Carroll County Explores Funding Policies for Nonprofits and ARPA Money Management

The Carroll County NH Commission convened on August 11, 2025, to address several key issues, including funding policies for outside agencies and the management of the county's budget.

The meeting began with discussions about the funding policies for outside agencies. A commissioner raised concerns about the current practice allowing organizations to apply for funding from both towns and the county, suggesting it leads to "double dipping." The commissioner proposed revisiting the policy to ensure that agencies must choose between town or county funding. Another commissioner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution of services across the county, particularly in underserved areas like Effingham and Wakefield.

The commission also discussed the communication strategy for notifying agencies about potential funding changes. It was confirmed that announcements would be made in both the Conway Daily Sun and the Montgomery Daily Sun to ensure wider reach across the county.

The conversation shifted to the New Hampshire Interlocal Trust agreement assessment, which amounted to $164,000. The commission had previously presented this assessment to the delegation, who expressed uncertainty about the need for their approval. The commissioners clarified that while they could pay the assessment as an insurance bill, it would require a line item transfer approval due to its unbudgeted nature.

Further discussions focused on the supplemental budget, particularly regarding outstanding projects like paving and carpeting. The commission sought the delegation's approval for these expenditures, but faced resistance from the delegation chairman, who requested clarification on how ARPA funds were transferred to the general fund. The commissioners explained that the transfer was conducted following legal advice and established procedures, although concerns about the process were raised.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide the delegation with a detailed explanation of the funding processes and the steps taken regarding the ARPA funds. The commissioners expressed a desire to maintain open communication with the delegation to prevent further misunderstandings.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing challenges in funding allocation and budget management within Carroll County, with a clear intent to address these issues through policy review and improved communication.