[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",6465973,"mediaKeyId","5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4","parentId",5826139,"title","Selectmen adopt fund balance policy (8——14%) after CIP review; library AC and cistern noted as funding concerns","audioSeconds",1247,"startMs",5153000,"endMs",6400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4&start=5153&end=6400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4/thumbnail_5153000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6465973/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-adopt-fund-balance-policy-814-after-CIP-review-library-AC-and-cistern-noted-as-funding-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465973-f393b7b5c65aa34d2f961e72e874d98a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773576994&Signature=ELIkTWuFelX7d~GK0aM2O2T1aeRyrocnIFk70w8ZnlpRewXPakk4UppdeWF1YjQSfc1pwZq7FG4ottB5BiLxvMYorQT9KTSx4lOhm6rR50b4EmTMrSaZW0Q6hATMs-eS-PmJBAG7iv-Ga3Lt9wOlgqWdgqQ80-rZsFU7ekS9Nqvb9SoV87y6rK21homUWMzBi~bm5yhVpXejVPZA6EWV5DHBB8QzcdDQtjKWoY9U6nmGq-a9gsdNCsA4QvQ5alPpzZcXduUxH-lcw3anVxnV9d3CZzFylZl-SQrGihASUhE~nkLnripCLbIjeDG~gWA3bdxuVf44o3201WMacuSf8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author"," Town of Bow, NH","date","2025-09-24T17:19:14.503Z","article","Cheryl (Finance Director) presented the town\u0000s unaudited year-end figures and led a discussion on a formal fund-balance policy during the Bow Town Board of Selectmen meeting on Sept. 23. The board voted to adopt a policy that sets a minimum unassigned fund-balance threshold and a target range of 8% to 14% of annual revenues.

Cheryl told the board that operating revenues for the past fiscal year were at approximately 93% of estimates and that expenditures were below budget at roughly 95.7% (figures presented as pre-audit). She reported an anticipated surplus in the general fund of about $202,130 (pre-audit) and noted the town's revolving fund balance appeared strong as of June because of summer camp and seasonal revenues.

On the fund-balance policy, the finance director walked the board through comparative guidance and options. The board discussed whether to choose a single percentage or a range. After public discussion, Selectwoman Colby and other members favored a range to provide flexibility for future budgeting and to reflect the town's relatively strong cash position. A motion to adopt a fund-balance policy setting a target range of 8% to 14% of annual appropriations carried in a roll-call manner at the meeting (motion and second recorded in the public minutes).

During the Capital Improvement Program review the town's CIP committee reported an updated and higher cost for a library HVAC/air-handling project: the committee's earlier $90,000 estimate was revised to about $250,000 after updated quotes. The committee recommended that the selectmen and Budget Committee evaluate options and, if needed, designate emergency funding. Cheryl said the library cistern also needs replacement and that the committee recommended taking $29,000 from an emergency fund and $17,000 from the library capital reserve (roughly $46,000 total) to address the problem; the board discussed designating the work as an emergency expenditure.

Why it matters: adopting a formal fund-balance policy provides the town with clearer guidance for tax-rate stabilization, tax-year volatility and capital planning; the unexpected increase in the library HVAC estimate and the cistern repair represent near-term capital pressures that the board will need to fund either from reserves or through the budget process.

Ending: The board adopted the 8% to 14% fund-balance range and instructed staff to return with recommended language for an overlay/tax-rate stabilization approach and with cost estimates for the library HVAC and cistern work for budget follow-up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Selectmen September 23, 2025 meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After a lengthy Capital Improvement Program review, the selectmen voted to adopt a formal fund-balance policy setting an unassigned fund-balance target range of 8% to 14%. The town\u0000finance director warned of a higher-than-expected library HVAC estimate and a leaking cistern that will require emergency funds.","taxTitle","Bow Town, Merrimack County , New Hampshire","taxId",74089,"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},6465979,"Conservation commission updates Turey Pond monitoring, beaver flow work and seeks trail inventory; board approves nearby river parcel purchase",7246,494000,7740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4&start=494&end=7740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4/thumbnail_494000.jpg","/articles/6465979/New-Hampshire/Conservation-commission-updates-Turey-Pond-monitoring-beaver-flow-work-and-seeks-trail-inventory-board-approves-nearby-river-parcel-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465979-e690421ca0371fdb598ef8fd76cae40f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773576994&Signature=HkDpY~CI37-Lxcinf5CyTXxlLETpzEt1ud5A0NBap1BEyOmJkfNtzhSlgUhF~gpURs~fY0xIjhV9-kKFAMg3QWKgEmRaKv49VWlxPY6NZfJ0PB8AGGCN3bqj40Ql4uuxMtTyj3JhhtBssPHvGWm-P9Xl9MPJ8VNXb2sVYyH1DnvJchoshJlLe~QcSRr-Uairfpty61-1gKAIC0VSYTJ3-aZLDmtBa~014jSvduTJzI-DbLXDCdZEm2pYk5ns9uCkY2WaSHq9634a9dwNNQGYMGd42pDd4jx8JktNRJ-58T1zZ3dT~Swdfcj3LB-VQJ5nHG~fG2Z~nx~TQjWaxPcX-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sandy Crystal, representing the Bow Conservation Commission, told the Board of Selectmen on Sept. 23 that her committee has expanded to five full members and is carrying multiple stewardship projects, including water-quality monitoring at Turey Pond, trail work and beaver management.

Crystal said the town\u0000through volunteers in the New Hampshire DES volunteer lake assessment program\u0000sampled Turey Pond three times over the summer (June, July and August). The committee recorded a first documented cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom in a limited area of an inlet; she said the bloom did not cover the whole pond but raised \"concerns\" about water quality. The commission also monitored elevated chloride levels in one inlet near the school area and proposed investigating whether roadway or parking-lot runoff is a source.

The commission reported that an invasive variable milfoil treatment occurred this summer. Crystal said the town received a partial reimbursement from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services that covered 50% of the eradication cost.

On beaver management, Crystal described a beaver-flow device installed in December near South Bow/Dunbarton Road by Skip Lyle to reduce flood risk at a culvert. She said the commission recommends the town consider dedicating funds to pay professionals to install beaver flow devices where needed; Crystal quoted a rough professional installation cost of about $2,000 to $4,000 per device but noted that several grant programs can offset some or all of that cost. The commission suggested Public Works could continue interim work but that projects requiring specialized installation should be budgeted for professional contractors.

Crystal said the commission plans to apply to DES for a seasonal detour permit at Robertson Trail to avoid heavy infrastructure (culverts/stone) and that it is seeking consultant proposals for that work. She also asked the selectmen to support a townwide trail inventory; the commission said it could contribute but that trails cross multiple ownerships and departments and would need broader town funding and coordination.

Land protection: the conservation commission presented a proposed purchase of a 10.3-acre parcel on the Merrimack River (11 Prairie Road) to the board. The selectmen voted to approve acquisition of the parcel for $100,000; the commission said the parcel has roughly 1,500 feet of river frontage, a mix of forest and riparian habitat, and is identified in regional conservation plans as having high ecological value. The commission said the town's appraisal placed a higher value ($167,000) than the negotiated purchase price; the packet calls for a phase-1 environmental assessment as a condition of closing and allows time for any follow-up investigation.

Why it matters: the commission's water-quality monitoring and invasive-species work protect recreation and ecological health at a community pond, while the new river parcel increases conserved riparian habitat and may provide future wildlife benefits. Funding for beaver devices and a trail inventory would require allocation by the selectmen or inclusion in the capital plan.

Ending: The selectmen approved the purchase of the Merrimack-river parcel and thanked the conservation commission for its stewardship work. The commission will follow up on grant applications and seek consultant proposals for the Robertson Trail permit work.","Conservation Commission reported a cyanobacteria bloom at Turey Pond inlet, treatment of invasive variable milfoil with a 50% DES grant, recommended municipal support for beaver devices and a trail inventory, and the selectmen approved a conservation purchase of a 10.3-acre Merrimack-river parcel for $100,000.",{"_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},6465983,"Drinking Water committee says PFAS funding offer, Hooksett extension progress present opportunity for Bow Junction",337,1263000,1600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4&start=1263&end=1600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4/thumbnail_1263000.jpg","/articles/6465983/New-Hampshire/Drinking-Water-committee-says-PFAS-funding-offer-Hooksett-extension-progress-present-opportunity-for-Bow-Junction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465983-0a271615ac41cdb5d0c3018905db4d07/orig.mp4?Expires=1773576994&Signature=hBdsu57rayZZ2ptJalmgWzMwXYQ58Wc5kVkl1UdrzMyCnYynqdZYe1bXuyaHOYbKIeTIaDvHcSXGzVG9ywDOrjx9a4-nXsIG8~8P-bXRX8S1TopULniv9vikiqkANzY4yWfk75i3dSt5FaPisgEpC83kTQVw83-lty0CbyWmWTkOA8Bk0a3lK8Thskc2cM9W9fIWkfOFrNR0fcAWLkO9Mtt5sNk9cy3Y6g~F86Zbp06UULHpyHxl7k1j80B-w2AkERFbT9IOzHRlemAECmSWKCAL8xKm4vBH5QC-SwZP0Qc2jWz8tk1WHAiIZcVn41FZrvcq7Fd9djXGUkETS1n-Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cindy Clemons, chair of the Drinking Water Protection Committee, told the Bow Town Board of Selectmen on Sept. 23 that the committee is pressing for use of a state funding offer tied to PFAS contamination near Bow Junction and that a letter committing municipal capacity for a Hooksett extension has been issued.

The committee reported that the town applied for funding through the state revolving loan program and that an offer totaling about $3,600,000 had been communicated to the town. Clemons said roughly $1,500,000 of that package would be provided as a straight grant for \"emerging contaminants\" related to PFAS in the Bow Junction area, and that an additional $300,000 identified in the offer would be forgiven under the emerging-contaminant provisions; together, the committee described those elements as a large portion of the available grant/forgiveness funds for the project. Clemons cautioned that specific terms, final award amounts and deadlines are set in the state program and must be accepted promptly to secure the funding.

Clemons said the town is counting Bow Junction\u0000a small cluster of homes on the Concord border\u0000as eligible because the area includes at least 10 homes (the threshold the committee cited for a residential public water system) and therefore could qualify for the emerging-contaminant funding. The committee urged the selectmen to press Concord and regional partners to finalize approvals quickly so the town would not lose the current funding opportunity.

On regional service, Clemons reported a separate action: the town has issued a letter committing 600,000 gallons per day of capacity to a Hooksett extension request. She asked the selectmen and staff to share a copy of that letter with the committee; at the meeting she said the letter has been sent.

The committee also asked the town to submit a $10,000 Consolidation Grant application to the Drinking Water Trust Fund; Clemons said the application had not yet been filed and the committee offered to help complete it. She said a recommended scope for that study would include (1) evaluation of water rates for existing Bow customers, (2) assessment of any wholesale rate to Hooksett, and (3) analysis of rates for Bow Junction customers if they were to tie into municipal water.

Clemons notified the board that a separate Northern Borders catalyst/grant concept is being considered for feasibility work around the Colby (South Street) property and the so-called Bow Mill mixed-use area; that grant would fund a broader feasibility/market study rather than construction. The committee said it remains on record opposing a northward extension of municipal water until technical questions about residence water age and stagnation can be answered and until feasibility work supports the expansion.

Why it matters: the grant and loan package for PFAS response could substantially reduce the local cost of addressing contamination near Bow Junction, and the Hooksett and Colby-area proposals could reshape supply and development decisions in northern Bow. The committee urged the selectmen to act quickly because favorable funding rounds can expire.

Committee context and next steps: Clemons asked that the selectmen keep the committee informed about Concord contacts and approvals, asked staff for a copy of the Hooksett-capacity letter, and encouraged submission of the $10,000 consolidation study application. The committee also said it is short-staffed and seeking an additional volunteer member.

Ending: The selectmen did not take final action on any single funding acceptance at the Sept. 23 meeting; Clemons and the Drinking Water Protection Committee remain available to help with grant applications, negotiations with Concord, and review of proposed rate-study scopes.","The town\u0000Drinking Water Protection Committee reported a state loan and grant offer tied to PFAS contamination at Bow Junction and said a letter committing capacity for a Hooksett extension has been sent; the committee also urged a study of water rates and closer coordination with Concord.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6465968,"Votes at a glance: selectmen approve fund-balance policy, a river parcel purchase, polling location change and permits",1710,6270000,7980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4&start=6270&end=7980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826139-56e88dce39fd75fac4d17b82a972efe4/thumbnail_6270000.jpg","/articles/6465968/New-Hampshire/Votes-at-a-glance-selectmen-approve-fund-balance-policy-a-river-parcel-purchase-polling-location-change-and-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465968-904307a099bd0f060a332d64ebaeca0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773576994&Signature=ZLMvBi4W9Gtk1CgC0~jTknVPehtMiSJG7iAweq8HDxQrcNTNVK2Uyzo-vDJz-tezl0mChObtUWEKfkWLl~AkbApte3X9GUtFck~79piJLtP58bmSTUa9LICzxsHVR~NQ~x66E9X5L0k8Vo~nHaYyq850ennD1N7Y09T4AtwTx7OTIphN1YWE2Zv1PLqQ6YwmcIBY2WLAspw8-egEMMr1njr22yPpPKhNuOUnH61I2UbNOH-kToTioeMXjNAiT47MqJDPzuZwVr4vVgbuH1Ow8xghbCO2EGEtwC5CbIlNT3WBG5J1k-hy~ha-syHkJg13V685DNALdSf-2iXpOosTSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Sept. 23 meeting the Bow Town Board of Selectmen recorded multiple formal votes. The board did not debate each measure for long on the floor but voted on the following items during the meeting: a fund-balance policy; a conservation land purchase; a contract for a dry-hydrant replacement; a polling location change; and approval of a wildlife-baiting permit. Details follow.

Votes and key details

- Fund-balance policy (approved): The board adopted a formal unassigned fund-balance policy establishing a target range of 8% to 14% of annual appropriations. The motion was moved and seconded and passed in open session. (See the separate story for background.)

- Purchase of Merrimack-river parcel, 11 Prairie Road (approved): The selectmen voted to authorize acquisition of a 10.3-acre parcel on the Merrimack River for $100,000. The conservation commission had recommended the purchase; the packet included a town appraisal valued at about $167,000. Closing remains conditional on appraisal confirmation and completion of at least a Phase I environmental site assessment, per the purchase-and-sale terms.

- Dry-hydrant / Allen Road Fire Pond contract (approved): The board approved entering a contract to replace a dry-hydrant at the Allen Road fire pond. The selectmen authorized up to a board-authorized amount (presented at the meeting as just under $13,000) to come from the water-supply capital reserve account. Staff were directed to finalize the contract consistent with the amount discussed.

- Polling location change (approved): The board formalized moving polling from the Bow Community Center to Bow Memorial School for upcoming elections after meeting with the School Board; the school was the preferred site for availability, parking and reduced disruption to other programs.

- Permit to bait wildlife (approved 3\u0000\u00131): The board approved a fishing-and-game form permit for baiting wildlife for hunting purposes. The recorded vote on the motion was 3 in favor and 1 opposed (one selectman absent). The board discussion reflected differing views among members about baiting as a hunting practice and limited precedent for baiting permits on town property.

Other procedural votes

- Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda as presented (items 1\u0000\u00133 listed on the public agenda).

- Minutes: The board approved the Sept. 9 meeting minutes; one member abstained because he was not present at that meeting.

Why it matters: the actions include a policy that will guide fiscal planning and contingency, an environmental land acquisition that expands conserved riparian habitat, a public-safety infrastructure repair (dry hydrant) and operational moves (polling place). The baiting-permit vote was the only item where board members recorded a split vote.

Ending: Staff and the appropriate boards were instructed to carry forward the implementation steps listed in the related agenda materials: environmental review and closing steps for the land purchase; contract execution for the dry-hydrant work; administrative steps to move polling location; and follow-up reporting to the board on fund-balance policy implementation and CIP impacts.","The Board of Selectmen recorded several formal actions on Sept. 23, including adopting a fund-balance policy; approving a conservation land purchase; awarding a contract for a dry-hydrant repair; designating a new polling place; and approving a baiting permit.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Selectmen adopt fund balance policy (8——14%) after CIP review; library AC and cistern noted as funding concerns

Conservation commission updates Turey Pond monitoring, beaver flow work and seeks trail inventory; board approves nearby river parcel purchase

Drinking Water committee says PFAS funding offer, Hooksett extension progress present opportunity for Bow Junction

Votes at a glance: selectmen approve fund-balance policy, a river parcel purchase, polling location change and permits