Wolfeboro selectmen approve default‑budget transfers; add funds for drainage and Fourth of July fireworks

The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen on April 9 approved a package of line‑item transfers totaling $836,509 to maintain municipal operations under the town’s default budget and took three subsequent votes on near‑term spending. Town Manager Jim (last name not specified in transcript) told the board the transfers are intended to cover operating shortfalls that the default budget — which is calculated from the 2023 approved budget — does not automatically include.

"The default budget was created based on the 2023 approved budget," Jim said, citing RSA provisions that define the default budget and the board’s ability to move funds by line‑item transfers. He told the board the transfers are needed for items including ambulance services, parks and recreation administration, Abernathy rentals/leases, and wage adjustments. The packet before the board identified $836,509 in required transfers; Jim said part of that total reflects a recommendation to adjust non‑union wages by about 5 percent, consistent with collective bargaining proposals.

Why it matters: Approving the transfers lets town departments pay bills and staff while the 2026 budget is prepared. Jim told the board that some temporary savings exist this year because of vacant positions and the timing of health‑insurance eligibility, but those are not repeatable under a future default budget.

Board action and follow-up votes: Selectwoman Linda Murray moved to add $12,000 to the public works budget for drainage materials and related small projects; the motion carried on a voice vote. Public Works Director Steve Randall said the $12,000 would purchase culvert and other materials and that his crews could use existing labor allocations to install the work; he described the push as a maintenance project rather than larger road construction. "If you want to give me the 12 to buy the culvert, that is fantastic. I could buy the culvert tomorrow and put it up at Wicker's with a little tag...this is where we're going to use it," Randall said.

Murray also moved that the town manager seek $2,500 to support the Fourth of July fireworks; if the town manager cannot find the funds she offered to donate or raise the amount herself. That motion was seconded and approved. A separate motion to reallocate $50,000 to road improvements was made later in the meeting but failed for lack of board support.

Budget detail and legal points: Jim explained that $139,000 of temporary health‑insurance savings were available between January 1 and May 1 because several positions remained vacant and employees are not immediately eligible for coverage on hire; the board used some of those savings in the transfer plan. He also noted $97,298 of interest/reserve funds connected with the Public Safety Building that the board may use to pay down principal or place into a warrant article; the board applied a portion of that balance to debt service in the recommended transfers. Jim warned that default budgets revert wages to the 2023 base if a future default were declared, so the board must account for any raises when preparing the 2026 budget.

Public‑works priorities: Several selectmen said the town’s drainage and culvert maintenance is a priority because of water‑quality and road‑condition risks. Randall explained the technical scope of one targeted drainage project near White Gate Lane and said he has discussed easements with the private landowner; he described the work as a one‑ or two‑day maintenance effort if materials are in hand. Board members asked that any planned use of public funds be paired with a clear scope and timeline.

The board deferred additional budget votes until its next meeting and directed the town manager and department heads to continue finalizing the line‑item transfers and timetable for projects approved at the meeting.