The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to review third-quarter financials and consider redirecting nursing home vending revenue to the McKenna Fund. The agenda also lists a county dashboard review, delegation orientation discussion and a final review of the 2027 budget.

Discussion Points

•Department-level points include nursing home census and costs and sheriff's court revenue.
•The report compares third-quarter and year-to-date county revenues and expenditures with projections and the 2026 budget.

Oct

Board of Selectmen October 27, 2026 meeting

At a Board of Selectmen meeting, the board approved town support for a student'9s '9happiness mailbox'9 senior project, received updates on multiple infrastructure and planning items including a Belle Junction water interconnect grant approval, and adopted an updated hawkers-and-peddlers ordinance.

Discussion Points

•Age-limit provisions and applicability to youth fundraisers
•Consultants continuing feasibility work
•Contractors coordinate staging and keep parking away from construction area
•Current appropriations are a beginning but insufficient
•DES application completed and funding approved by governor and council
•DOT may prioritize safety improvements and right-of-way/environmental work over the next year
•Exemptions for nonprofit organizations and fundraising activities
•Exit 1 funding/timeline is a key unknown
•Need to confirm any start-within deadlines tied to grant funds
•Operational questions about indoor vs outdoor placement and monitoring
•Project will require a multi-year financial commitment and prioritization
•Rails and some panels installed; daily progress observed
•Suggestions to test inside town hall initially and explore gazebo/library outdoor options
•Volunteer succession and duration of student responsibility

Decisions

•Motion approved to authorize town manager to adopt ordinance changes
•Motion approved to support project with amendment setting end date of 08/01/2027

Directions

•Authorize town manager to implement redline changes and complete adoption steps
•Board asked for periodic updates until successor identified
•Consultants and DOT to keep town updated with progress reports
•Continue to monitor work and receive periodic updates
•Staff to confirm start-within deadlines and coordinate outreach to neighboring communities
•Staff to provide clarified accounting of capital reserve balances and previously approved amounts
•Town staff to coordinate with Alex and library/facilities on placement and monitoring

Oct

Minutes

Merrimack County commissioners on Oct. 22 approved a series of budget and grant actions including purchase of a new sheriff cruiser ($72,000), acceptance of multiple grants (JAG $5,000; VAWA $30,000; DHHS cold-shelter $165,000), a $240,000 social services allocation, a $67,489 sole-source WWTP auger purchase, and an Agency Pool increase to $6.5 million for the 2027 budget.

Discussion Points

•Board entered non-public session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(a) for personnel matters and later sealed the minutes for five years citing reputational and effectiveness concerns.
•Board reviewed 2027 budget requests by nursing home and assisted‑living facilities and made adjustments.
•Coffey explained DHHS approved $165,000 for county shelters and that funding is reimbursement-based.
•Coffey explained DOJ requires governing-authority approval and a Certificate of Authority for the award.
•Muzzey noted the existing auger installed in March 2005 had been in continuous service and is critical to removing trash and debris prior to lagoon treatment.
•Panel recommended funding distribution with one new applicant, Next Step Living.
•Sheriff Croft framed vehicle purchase as reducing taxpayer impact in 2027 and presented the JAG award as equipment funding.

Decisions

•Accept VAWA grant
•Approve $240,000 allocation
•Approve cruiser purchase and accept JAG grant
•Approve sole‑source purchase
•Board reviewed proposed recipients
•Enter non-public session; seal minutes for five years
•Increase Agency Pool by $100,000

Directions

•Staff to execute Certificate of Authority and process grant acceptance.

Oct

Board of Selectmen Meeting 10/13/2026

Bow Select Board received committee updates on the capital-improvement plan, conservation and heritage projects, recycling and drinking-water work; discussed TIF revenue, the projected tax rate and several local ordinances and motions, and approved routine consent items and road-naming.

Discussion Points

•A three-component water-rate study will be advanced and may be partially reimbursed via a consolidation grant
•Board debated precedent and statutory obligations; one member proposed town reimbursement contingent on state action but withdrew the motion
•Board to draft ordinance language and add affected intersections to no-through-trucking list
•Changing percentage captured or district boundaries is legally and technically complex
•CIP up about $350,000 including $150,000 state bridge commitment and a $100,000+ library HVAC addition
•Committee will assist in responses and intermunicipal outreach (Hooksett/Concord)
•Completed purchase of 10+ acre Merrimack River parcel (about 1,500 ft of shoreline)
•Consent agenda approved
•Culvert replacements by public works
•Heritage Room displays and oral-history program re-established
•High chloride readings likely linked to salt use around Bow Memorial School parking lot
•Last year's HHW attendance: 382 Bow vehicles and 73 Dunbarton vehicles (electronics-only drop-offs additional)
•Last year's HHW bill: $26,728.80; estimated this year ~$28,800 (7.9% increase)
•Minutes of Sept. 22 approved (4–0 with one abstention)
•Non-lapsing account used partially for BTLA settlements (~$770,000 used)
•No variable-leaf pondweed found in recent surveys; cyanobacteria bloom noted
•Oak Ridge Drive name confirmed
•Open house Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; workday Nov. 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
•Plans to advertise on town Facebook page and to invite volunteers to work sessions
•Police can enforce 'no through trucking' with fines up to $500
•Projected tax rate without using fund balance: $4.71 (approximate 9¢ increase)
•Rand Road temporary closure approved
•Recommendation to discontinue the library emergency fund given CIP coverage
•Reimbursement motion withdrawn
•Residency checks considered to limit out-of-town use and manage cost
•Resident paid vehicle registration but may be exempt as a permanently disabled veteran
•Residents report trucks missing intended turns and backing up in residential areas
•River Road bridge to go to bid this winter; prior bridge costs fronted and reimbursed by state
•Robertson Trail reroute and DES permit approval
•Staff attempted to resolve with DMV; state reimbursement was a possibility
•TIF generated roughly 5% of the tax base last year and may be capturing more revenue than anticipated
•TIF proceeds support large-scale infrastructure projects (water, tech district)
•Town awarded $4,000,000 SRF loan for Hooksett water-main extension with stipulations
•Utilities equalization dropped; audit adjustments pending

Decisions

•Board requested staff post events
•Board voted to add drafting and further review to next meeting agenda
•Deeper dive on TIF to be scheduled
•No formal board action on CIP this night
•No town reimbursement approved; motion withdrawn
•Recorded outcomes as listed in actions array

Directions

•Board requested staff produce a holistic TIF review for a future meeting
•CIP committee to finalize recommendations at a future meeting
•Committee to circulate water-rate study draft and proceed with RFQ process
•Committee to monitor vendor changes and pricing; board asked to be kept informed
•Finalize MS-1 and proceed to DRA for review; staff to return with final unassigned fund-balance numbers after audit adjustments
•Follow up on salt-use practices near school parking; monitor pond and submit any necessary grant or management plans
•Staff to continue to pursue state-level correction/reimbursement and report back
•Staff to draft ordinance amendment and sign-placement plan; return with proposed fine schedule
•Town manager/staff to post events online
•Town staff to process the approved items administratively

Oct

Minutes

Merrimack County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 8, 2026. The board approved continuing county health coverage with HealthTrust for 2027, heard an architectural presentation on the McLeod Building renovation, reviewed the proposed 2027 budget (noting a projected 10.4% tax increase), approved an NHAC Executive Board nomination for Commissioner Shurtleff, entered and sealed a non-public personnel session, and adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Alternative fully insured quotes reported: Anthem 18.8%, Harvard 19.6% vs HealthTrust renewal at 4.4%.
•Board entered non‑public session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(a) for personnel.
•Board voted to seal non‑public minutes for five years, citing reputational harm and potential ineffectiveness of proposed action.
•CDFA funding timeline targeted Nov. 13.
•Draft assumes $0 use of fund balance; alternative would change tax impact by 1.73%.
•Draft budget projects a 10.4% tax increase.
•Effective date adjusted to Nov. 11, 2026.
•National medical trend ~9% and prescription trend ~11%; high‑cost specialty therapies driving costs.
•Nomination letter presented to fill NHAC Executive Board position replacing Commissioner Trachy.
•Proposed COLAs and insurance cost changes listed; alternative care and NHRS rate changes noted.
•Proposed facility capacity of 111 beds, including 16 memory care beds.
•Roll call votes recorded as Yes for all three commissioners.
•Site access, ambulance routing, parking, retaining walls, landscaping, staffing, payer mix, and phasing were reviewed.

Decisions

•Board approved nomination by motion (3–0).
•Continue with HealthTrust for 2027 at 4.4% renewal; estimated $6,620 annual third‑party admin fees.
•Non‑public entry approved; minutes sealed for five years; meeting adjourned.

Directions

•Further review and final decisions scheduled for Nov. 13, 2026.

Sep

Board of Selectmen September 22, 2026

Hundreds attended a Bow Select Board meeting on Sept. 22 to comment on media reports of a possible private AI data center on the former Bow power-plant site; residents raised environmental, water, noise, tax, and transparency concerns while a handful of speakers urged the town to let any proposal go through the normal planning process.

Discussion Points

•Board acknowledged grant support and regional coordination
•Board and planning staff clarified that no application has been submitted and that planning-board processes and town ordinances govern review
•Budget schedule proposed with Dec. 1 initial department-head review and invite to budget committee
•Club reported trail reroutes, bridge repairs and volunteer support
•Executive Councilor requested governor pause state permit approvals for megadata centers
•Fire department awarded $25,000 grant for ventilator
•Household hazardous-waste day set for Oct. 17; proof of residency required
•Ordinances at time of application determine applicable rules; staff reports, site walks and third-party engineering reviews are normal parts of review
•Proponent suggested heat reuse and tax benefits
•Residents raised water, noise, PFAS and property-value concerns regarding a proposed data center
•Residents requested transparency and asked the board to refuse nondisclosure agreements
•Site is industrially zoned; proponent urged vetting via codes and third-party engineering
•State Rep. highlighted reported 350 MW size and noted state law changes that can limit local review
•Town attorney would review legal agreements and any NDAs

Decisions

•Authorization granted for club to use town land; unanimous voice vote

Directions

•Officials to inquire with the Department of Energy and other state agencies about moratoriums in neighboring states
•Planning staff to follow standard notice and public-hearing timelines; town attorney to advise on any legal agreements
•Town Manager to send formal invitations to department heads and the budget committee for Dec. 1
•Town staff to document permissions and coordinate as needed
•Town staff to notify public if/when an application is submitted; town attorney to advise on any legal agreements if presented

Sep

Minutes

Merrimack County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 14, 2026, and approved personnel reimbursements and multiple engineering contracts for the McLeod renovation, wrote off nursing-home bad debt, and authorized a contract with Merrimack Valley Day Care; a public commenter said he will seek a grand-jury probe of election administration.

Discussion Points

•Board voted to proceed with contract; specific terms beyond utilities allocation were not recorded.
•Committee recommended McFarland Johnson for MEP‑FP based on renovation and assisted-living experience.
•Gerhard said he intends to request a grand-jury investigation into election certification, chain-of-custody, and potential structural conflicts in New Hampshire elections.
•Heath presented the revised Education Assistance Policy and application form, noting clarifications and streamlining changes.
•Moquin and Heath requested reimbursement for two MSW courses totaling $4,200 for a full-time social worker (Taylor).
•Ridlon explained $64,348.49 identified as uncollectible for Q3; over $47,000 tied to one account subject to a property lien.
•Staff explained RFP scope, mandatory site tour, evaluation criteria and rationale for grouping MEP‑FP.

Decisions

•Board approved $4,200 reimbursement
•Board approved moving forward with contract
•Board approved the policy change
•Board approved the recommended awards
•Board approved write-off

Directions

•Place future approved reimbursements on the consent agenda for Board final approval.
•Proceed with contracting and construction-phase services.
•Staff to finalize contracting as necessary.

Aug

Board of Selectmen August 11, 2026 Meeting

Bow Select Board held its regular meeting on 2026-08-11. The board accepted a $1.5 million state grant to extend a Concord water main to address PFAS and other contaminants, approved spending up to $7,500 to review an RFP for a proposed 17,000 sq ft community building, reviewed unaudited year-end finances, advanced a landfill solar lease waiver, and authorized several routine contract and reserve-fund actions.

Discussion Points

•Board approved the award by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
•Board approved using water capital reserve replacement fund.
•Board discussed fund balances and whether town would expend the funds or authorize an ad hoc committee to do so.
•Existing town ordinance referenced an out-of-date RSA, creating a possible special-exception requirement.
•Gerhard sought to raise public awareness and described forming an association to educate jurors.
•Grand jury historically has investigatory powers and may subpoena witnesses and documents in certain circumstances.
•Group seeks design-build RFP with firm price for taxpayers by March 2027; approximate program and size described.
•Motion to award boiler contract presented and seconded.
•Operating revenues 78%; motor vehicle revenues 116%; unaudited year-end roughly $157,000 after encumbrances.
•Public hearing opened and closed with no speakers; board accepted grant as presented.
•Request for reimbursement for water leak costs totaling $21,002.63.
•Revolving fund as of June 30 at $704,000; camp registration revenues expected to produce a surplus.
•Town counsel advised the select board to waive the town's lease obligation and treat the proposal as a governmental land use under RSA 674:54.

Decisions

•Approved withdrawal.
•Authorize up to $7,500 for RFP review, pending confirmation of funding source.
•Contract award approved.
•Grant acceptance and authorization for town official to sign documents
•Waiver granted to allow landfill solar project to proceed.

Directions

•Finance/DPW to process withdrawal and document per fund rules.
•Staff and counsel to update the ordinance to avoid future confusion.
•Staff to confirm funding source and hire third-party reviewer; board member may join group meetings as an observer.
•Staff to execute contract and schedule installation.
•Staff to incorporate conservative assumptions in next year’s budget given motor vehicle revenue volatility.
•Town staff to coordinate next steps with Concord and state grant administrator.

Aug

Minutes

Merrimack County commissioners approved a series of routine administrative items including acceptance of the 2025 audit, a 4.0% COLA for 2026 budgets, selection of a two‑story storage building design, several RFPs for social services and cold‑weather shelters, and equipment and contract approvals. A brief nonpublic personnel session was held and the minutes were sealed.

Discussion Points

•Administrator Cunningham presented the engagement agreement for Novogradac & Company.
•Auditor presented 2025 audit; no concerns or compliance issues reported.
•Board approved issuance of RFP.
•Board approved RFP to allocate DHHS funds to providers.
•Board briefly noted high fuel costs and ongoing staff review of options.
•Board entered nonpublic session for personnel under RSA 91‑A:3, II(a).
•Board voted to approve the agreement to assist with prevailing wage and apprenticeship compliance for the solar project.
•Board voted to seal the nonpublic minutes for five years citing reputational concerns.
•Commissioners expressed no objections and voted to approve.
•Commissioners favored Option F for capacity and aesthetics; fire suppression not required.
•Coordinator Coffey outlined RFP schedule and program purpose.
•Finance director presented Q2 results: revenues ~ $1.6M over projections, expenditures ~ $1.2M under.
•RFP issuance schedule and program parameters (reimbursement basis, Nov. 1–Apr. 30).
•Three bids received for replacement of a Vulcan steamer oven; Chef's Deal lowest at $26,894.88.
•Turner explained the three‑year Northeast CPI‑W average (3.79%) and county policy rounding.
•Two design options presented: Option F (~3,267 sq ft) and Option J (~2,000 sq ft).

Decisions

•Approve 4.00% COLA for 2026
•Approve Novogradac engagement
•Approve Option F design
•Award oven to Chef's Deal; continue staff review of fuel options.
•Entered nonpublic session; seal minutes for five years.
•Issue RFP on August 14; proposals due September 11
•Issue RFP on August 18; proposals due September 15

Jul

Minutes

The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners on July 27, 2026 heard a CDBG progress report for Fellowship Housing, approved a Highway Safety Grant to fund a radar trailer, adopted a budget memo and schedule, and discussed nursing home agency-staffing policy; the board entered non-public session for personnel matters.

Discussion Points

•Budget goals to limit increases and conduct peer comparisons
•CDBG application history and project selection (Fayette Street chosen over Chesley Elevator)
•Contract cancellation flexibility and scheduling processes
•Dashboard shows positive property revenue and anticipated state funding
•Deployment throughout county to support enforcement
•Project timeline and contractor/consultant work (engineering, environmental study, contractor start/finish)
•Purpose and capabilities of the radar enforcement trailer (data types captured)
•Role of newsletter and UKG system in initial confusion
•Summary of formal votes taken during the meeting
•Whether agency staff are scheduled prior to offering shifts to county employees

Decisions

•All recorded motions carried unanimously, 3–0
•Board approved acceptance of grant terms and amendment totaling $17,264.20
•Board approved budget memo and schedule
•Fayette Street egress project reported 100% complete as of July 2026
•No formal contract changes recorded; scheduling clarified with staff

Directions

•Proceed with grant acceptance paperwork and procurement as appropriate
•Staff clarified scheduling procedures and noted contracts include cancellability
•Staff to compile comparisons and incorporate state revenue into draft budget

Jul

Minutes

The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners convened July 27, 2026. The board held a public hearing on progress for a Fellowship Housing Opportunities CDBG fire-escape project, approved a Highway Safety Grant application for a radar enforcement trailer, adopted a budget memo and timeline, reviewed the county dashboard, discussed nursing-home agency staffing and contract flexibility, entered a brief nonpublic personnel session, and adjourned.

Discussion Points

•All recorded motions passed unanimously
•Budget approach to keep levy largely level while allowing increases
•Budget breakdowns for Fayette Street egress and deferred Chesley Street elevator project
•Contract cancellation flexibility for agency staffing
•Newsletter and UKG scheduling confusion and resolution
•Non-public personnel session conducted per RSA and reconvened
•Potential countywide deployment to support enforcement
•Project completion status and funding split for Fayette Street
•Staff to compile comparative data from other counties
•Timeline of CDBG submission and grant agreement (Oct 2023–Aug 2024)
•Trailer capability to collect speed and travel-pattern data
•Whether agency staff are scheduled before internal staff

Decisions

•Application submission approved 3–0
•Budget memo and schedule approved

Directions

•Staff authorized to submit grant application
•Staff to continue with budget timeline and compile comparative information

Jul

Board of Selectmen July 14, 2026 Meeting

At a select board meeting in Bow, the board approved a package of routine items — a consent agenda, two discretionary preservation easements, a $11,000 highway-safety grant, a donation of exercise equipment for the public-safety gym, and the selection of a consultant for the Bow Mills redevelopment — and directed staff to pursue studies and public-notice actions on several infrastructure and environmental concerns.

Discussion Points

•directions to staff included posting public notice and requesting additional data from Eversource, and initiating engagement with DOT for a low-salt roadway MOU.
•Multiple routine approvals including grant acceptance and donation acceptance; consultant selection for Bow Mills; authorization for audible-crosswalk cost estimates and counsel coordination with Community Power.
•Short notice for herbicide application by Eversource (planned Aug. 17) and need for clearer chemical and proximity information for private wells; town staff cited DOT data indicating ~48 tons of salt on one-mile stretch last year.

Decisions

•Board authorized staff to post notice and begin the DOT low-salt process.
•Grant accepted; donation accepted; consultant selected; baiting application conditionally approved; authorized low-salt roadway process initiation.

Directions

•Post Eversource notice on town channels, request technical detail from Eversource, and pursue DOT MOU for low-salt roadway.
•Town Manager to issue RFP for audible crosswalk; Town Counsel to coordinate with Community Power; Planning to finalize consultant contract.

Jul

Minutes

Merrimack County Board of Commissioners met July 13, 2026, and approved a second TAN RFP (up to $25M), awarded a three-year auditing contract to CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, approved several procurement and personnel reimbursements, authorized grant applications for an adaptive e‑bike program at the nursing home, and approved a one‑year fixed electricity contract at $0.12145/kWh.

Discussion Points

•Amendment establishes pricing for upcoming device release.
•Amounts requested: $920 and $1,977.
•CLA fee schedule and ACFR additional cost noted.
•Cost $30,235 through Sourcewell; funded from inmate trust fund.
•Current rate of $4.25/day remains until legacy units are phased out.
•Discussion included implementation considerations and available grant opportunities.
•Eleven firms were contacted; two declined, one was late, one (CLA) submitted a timely responsive proposal.
•Equipment purchased to support inmate health and wellness.
•Haas discussed a pending New Hampshire Supreme Court appeal about a tax sale, interpretation of RSA 80:38, and a complaint to the Superior Court Administrative Judge.
•He also referenced a Bradford real estate auction email to the County and commented on ConVal school funding.
•NextEra secured a one‑year fixed rate of $0.12145/kWh with Constellation New Energy for Nov 2026–Nov 2027.
•Program aims to improve residents' mood, reduce agitation, and boost engagement using adaptive e‑bikes.
•Recommended $20M issuance in late August based on cash‑flow projections.
•Requests relate to RN program coursework and graduate MBA coursework.
•Turner noted prior $25M TAN completed in March and $35M remaining authorized capacity.
•Unitil projected G1 increases from $0.09887/kWh to $0.15709/kWh (Dec) and $0.18236/kWh (Jan).

Decisions

•Board approved awarding the CPA auditing contract to CLA.
•Board approved both reimbursements.
•Board approved conducting the RFP and authorized borrowing up to $25M.
•Board approved pursuing grant funding for the e‑bike project.
•Board approved the equipment purchase.
•Board approved the fixed‑rate contract.
•Board approved the Track Group pricing amendment.
•No formal Board action taken on these matters at the meeting.

Directions

•Approve amendment and implement with vendor coordination.
•Approve purchase and complete procurement and installation.
•Approve reimbursements per County policy.
•Approve the one‑year fixed contract and continue monitoring solar project savings.
•Authorize issuance of a public RFP and allow borrowing up to $25M.
•Authorize staff to apply for grants to fund the program.
•Award contract to CLA and proceed with execution.

Jun

Minutes

The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners met June 22, 2026, and unanimously approved a package of procurement contracts and staffing reclassifications, discussed a draft design plan for a proposed Merrimack Valley Day Care Services facility, and entered a non-public legal session before adjourning.

Discussion Points

•Staff presented procurement bids, staffing reclassification rationales, and a daycare facility design plan; Commissioners asked no substantive follow‑up questions in recorded segments.

Decisions

•All listed procurements and reclassifications approved unanimously; board entered non‑public legal session and reconvened.

Directions

•Proceed with contract execution and scheduling for awarded procurements; MCNH to implement software transition and reclassifications per approved timelines; Facilities to schedule roof replacement and HVAC installation.

Jun

Board of Selectmen June 9, 2026 Meeting

The Bow Town Board of Selectmen met June 9, 2026. The board heard a year-to-date finance update from Finance Director Cheryl Linda, approved several encumbrances and operational motions (gutters/lighting quotes, extra road salt), approved a move to quarterly water billing, heard a county attorney candidate introduction from Sarah Rogers, and accepted a new emergency management director start date.

Discussion Points

•Board acknowledged appointment and start date.
•Board adopted FEMA flood maps and referred an ordinance to council for update.
•Board members raised concern that quarterly billing could delay awareness of leaks.
•Board raised operational concerns (timing, procurement).
•Board requested customer notice and vendor training before the switch.
•Consent agenda items included tax prepayment authorization.
•Department heads requested small encumbrances to ease next year's budget pressure.
•Event and property actions were approved with instructions for operational coordination.
•Finance Director reported year-to-date numbers and reasons for variance (timing in payroll/payables).
•Rogers emphasized victim services, enforcement of the new bail law, and better data tracking for transparency.
•She cited prior prosecutor experience and use of case-management systems to run reports.
•Staff said meters will still be read monthly and software will help detect anomalies.
•Town manager described Bolak’s background at FEMA and state emergency management.

Decisions

•Announcement of selection; start date the week of July 6.
•Approved the move to quarterly billing in principle; implementation timing to be returned to board.
•Authorized encumbrance/quote solicitation for gutters/lighting.
•Authorized up to $25,000 salt purchase.
•Consent agenda approved; FEMA maps adopted; hawkers/peddlers ordinance referred; OctoberFest approved; deed waiver #3 waived; sitewalk/public hearing scheduled.
•Public introduction only; no board action recorded.

Directions

•Public Works to pursue salt procurement up to $25,000 if price and timing permit.
•Staff to continue monthly reads and configure monitoring software; provide customer notice each month until billing changes to quarterly.
•Staff to solicit quotes for gutters/lighting up to $14,000 and report back.
•Town council to review referred ordinance.
•Town staff to process paperwork and publish notices for sitewalk/public hearing.

Jun

Minutes

Merrimack County Board of Commissioners met June 8, 2026, and approved a slate of administrative items including a lease amendment, personnel reclassification, intercounty housing agreement, asbestos/lead abatement contract and grant application; staff also reported a July Medicaid nursing-home rate of $268.98 and a lower-than-budgeted 2026 ProShare allocation of $5,886,496.

Discussion Points

•All motions were presented as staff requests and approved without amendment or recorded debate.
•Commissioners said they would need to review additional information before commenting or supporting the action.
•Joseph Haas requested commissioners’ support for a private prosecution related to a tax matter involving the Town of Boscawen.
•Multiple staff presented routine administrative and operational items for board approval.
•Staff explained the July 1 Medicaid nursing‑home rate and described how ProShare funds are used to draw federal matches and be redistributed to county nursing facilities.
•Staff reported the 2026 ProShare allocation of $5,886,496 compared with a budgeted $6,822,752.

Decisions

•Approve lease amendment, personnel reclassification, graduate incentive program, intercounty housing agreement, asbestos/lead abatement, and grant application submission.

May

Board of Selectmen Meeting and Public Hearing 05/26/2026

The Bow Select Board met May 26, 2026. Members received a year-to-date financial update highlighting large overtime overruns, approved several administrative motions (including sending letters to DOT and Community Power and authorizing a water interconnect loan pre-application), and discussed safety, planning and community items such as a proposed crosswalk and commemorative-coin sales.

Discussion Points

•Board acknowledged transportation fund use for maintenance.
•Board discussed DOT involvement because the road is a state route.
•Board discussed scope and purpose of data request focused on aquifer protection.
•Board noted approximately $100,000 projected spenddown and discussed possible small projects or carryovers.
•Chair read Community Power letter and noted unclear timing and cost of withdrawal.
•Cheryl presented year-to-date finances and overtime-driven overruns.
•Engineers to compare draft plans to refine costs and operation.
•Members agreed letter is a request for information, not a complaint.
•Members requested cost and schedule details.
•Members saw differing possible readings (2027 no-cost vs. 2029 no-cost with penalty).
•Options included library, Heritage Commission or appointment-only sales.
•Staff presented a $22,000 quote for a solar rapid-flashing crossing.
•Staff to survey Bow-side users for background.
•Town clerk concerned about staff capacity during elections and taxes.

Decisions

•Authorize library to sell coins contingent on confirming logistics.
•Clarification letter authorized.
•Letter approved to be sent.
•Motion approved to use transportation funds for lining.
•Pre-application authorized.
•Send letter to DOT requesting consideration and potential funding.

Directions

•Authorize pre-application to explore financing options.
•Chair to draft and send clarification letter to Community Power and County Powerback.
•Chair to draft letter to DOT.
•Chair to send letter under signature.
•Public Works to develop and present cost and schedule.
•Staff to monitor and report back.
•Staff to provide updated payroll and accrual figures for the next meeting.
•Town Manager to check with library and confirm secure cash handling.
•Town Manager to gather cost details and ADA considerations.

May

Minutes

Merrimack County commissioners met May 26, 2026, approving contracts for a McLeod Project storage building, accepting engineering proposals, approving nursing-home staffing changes, and reviewing the 2025 audit; a public commenter urged additional funding for the Sheriff’s Office investigation team.

Discussion Points

•Auditors flagged reconciliation issues in the Inmate Custodial Fund and recommended procedural changes.
•Audit shows improvement in net position (~$10M) and general fund (~$15M).
•Commenter said he filed a civil case and an AG complaint that remain pending.
•Creation of Dietetic Technician (Labor Grade 6) to replace Dietary Shift Leader (Labor Grade 4).
•Estimated annual fiscal impacts of $6,406 and $9,298.
•Public commenter requested additional funding for the Sheriff\u0002s Office investigation team and referenced a $15 million reported surplus.
•Roberge & Company will not provide audit services after 2027 and an RFP will be issued.
•Staff explained sole-source justification for SMP Architecture based on project timing constraints.
•Staff reviewed proposals and recommended WV Engineering Associates and Turner Group for MEP-FP and structural work respectively.
•Transfer of one FTE from Prep Cook (Labor Grade 3) to Cook (Labor Grade 6).

Decisions

•Approved job description and FTE transfers, 3–0.
•Approved SMP Architecture sole-source contract and awarded two engineering contracts; all votes 3–0.

Directions

•Chairman Trachy encouraged participation in the budget process which runs August through November.
•Staff to execute contracts and schedule required site meetings.

May

Minutes

The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners met May 11, 2026 in Boscawen to review first-quarter finances and ARPA spending, confirm personnel actions including a deputy treasurer appointment, approve multiple vendor contracts for county facilities and fleet maintenance, and accept/seek grants and an interagency MOU. The board held two brief non-public personnel sessions and sealed those minutes.

Discussion Points

•ARPA submissions of ~$277,000 with ~ $10,000 remaining for expansion-related expenses.
•Cooling equipment budgeted in 2026 and lowest qualified bid for cooler replacement.
•Educational reimbursement request and course completion recognition.
•Gym floor refinishing to be paid from Inmate Trust Funds.
•JAG grant acceptance for replacement rifle systems.
•MOU scope and two-year term for ACERT collaboration.
•Operational rationale for FTE transfer at Gerrish Manor.
•Plan to solicit auditing services following the final year with current auditor.
•Potential uses for Highway Safety grant funds including personnel reimbursement and equipment purchase.
•Purpose and fiscal impact of per diem lobby receptionist position.
•Q1 revenues ~1% below projections; expenditures ~$500,000 under budget.
•RFP responses and pricing for fleet maintenance vendors.

Decisions

•ACERT MOU approved; $5,000 JAG grant accepted; Highway Safety grant application authorized.
•Appointment of Linda Lorden as Deputy Treasurer approved; per diem receptionist position approved; educational reimbursement approved; FTE transfer approved.
•Fleet contracts, cooler replacement, and gym refinishing contracts approved.

Directions

•Departments to execute contracts and schedule work.
•Further departmental budgeting and grant-acceptance steps required if highway grant awarded.
•Purchasing to finalize vendor agreements.
•Sheriff’s Office to proceed with grant application and accept JAG funds and Human Services to implement MOU services.
•Staff to implement approved staffing changes and reflect costs in departmental budgets.
•Staff to proceed with solicitation for auditing services and present annual audit at next meeting.

May

Board of Selectmen May 5, 2026 Meeting and Public Hearing

Bow Town selectboard met May 5 to hold two public hearings (a preservation-easement change at 68 Woodhill Road and a solar pilot lease), approve several routine and permitting items, hear fire-department and finance updates, and approve multiple motions including a group net metering agreement and a street closure for May 23.

Discussion Points

•Assessor recommended excluding the altered connecting building (the 'L') from the easement.
•Board preference to retain the barn and workshop under the easement at 25% assessment.
•Energy agreements described as negotiated by counsel; board authorized signature by David.
•Finance director reported revenue and cost numbers (recycling cost, motor vehicle receipts, interest on deposits).
•Multiple administrative permits and appointments approved by voice vote.
•Staffing and call-volume statistics provided by the fire chief (323 YTD calls; ~60% medical).

Decisions

•Approvals recorded by voice vote; staff directed to finalize paperwork and ordinance drafts.
•Board approved removing the connecting building from the discretionary easement and retaining the barn/workshop at 25% assessment.

Directions

•Departments to continue monitoring operational metrics and budget impacts; staff to provide weekly or periodic financial reports when requested.
•Staff to finalize easement/lease language and file at registry of deeds; files to be signed by authorized signer.
•Town Manager/Legal to finalize and sign energy contracts; Public Works/Legal to draft ordinance language for Stack Drive signage.

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