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Rockingham County warns of roughly $185,000 shortfall after Eversource reimbursement change
Summary
Commissioners were told May 7 that Eversource will not reimburse the county at the previously expected rate, creating an anticipated fiscal-year shortfall of about $185,000 and likely requiring transfers from contingency funds and further budget adjustments.
A Rockingham County commissioner told the board on May 7 that Eversource confirmed the utility will not reimburse the county at the rate officials had expected, creating an anticipated shortfall of about $185,000 for this fiscal year.
The commissioner said the county had previously adjusted budget lines for electricity by about $92,000 and expected Eversource to ‘‘make us whole.’’ After receiving an email that morning, staff learned Eversource will reimburse at a lower rate than anticipated, and that will likely require additional transfers from the county contingency fund to cover the gap.
Why it matters: county finance projections rely on known reimbursements for utility-related costs. Commissioners said the change is large enough to affect year-end balances and will require a detailed reconciliation of billed rates and comparable projects before final transfers are approved.
At the meeting, officials described having expected one rate and later being told a different one; staff said Eversource characterized part of the change as a billing or clerical adjustment. The commissioner said the discrepancy could not be resolved immediately because the county’s primary consulting contact is on military duty and other outside experts are temporarily unavailable.
Katie Casey was recorded in conversation with the utility, and a commissioner reported her remark to the board: "We make financial decisions based on this, you know." Board members said that remark underscored the practical effect of the change on county budgeting.
Next steps: commissioners directed staff to obtain a full analysis of the payments and comparables from other projects, identify where transfers would be required, and return with a recommendation. Several speakers said the county will likely need contingency transfers and additional appropriation adjustments before the fiscal year ends.
The discussion came during the board’s routine meeting ahead of a scheduled public hearing on the county budget.
