Patrick Wood of Laconia reported during public comment that the state informed the local housing authority the week before Christmas that funds previously placed in the budget for the congregate housing services program were no longer available.

"We heard from the state of New Hampshire, a week before Christmas, that the money that had been established or put into the budget for the congregate housing services program is no longer available," Wood said. He told the board the amount in question had been $700,000 and that the housing authority had received no explanation; he said the authority would pursue alternatives and continue to press the state for clarification.

Wood also raised a separate idea for regional recreation development, proposing a year-round sports complex on available county land to serve the Lakes Region and Belknap County. He listed possible uses including indoor soccer, indoor baseball and indoor tennis, and said such a facility could host leagues and programs now impossible in existing county facilities.

Commissioners responded to both items with sympathy and interest: they expressed disappointment about the funding loss and said they would keep the sports-complex concept in mind as land deals and development plans advance, offering to help coordinate with city and new owners when appropriate.

The board took no formal vote or action on either the funding cut or the sports-complex suggestion during the public session; staff and the housing authority indicated they will pursue follow-up outreach.