Strafford County subcommittee approves amended budget after debate over nonprofit requests and registry staffing

STRAFFORD COUNTY, N.H. — The Strafford County general government subcommittee on Jan. 30 approved its amended 2026 recommended budget after hearing presentations from local service providers and a contested discussion over county support for nonprofit programs.

Chair Representative Seth Miller opened the hearing and said the subcommittee would review most non-criminal county spending, including registry of deeds, resource agencies and county-maintained services. Presenters outlined program services, budgets and funding risks as members asked detailed operational questions.

Meals on Wheels executive director Katie said the program serves about 1,400 Strafford County residents and delivers roughly 121,000 meals a year, combining meal delivery with wellness and safety checks for vulnerable residents. Katie requested level funding and said state reimbursements cover about 70% of the operating budget; the organization asked the county to fill a remaining local gap. “Each meal costs about $10,” she said, adding the $42,000 county request would cover about 4,200 meals and equivalent wellness checks over the year.

Easterseals New Hampshire sought $80,000 to subsidize senior services in the county, describing statewide operations that…