Merrimack County commissioners approve employee tuition reimbursement, retiree gift policy and nursing‑home hot water heater; seal non‑public minutes

MERRIMACK COUNTY — The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners on April 27 approved several operational items for county facilities and personnel, entered a non‑public session and voted to seal the non‑public minutes for five years.

At the start of the meeting, Chair Trachy called the session to order at 10:00 a.m. and Corrections Superintendent Garrett Jewell led the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the consent agenda in a 3–0 vote after a motion by Commissioner Lovlien and a second from Commissioner Shurtleff.

During public comment, Joseph Haas raised concerns about judicial conduct and asked the Sheriff’s Office to investigate. Chair Trachy responded that the Board’s authority is limited and that sheriff appropriations are overseen by the County Delegation.

County Administrator Ross Cunningham provided a first‑quarter financial and dashboard update; staff reported no significant concerns but said revenue trends will continue to be monitored.

Nursing Home Administrator Heather Moquin and Human Resources Director Wendy Heath asked the board to approve an employee education reimbursement under the county policy for an employee enrolled in an MBA program. The nursing home had budgeted funding for two courses in the 2026 cycle; the board approved reimbursement of $1,977.00 (motion by Commissioner Lovlien; second by Commissioner Shurtleff; vote 3–0).

Director Heath also presented revisions to the county’s retiree gift policy to standardize benefits and add the option of a letter or certificate from the Board. The board approved the revised policy by unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Shurtleff; second by Commissioner Lovlien; vote 3–0).

Facilities Director Dustin Muzzey requested authorization to replace a hot water heater at the Merrimack County nursing home; the existing unit, installed in 2016, is at the end of its service life. The board approved purchasing the replacement from The Granite Group under the State bid in the amount of $12,480.69 (motion by Commissioner Lovlien; second by Commissioner Shurtleff; vote 3–0).

Commissioners shared several routine updates, including participation at an academy graduation, a site walk of county property with UNH Cooperative Extension, discussion of a historical cemetery with a proposal to rename it Riverside Cemetery and to repair broken markers, recognition of community support for the nursing‑home renovation project, and a retirement celebration for Farm Manager John Silver.

Sheriff David Croft reported an over‑hire for a sergeant position and related financial implications; that item was provided for information only.

The board voted to enter non‑public session at 10:32 a.m. under RSA 91A:3, II(a) (personnel) and RSA 91‑A:3, II(l) (legal). Roll‑call votes to enter non‑public were unanimous. Chair Trachy reconvened public session at 11:29 a.m., and the board then voted unanimously to seal the non‑public minutes for five years, citing potential adverse effects on a person’s reputation and the effectiveness of the proposed action.

Commissioner Shurtleff moved to adjourn at 11:29 a.m.; Commissioner Lovlien seconded and the motion carried 3–0. The minutes were later approved and signed by Clerk Stephen Shurtleff.

Votes at a glance: • Consent agenda — approved, 3–0. • Education reimbursement ($1,977.00) — approved, 3–0. • Retiree Gift Policy revision — approved, 3–0. • Hot water heater purchase ($12,480.69) — approved, 3–0. • Enter non‑public session under RSA 91A:3, II(a) and RSA 91‑A:3, II(l) — approved by roll call, unanimous. • Seal non‑public minutes for five years — approved, unanimous.