Selectmen authorize Caney Hill fire‑tower tour; board reviews budget schedule and town reports

The Henniker Board of Selectmen authorized a request from local volunteers to hold the Caney Hill historic fire‑tower tour over Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 12–14) and voted to provide limited town support, including coordination and a temporary porta‑let replacement. The motion to authorize the event carried unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting the board reviewed the proposed 2025 budget schedule and agreed to a November 16 Saturday workshop for departments with follow‑up presentations scheduled for October and November meetings. Diane said department heads and the budget advisory committee may attend the workshop to assist with large‑dollar items such as highway, fire and police budgets.

In administrator reports Diane said four properties were tax‑deeded in 2024; two owners have since expressed intent to repurchase, one property is scheduled for auction Oct. 25 (JSJ Auctions), and one parcel remains under review while staff locate heirs. She also noted the town received notification from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation of a Shoreland permit application for improvements at the Duncan's intersection that would include a hybrid two‑lane roundabout and approach reconstruction; documents are available at Town Hall for public inspection.

Diane praised the highway department's work on Foster Hill Road and said paving was expected next week after ledge removal. She summarized a recent Household Hazardous Waste Day, reporting increased participation and likely coming in under budget, and said PrimeX will begin a reappraisal of town buildings next Monday to support the town's membership in a municipal risk pool. The board asked staff to schedule a Main Street crosswalk presentation by Southwest Regional Planning at a future meeting.

The board closed the meeting after approving several minutes and discussing ongoing code enforcement correspondence; Flynn moved to adjourn and the board voted 5‑0.