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Residents and selectman discuss creating town emergency assistance fund for disaster response
Summary
Selectmen discussed establishing a town-level emergency assistance fund or community-run support mechanism to help residents displaced by fires and other catastrophes; staff will seek legal guidance and return with options.
Residents and selectmen discussed options to provide immediate assistance to families affected by fires and other catastrophic events, including the concept of a small town-managed emergency fund and a volunteer-run charitable fund.
A resident who has previously worked on relief efforts described recent local fires and suggested the town consider a modest fund or a 501(c)(3)-style committee that could provide immediate help—hotel stays, gift cards and clothing—while other aid is arranged. “If 1 of the selectmen showed up at a catastrophic event with just a business card…and a $500 gift card to Walmart…they'll know what the card's for,” the speaker said, arguing that immediate small-scale aid can address urgent needs.
Town administrators said they had contacted the New Hampshire Municipal Association for procedural guidance and had discussed existing emergency aid options through town welfare and regional agencies. Staff noted the Red Cross and town welfare programs offer short-term assistance and that legal questions remain about a town-run fund. The selectmen asked staff to collect additional guidance about legal and administrative options and to return with recommendations.
No formal commitment of town funds was made at the meeting; the selectmen indicated the matter would be researched further and could be considered for a future budget or capital reserve fund proposal if appropriate.
