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Board accepts $20,000 memorial gift to establish 'Only Henniker on Earth' fund
Summary
Selectmen unanimously accepted a $20,000 donation from Carolyn McKean and family to establish the "Only Henniker on Earth" fund in memory of Skip McKean; trustees will hold the fund and the board discussed adopting a disbursement policy before making awards.
The Henniker Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to accept a $20,000 donation from Carolyn McKean and family to establish the "Only Henniker on Earth" memorial fund to be held in custody by the trustees of trust funds.
Town Administrator Diane read a letter dated April 15, 2025, from Carolyn McKean outlining the family's intent: they asked that the board establish a trust in the town's name and use the fund, at the selectmen's discretion, to "help fill the gap" between requests from organizations or departments and amounts the town budget can afford. The letter also enclosed a check for the Henniker Youth Athletic Program. Diane and other board members noted the trustees of trust funds are elected officials and that the trustees administer funds and pay out on the order of the selectmen.
Selectman Neil (speaker identification in the record) suggested the board consider a policy or process for disbursement because the donation is unrestricted and the board will likely receive many requests; other members agreed. The trustees named in the meeting record were Sue Fetzer, Linda Connor and Kyle Jean Dress (with a note that Tia Hooper replaced Bridal Linda); the board confirmed the trustees meet quarterly and follow prudent-investor principles under the Attorney General's office.
Selectman Martin moved, and the board seconded and approved, a motion to accept the donation and instruct the treasurer to remit funds to the trustees of trust funds (recorded vote: unanimous, motion carries 3-0). Board discussion concluded with direction to consider policy guidance on disbursement prior to awarding funds from the new trust.
