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Merrimack council approves donations, fire‑equipment funding and moves camping/RV rules to hearings; tables revaluation contract
Summary
On Dec. 4 the Merrimack Town Council accepted several donations for Fire Rescue, approved a $25,000 capital withdrawal for fire hose, moved proposed camping and RV ordinances to public hearings, and tabled a $137,016 property‑revaluation contract until January.
The Merrimack Town Council used its Dec. 4 meeting to finalize several routine but consequential items: donations for Fire Rescue, a capital withdrawal for fire equipment, and scheduling public hearings on camping and RV‑parking ordinances — while pausing action on a costly property revaluation contract.
Donations and fire equipment The council voted unanimously to accept two donations to Merrimack Fire Rescue: $1,000 from Digital Federal Credit Union and $500 from Tractor Supply. Fire Department leadership said the gifts will be used for training equipment and supplies.
Councilors also approved a $25,000 withdrawal from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund to purchase hose, fittings and accessories to outfit a new pumper and to replace aging hose on existing apparatus. The fire chief described a recent final review visit to the pumper manufacturer and said the apparatus is nearly ready; councilors asked staff to include photographs of the equipment for public transparency.
Camping and RV regulations moved to hearings Councilors conducted a first reading of a proposed Chapter 199 that would prohibit camping on public property without written permission, citing experiences in neighboring cities and concern about encampment spillover. Staff said Merrimack lacks warming centers and robust outreach resources, which complicates enforcement and service provision. Council moved Chapter 199 to a public hearing on Dec. 18 to refine definitions, posting requirements and enforcement language.
Closely related revisions to Chapter 183 (vehicles and traffic) were also sent to public hearing. The vehicle code updates would add definitions and restrictions for campers and recreational vehicles on public streets and property, with discussion focusing on permitted lengths, hookups and enforcement discretion.
Property revaluation contract tabled The council considered a $137,016 request to fund the next five‑year townwide revaluation (roughly 11,500 parcels). Staff explained the workflow (field verification, parcel reviews, townwide value letters and abatement procedures) and warned that pending state‑level legislation affecting assessment methods could alter the process. Councilors asked that the vendor present at a future meeting; the council voted to table the withdrawal until the Jan. 8 meeting so staff can confirm vendor availability and address outstanding questions.
Other business Councilors approved a proclamation designating Dec. 13, 2025, as National Wreaths Across America Day and confirmed minutes from Nov. 13. The meeting recessed briefly and then adjourned after routine items.
Next steps: public hearings on the camping and RV/vehicle ordinances are scheduled for Dec. 18; the revaluation funding decision is set for Jan. 8, pending vendor participation.
