofield, a resident and tax preparer, told the council the revaluation in 2021 left many seniors with higher assessments and asked for a still larger increase, saying, \"If you increase the value of the property 50%, I would like to see the exemption sort of follow suit ... It would mean the most to some people.\" Barbara McCormick, another resident, urged a different approach: \"I would rather see a percentage of that instead of a whole figure,\" she said, arguing that a flat dollar exemption can lag behind rising home values.

Town staff explained the legal framework. Paul told the council that elderly exemption amounts and the method of applying them are constrained by state statute (RSA 72:39) and that the town had aimed for midrange values compared with neighboring communities. Data discussed at the hearing showed 179 exemptions in force, with 98 in the 80+ bracket.

Councilors said they would revisit the levels after the next town revaluation in 2026 if needed. The motion to move the proposed amendment to final reading was made by Councilor Peter, seconded by Councilor Nancy Murphy, and carried 7‑0‑0.

What happens next: the ordinance change will appear on the May 8 consent agenda for final reading. If adopted it will be retroactive to April 1 and the town office will publish application and eligibility details; town staff encouraged residents to contact the assessor’s office for guidance and to note the April application deadlines.","After a public hearing with multiple senior residents, the Merrimack Town Council voted to send proposed increases in the town's elderly tax‑exemption amounts to final reading; the change would raise exemption amounts and is estimated to cost the town roughly one cent on the tax rate.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076194,"Merrimack council approves Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund spending for police drones and fire rescue gear",743,2256000,2999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b&start=2256&end=2999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b/thumbnail_2256000.jpg","/articles/6076194/New-Hampshire/Merrimack-council-approves-Abbie-Griffin-Memorial-Fund-spending-for-police-drones-and-fire-rescue-gear","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076194-a42b9c9a18be036afe1f9128803e21cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135516&Signature=G8a-WkS~4meU0ZmN7UcvwxFAkD7av~yjEiK9cMcFsZ1Q4Aq1Njwbpzu--X6z6w3fhFZxqnizuLf5ruerdi-v2KNoHpifrPdGbx9BbCOLIA4iiiEX8a1Qli10OxUdz6v786uLo-wC7eW8Avb2Ew6k-qDFh7OBNYpT7kPsP0xZl4SOM570dQ~u-Q4Pgvrha4gtRQQhGFjlIi5Eu9IcAiE0OemhuVfGbahm8WUKrORiIzYBnjgQ-CFobglzpLmXzIQj7X~byFmldCBCXM61E3RcC7t7TBd6Rn7mkVJMNxInunWS7U98UazpbChPz6H0c3EkSWU3aD5x51~Hy6K09xFQqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Merrimack Town Council on April 10 approved two allocations from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund to purchase equipment for public safety departments.

Police request: the council voted to accept and expend up to $11,851 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund to buy two DJI Avatar 2 Fly More interior drones, a Trek service electric bike, 45 refurbished iPhones and six rifle suppressors for specialized units. The motion was made by Councilor Andy Hunter and seconded by Jennifer (councilor). The vote was recorded 6‑0‑0 in favor.

Police officials said the interior search drones are designed for interior, close‑quarters searches and include obstacle sensors and first‑person goggles. Police staff noted operational limits and training requirements; the department told the council it currently has two certified drone operators and that FAA rules and the department’s standard operating procedures will govern use. Police leadership assured residents: \"We’re not gonna be flying into your house unless there’s a search warrant issued by a judge authorizing such use.\"

The police presentation also included a request for 45 refurbished phones to avoid requiring officers to use personal devices that could be subject to discovery requests; the department said FirstNet service will be available for about $15 per phone.

Fire request: the council also approved, by separate motion, the fire department’s request to accept and expend up to $11,852 from the same fund to purchase confined‑space rescue rigging, pulleys, harnesses and associated equipment. The fire presentation noted the department’s current rigging is over 20 years old and that the new kit would support rescues in tanks and other below‑grade spaces. Fire presenter Dawn said the gear \"is certainly invaluable for us to have.\" The motion passed 6‑0‑0.

Both allotments were described as purchases funded by a donor memorial fund that supplements but does not replace regular departmental budgeting. Councilors noted some items will be competitively bid to secure lower prices than list estimates. The council approved both measures under RSA 31:95‑b and the town charter authority for acceptance and expenditure of donated funds.","The council voted to accept and expend Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund money for police equipment including two interior drones, an electric bike and work phones, and separate funds for fire confined‑space rescue rigging; both motions passed unanimously.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":91,"_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":74,"_75":74},6076199,"Merrimack manager outlines options after voters reject proposed budget",679000,1422000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b&start=679&end=1422","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2972523-38e7ab42259c0e35e512bf0a5d14a45b/thumbnail_679000.jpg","/articles/6076199/New-Hampshire/Merrimack-manager-outlines-options-after-voters-reject-proposed-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076199-f89bf65c8e52b3ed2a3eb3ab3d140022/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135516&Signature=CgJ-~34iAS-dnZSH9cEahhLmShCbJREF6TopuAg6Ykqczf8QFNrpoMwXnkjBDQt~OwwBX5LjhkPjQpbmI16mNpTVkYoyaio3~z-4lbP6W7XtF0H-7xJrG0trcycJrJ~gbUPeyMvWqXLiz8uwWZyfhcmoHG-8hB3Mzf1IMGAz28-Z9e7gO-NYM8DKSR~HWvw6y2imNYlsjpBlCfcpmW4kBpHUvu~wIJ0~t4ZVXtAGsfxQdJ-W3zT4~9PqBRB1EDvNvgagwcaoTv2~2IXES8zppY5m1clcsZzO9qCyvESrKHdUeNt-OZWMLNeqsvRx0dEpvxr-06ecucd-221s3B-egw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Manager Paul told the Merrimack Town Council on April 10 that voters defeated the town’s proposed 2025 budget on April 8 and that the council must now work from the default budget and present a revised appropriation on April 24.

The result leaves a funding gap Paul described as about $2,055,374 between the proposed appropriation and the default budget. \"On April 8, the community spoke. Defeated our budget proposal, and voted in the default budget,\" he said, and asked the council for direction so staff can prepare a revised package for the April 24 meeting.

Why it matters: the council must decide which services and capital projects to preserve and which to cut before fiscal year-end. Paul said mandatory items — chiefly contracted wage increases already voted by residents in earlier years — will raise costs even under default, and called out roughly $500,000 in previously voted pay adjustments that he estimated could add about 10¢ to the tax rate.

Council priorities and options discussed included: trimming paving and deferring capital projects such as the town master plan; pausing the 800‑MHz radio tower project if federal or state grant timing slips; reassessing a one‑ton dump truck request; reviewing the town’s Nashua Transit contribution; and a careful evaluation of overtime and new staffing requests. Paul said some revenues and self‑supporting funds can be flat‑lined with limited impact, but other items are ‘‘needs‑based’’ and harder to cut.

Paul also warned councilors that a recent Supreme Court judgment against the town could require a large settlement. \"I am in negotiations with the plaintiff in that case to try to figure out the total dollar value. That is why we have fund balance. And it's gonna be a significant, significant hit to fund balance,\" he said, adding that the town may seek an emergency appropriation from the state and that the potential exposure was measured in \"millions of dollars.\" Paul said the town’s current available fund balance (which he described as intended for tax relief and one‑time expenses) will likely be constrained by that liability.

Councilors did not vote on a specific cut list at the April 10 meeting. Several members urged protecting long‑term infrastructure and public safety commitments while scrutinizing overtime and proposed new positions. The manager said staff will return with several alternative budgets and the council can schedule public hearings; he noted the council could hold an additional hearing on May 8 if it so chooses but must enact the revised appropriation before June 30 to be effective for FY2025.

Next steps: Paul will meet with department heads the week following April 10 and bring specific options on April 24. If the council asks for an additional public hearing, May 8 is available; otherwise the council may act at a regular meeting before the end of June.","After voters rejected the council’s proposed 2025 budget on April 8, Town Manager Paul told the council on April 10 he will return to present options on April 24, including cuts to paving, delaying the master plan or reassigning capital funds; he warned a pending court settlement could draw down the town’s fund balance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: April 10, 2025 Merrimack Town Council

Council advances larger elderly tax exemptions after public hearing

Merrimack council approves Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund spending for police drones and fire rescue gear

Merrimack manager outlines options after voters reject proposed budget