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Francestown Select Board raises returned-payment fee, increases permit charges and approves routine measures
Summary
At its March 23 meeting the Francestown Select Board adopted a returned-payment policy raising returned-check/ACH fees to $75 effective immediately, approved revised building and trade permit fees (effective April 1, 2026), and passed consent-agenda items including small capital withdrawals and a Fire & Rescue Trust Fund receipt.
Chair Karen Kitzgerald called the Francestown Select Board to order at 5:30 p.m. on March 23 and opened a public hearing to consider fee changes and a returned-payment policy. Town Administrator Jamie A. Pike presented the proposed changes.
The board adopted a returned-payment policy that raises the fee for returned checks and ACH payments from $25 to $75, which the board recorded as effective immediately to cover protest, bank and legal fees. The board also approved revisions to building-permit fees, setting the rate at $0.30 per gross square foot with a $75 minimum, and increasing trade and specialty permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, chimney/fireplace, septic, foundation-only, swimming pools and demolition) from $50 to $75; the permit changes are effective April 1, 2026. The motions to adopt both the returned-payment policy and the revised permit fees were made by Select Board member Scot D. Heath and seconded by Select Board member Charles M. Pyle III; both motions passed.
The board approved its consent agenda, which included the Payroll & Accounts Payable manifest dated March 25, 2026; an Intent to Excavate for Map 3 Lot 51 (Francestown Sand & Gravel); acceptance of unanticipated funds for the Fire & Rescue Trust Fund to purchase a nitrous-oxide system ($186.88); and Capital Reserve Fund withdrawals for Fire Equipment ($722.00) and Town Facilities (FD flooring) ($2,930.05). Select Board member Charles M. Pyle III moved to accept the consent agenda and Select Board member Scot D. Heath seconded; the motion passed.
The board also approved minutes from March 9 and March 16, 2026, and authorized submitting a proxy in favor of the Francestown Village Water Company’s proposed slate of director candidates for the company’s April 4 annual meeting.
Other business included a presentation of two telephone-system proposals. Mr. Pike reported an EmerTech option with an estimated equipment cost of $6,000 and ongoing annual expenses of about $5,500, and a Consolidated Communications option estimated at $8,200 for equipment and $8,200 ongoing. Mr. Pike recommended waiting until Consolidated completes planned copper removals in town; the board took no action.
The meeting adjourned after the Select Board completed its agenda.
