Board backs FY2026 operating budget, debates hydrant rental fee increase from Cogswell Water Works

The Henniker Board of Selectmen recommended the amended FY2026 general operating budget and discussed a late‑arriving $9,700 hydrant rental fee from Cogswell Spring Water Works that will make the general operating budget $7,024,729 on the warrant.

Diane presented the budget overview, noting total proposed appropriations of roughly $10.0 million across general, water/wastewater, capital reserves and trust funds, with $4.7 million in estimated revenues. Key cost drivers included wages and benefits, a board‑approved 2% COLA, and increases to public safety and solid waste lines.

Josh McCutcheon, superintendent of Cogswell Spring Water Works, told the board that hydrant rental fees had been $50 per hydrant for decades and did not reflect replacement or maintenance costs; he cited a recent hydrant replacement that cost nearly $9,400 and said the utility recommended moving toward a new annual rental amount (the discussion referenced a $175 per‑hydrant rate). McCutcheon said 78 hydrants are in the system and that a more robust flushing/inspection program had exposed more deficiencies, increasing replacement needs.

Board members and members of the public questioned why the $9,700 charge arrived after budgets were printed and whether the rental fee applies to in‑service vs out‑of‑service hydrants; McCutcheon confirmed the fee is charged per hydrant regardless of service status and said the increase would help avoid ad hoc costs and support proper maintenance. The board then voted to recommend the general operating budget as amended (including the hydrant fee adjustment) and separately recommended the Cogswell Water Works operating warrant article for town voters to decide.

The board also amended and recommended other departmental warrant articles during the hearing, including a library reduction requested by trustees.