Residents Press Selectboard on Transparency, Respect and Budget Priorities

Residents and selectboard members clashed over decorum and town spending during Kensington’s meeting, with several public commenters urging clearer online information about selectboard responsibilities and links to the RSA sections that describe municipal duties. One resident called attention to recent spending and said it coincided with families entering tax liens.

The meeting’s exchange turned pointed when a resident, later identified in the meeting as Peter Freeman, declared, “I don't trust you,” while criticizing recent allocations including conservation spending and police equipment. Board members responded by urging speakers to use the podium and observed that volunteers and officials should be treated with respect. The board repeatedly stressed it would follow up on specific fiscal questions raised by the public and examine the underlying details.

Community members recommended posting the statutory RSA references on the town website and providing more detailed agendas and attachments so residents can decide whether to attend. A member of the Kensington Citizens Advisory Committee said the group had sent a letter with practical suggestions—one request was improved seating and acoustics at town meetings so people can hear each other.

Board members promised to review website navigation and the way roles and responsibilities are displayed, noting the site already contains agendas and minutes and that residents can sign up for alerts. The board placed some items—such as a review of assessment discrepancies and additional follow-ups—on future agendas.