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Select Board waives $1,000 fee for Henniker Youth Theater after summer camp relocation
Summary
Tom Dunn told the board the theater’s summer camps were relocated after school space became unavailable; the board voted to waive a $1,000 rental fee and to refund the payment after reviewing deed language and charitable‑organization policy.
Tom Dunn, representing the Henniker Youth Theater, asked the Board of Selectmen on Aug. 20 to waive a $1,000 facility rental charge after the group's summer camps were forced to relocate to town facilities when school spaces were unexpectedly unavailable. "The schools have never charged us," Dunn said, describing a tightly budgeted program that had set prices and scholarship amounts before learning it might be billed for space.
Town staff confirmed the application shows $1,000 for use across multiple days and that payments on the application had been recorded; staff said the committee policy allows waiver for qualifying nonprofit organizations but bars exemptions if the renter accepts donations or admission at the door. Diane, the town administrator, reviewed the paperwork for the board and the availability of a $500 deposit and clarified the dates and total cost.
Board members discussed deed language tied to the community center and whether the Cogswell gift restricts charging fees. One member noted the draft policy lists "responsible community organizations" and cited examples, leaving interpretation to the board. Chair offered a motion to waive the fee, a board member seconded, and the board voted to waive the $1,000 rental fee and process a refund for the payment on file. "We'll process a refund for your payment," staff told Dunn after the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The board’s decision preserves the theater’s summer program without an added cost for space, reflecting a pattern of town support for longstanding community groups and raising broader questions about consistent application of deed restrictions and fee policies. The board instructed staff to process the refund and review the relevant deed and policy language for future clarity.
Next steps: The town will process the refund and the board will continue work on facility‑use policy language and the definition of "responsible community organizations."
