Public hearing draws mixed views on proposal to expand Select Board from three to five members

The Ossipee Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on March 3, 2025 about a petition warrant article proposing to expand the Select Board from three members to five. Residents, current board members and other attendees offered mixed views during the hearing.

Opponents argued that expanding the board could dilute candidate quality and impose additional costs. Several speakers said it is already difficult to recruit qualified volunteers and that increasing membership could result in uncontested or less-qualified appointments. One long-time resident said he preferred keeping a three-member board to preserve competitive elections.

Supporters and neutral speakers noted that some neighboring towns have five-member boards and that expansion is a legitimate local choice; one participant who reviewed nearby municipal websites reported that among 14 surrounding towns, eight have three-member boards and six have five-member boards. The board did not take a vote on the warrant article during the hearing; the proposal will appear on the town warrant for voter consideration at Town Meeting.

Why it matters: changing the number of select-board seats alters representation and the distribution of duties and pay. The board and multiple residents discussed expected cost implications and the need to attract qualified candidates.

The hearing closed at about 5:01 p.m.; the board said the matter will be decided by voters at Town Meeting, where the town attorney will be present to explain relevant legalities.

Ending: Selectmen said the warrant article will remain on the town warrant and voters will decide at Town Meeting.