Strafford County’s executive committee on Dec. 5 authorized a series of short‑term fiscal actions and accepted its third‑quarter 2025 budget report.

Treasurer Pamela Cherry addressed the committee before a motion to authorize the county commissioners to obtain tax‑anticipation notes (TANs) of up to $30,000,000 for the first six months of 2026. Cherry noted a higher figure in her remarks but the formal motion put before the committee capped the notes at $30 million. A representative objected to repeating six‑month borrowings and said “the statute requires us to do it the way we’re doing it,” prompting discussion about whether statutory change would be needed to alter the practice. The motion passed on a roll call vote, 7–4.

The committee also voted to allow county commissioners to pay statutorily required county expenditures until the delegation approves the 2026 budget. Representative Smith moved the measure, seconded by Representative Southworth; the committee approved the motion on a roll call, 7–4.

Committee members then received the third‑quarter 2025 budget report. Staff highlighted capital accruals and said the county’s roof project is essentially complete; reimbursement is pending until vendors’ checks clear, with a reported $100,000 holdback remaining. Staff also reported that revenue from ICE transport ceased after the agency contracted a private carrier (identified in discussion as Paragon).

On personnel, staff said earlier staffing shortfalls driven by vacancies have largely been filled after recruitment and negotiations with labor representatives; overtime has remained elevated because of employee leaves for medical reasons and time spent training replacement hires. The committee moved to accept the third‑quarter report; the motion was recorded as passing, 11–1.

The delegation’s chair, Alan Hown, and members said they expect to return in January with more detailed budget deliberations as the full delegation reviews final numbers and any obligations the county must meet in 2026.

Votes at a glance

• Tax‑anticipation notes (up to $30,000,000): Passed, roll call 7–4 (Yes: Oregon, Howard, Lumenting, Westbrook, Smith, Tower, Bailey; No: Burnham, DeRoy, others recorded as no).
• Interim payment authority for county expenditures: Passed, roll call 7–4.
• Acceptance of third‑quarter 2025 budget report: Passed, recorded tally 11–1.

What happens next

Delegation members said they will continue budget work in January, when the full delegation meets to consider the 2026 budget and when members expect more detailed fiscal materials to be distributed in advance.