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Merrimack County commissioners approve tuition reimbursement, retiree gift policy and nursing-home hot water heater
Summary
At their April 27 meeting, the Merrimack County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,977 tuition reimbursement for a nursing-home employee, adopted revisions to the retiree gift policy, and authorized a $12,480.69 hot water heater purchase for the county nursing home; the board also entered and sealed a non-public session under RSA 91-A.
The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners on April 27 approved several routine personnel and facilities items, including a $1,977 tuition reimbursement for an employee at the Merrimack County Nursing Home (MCNH), revisions to the county's retiree gift policy, and a $12,480.69 purchase of a replacement hot water heater for MCNH.
Nursing Home Administrator Heather Moquin and Human Resources Director Wendy Heath asked the board to approve tuition reimbursement under the county policy for an employee enrolled in an MBA program; Assistant Nursing Home Director Ross Johnson completed the course and met the minimum grade requirement. Commissioner David Lovlien moved to approve the $1,977 reimbursement; Commissioner Stephen Shurtleff seconded and the motion carried, 3–0.
Director Heath presented proposed revisions to the retiree gift policy intended to standardize gift options and add a letter or certificate from the County Board of Commissioners. Following brief discussion, Commissioner Stephen Shurtleff moved to adopt the revised policy; Commissioner Lovlien seconded and the motion passed, 3–0.
Facilities Director Dustin Muzzey briefed the board on the nursing home's failed hot water heater, noting the existing unit was installed in 2016 and staff recommended replacement via the State bid to achieve cost savings. The board authorized purchase from The Granite Group for $12,480.69 (motion by Commissioner Lovlien; second by Commissioner Shurtleff; vote 3–0).
Sheriff David Croft provided an informational report about an over-hire for a sergeant position and associated financial implications; no formal action was taken on that item.
The board entered non-public session at 10:32 a.m. under RSA 91-A:3, II(a) (personnel) and RSA 91-A:3, II(l) (legal). Roll-call votes to enter non-public and later to seal the non-public minutes for five years were unanimous. Chair Trachy reconvened the public meeting at 11:29 a.m., and Commissioner Shurtleff moved to adjourn; the motion carried unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved (motion: Commissioner Lovlien; second: Commissioner Shurtleff; vote: 3–0). - Education reimbursement ($1,977.00): approved (motion: Commissioner Lovlien; second: Commissioner Shurtleff; vote: 3–0). - Retiree Gift Policy revisions: approved (motion: Commissioner Stephen Shurtleff; second: Commissioner Lovlien; vote: 3–0). - Hot water heater purchase (The Granite Group, $12,480.69): approved (motion: Commissioner Lovlien; second: Commissioner Shurtleff; vote: 3–0). - Enter non-public session and seal non-public minutes for five years: approved by roll-call; votes recorded as Trachy — Yes; Shurtleff — Yes; Lovlien — Yes.
The board's actions were largely procedural and routine; several items were budgeted or recommended by staff and carried with unanimous support. The board also discussed a historical cemetery on county property and routine community events during commissioner remarks.
