The Cheshire County Delegation met August 17, 2026 to review second-quarter finances and consider midyear budget amendments including one-time ProShare and abandoned-property revenues, a sheriff staffing change tied to a school contract, a $20,000 one-time community kitchen supplement, and questions about corrections retirement classification and EMS capacity.

Discussion Points

•A planning grant could fund design of expanded ambulance bays and interior renovations; matching/bonding options discussed.
•Community Kitchen expanded mobile distribution to 12 agencies and moved 90+ tons of food year-to-date.
•Concerns about pending cases and program administration if ended abruptly.
•County staff intend to pursue Go North (rural health transformation) grants for equipment, tower upgrades and facility planning.
•Difficulty recruiting part-time officers; school willing to fund ~70% of 28 hours.
•EMS is operating at a deficit (~$150,000) with rapidly rising runs; fuel and transport costs are increasing.
•EMS mileage and call volumes have risen sharply; fuel cost increases add operational expense.
•Gas and food price increases and recent SNAP changes contribute to higher operating costs.
•Group two retirement offers earlier retirement eligibility and higher employer/employee contribution rates.
•Large abandoned-property payment received; state treasury confirms no billing but may offset future payments.
•Maplewood Nursing Home census 115; staffing and recent bed re-openings may increase revenues.
•Motion to reserve excess to fund balance rather than immediate spending.
•Other superintendents offered to waive the five‑week academy requirement for officers with three or more years' service to reduce immediate staffing impacts.
•Second-quarter expenses under budget by approximately $1,384,000 and combined county/nursing revenue shortfall roughly $688,000, yielding a reported near-term surplus.
•State treasury assured staff there would be no retroactive billing beyond future offset accounting.
•Transport workload increasing countywide and additional FTE may be used for transport when school not in session.
•Unexpected ProShare payment received; staff recommended reserving it in fund balance.
•Whether to terminate the program immediately or review it in the regular budget cycle.

Decisions

•Delegation to consider recommended amendments during the formal budget process.
•Executive committee approved $20,000 one‑time appropriation; full delegation also recorded approval later.
•Executive committee approved recommendation to reserve $476,668 to fund balance.
•Executive committee approved recommending the ProShare fund allocation to fund balance.
•Executive committee recommended the position increase contingent on school contract; motion passed in committee.
•Executive committee voted not to recommend termination; no immediate change to program operations.
•No immediate decision; topic to be studied and included in budget process.
•Proceed to apply for planning and equipment grants; further budget decisions to follow grant outcomes.

Directions

•Approve $20,000 one‑time support from fund balance; request fuller financial detail during winter budget presentations.
•Keep program in place through the current fiscal cycle and review in January budget deliberations.
•Make FTE conversion contingent on signed contract with school district; update payroll and budget lines for 2027 budget.
•Pursue Go North planning grant and compile equipment/ facility needs for grant applications.
•Record revenue and reserve excess funds; treat as one-time funds in budget planning.
•Record the additional revenue and reserve it to fund balance; include amendment in full-delegation packet.
•Return to delegation with planning documents and cost estimates during budget season.
•Sheriff to return with confirmation of contract before hiring.
•Staff to continue to monitor grant reimbursements and timing of tax revenues; recommend one‑time funds be used for one‑time needs.
•Superintendent to provide cost analysis and implementation plan for inclusion in next year's budget deliberations.

Aug

08/12/26 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners met (virtual) on 2026-08-12. Major items included an EMS facility planning grant and long-term capacity planning, a midyear budget review showing an EMS shortfall, a contentious discussion over restorative justice funding, expansion of food-distribution efforts, and several operational updates including a temporary unpaid FMLA extension approved for a Maple Wood employee.

Discussion Points

•A $50,000 planning grant was submitted to scope phased expansion vs. new construction.
•Delegation set restorative justice funding to end Dec. 31; commissioners debated filling a vacancy.
•Employee in activities department requested unpaid eight‑week extension after FMLA exhaustion.
•EMS fleet has grown from two ambulances to five, stressing current facility capacity.
•EMS is showing a midyear deficit (~$150,000) as of June.
•Fuel prices up significantly since February, with a blended average increase around 36% affecting operating costs.
•Managers will cover duties; motion moved and seconded during meeting.
•Mobile pantry bus will increase food distribution capacity; staff reported >90 tons delivered to 12 agencies year‑to‑date.
•Municipal contract timing and grant reimbursements affect revenue recognition.
•Nursing home census at 115 vs. budgeted 120.
•One‑time DHH payments will provide recurring distributions through 2028.
•Others argued the program produces prevention and ancillary community benefits.
•Plan to open additional beds to reach ~124 when clinical staffing allows.
•Some commissioners argued the program’s caseload did not justify $100,000 in funding.
•Staff will return with town‑by‑town run data, staged build options and preliminary budgets.

Decisions

•Motion approved; extension granted without pay.

Directions

•Collect town‑level call data and operational impacts to inform capital decision.
•Continue internal promotions and targeted hiring.
•Explore whether delegation approval is needed to tap reserves to cover increases.
•Finance will provide town‑level billing, projected contract revenues and a clearer timeline of reimbursements to the executive committee.
•HR to record extension and track return date.
•If the planning grant is awarded, staff will develop programing, conceptual designs and budget ranges.
•Management will open beds as clinical staffing and clinical sign‑offs permit and report back.
•Matter to be considered by the executive committee and delegation in upcoming budget sessions.
•Staff to provide detailed fuel‑usage (gallons) and procurement options.

May

05/06/26 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners met May 6, 2026. Superior Court Judge Ann Edwards updated the board on local court operations, noting the effects of last year’s bail-law change on pretrial detention, treatment court use and lengths of stay at the House of Corrections. Commissioners also discussed entering nonpublic sessions, rail-trail grant writing, nursing-home staffing and several grant opportunities.

Discussion Points

•$80,000 grant to repair existing rail-trail segments; towns must be coordinated with and volunteer groups consulted.
•Bail-law change increases pretrial detention and reduces judicial discretion; electronic monitoring used to manage release.
•Board also went into a non-meeting for legal or union advice.
•Board moved to non-public for negotiation under RSA 91832E.
•Length of stay at the House of Corrections may be increasing; county is conducting a study to quantify the trend.
•Nursing-home staffing ongoing with contractor Vantage; need for medical director and advanced-practice clinicians.
•Plan to request attorney overview on distribution of new $30 million Purdue Pharma settlement.
•Treatment court is voluntary, contractual and uses graduated sanctions; graduation is a vulnerable period needing continuing-care support.
•World Health Transformation funds may not cover new buildings; upgrades within existing footprint are likely eligible.

Decisions

•No decisions or votes were taken in non-public sessions as reported to the public

Directions

•County counsel to prepare a letter/overview on Purdue Pharma settlement distribution and timing.
•County staff to monitor and report length-of-stay trends at the House of Corrections.
•Explore possible use of rural-transformation funds for in-custody dialysis capacity.
•Grants office to coordinate with select boards and prepare $80,000 rail-trail application.
•Staff to continue recruitment efforts with contractor Vantage and implement telehealth after-hours coverage.

Mar

05/07/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

County commissioners held their weekly meeting on May 7, 2025 in Cheshire County to receive a semiannual report and facility inspection from the Department of Corrections, discuss ARPA premium-pay questions from the U.S. Treasury, hear updates on local projects and grants, and accept the weekly manifest and minutes.

Discussion Points

•Cheryl estimated roughly $2 million in ARPA premium-pay use across 2021–2023 distributions, including a nursing-home targeted payment and a countywide program.
•County intends to enact an EMT policy to allow licensed officers to use EMT skills overnight under a non-transport EMS agreement.
•County is targeting an average inmate census of ~43, with year-to-date average around 48; recent contract rate increases boost revenue.
•County is tracking state legislation (House Bill 511, Senate Bill 71) affecting ICE detainee authority; commissioners were advised ICE contracts would impose major staffing, housing and reporting requirements.
•County stopped using ARPA premium-pay before the final Treasury rule changes and prepared supporting documentation for potential desk review.
•Rising medical and psychiatric acuity has increased unscheduled transports and transfers to state hospital under IEA.
•Staffing improved to 41/44 positions filled after 2024 pay-rate increases; turnover fell to ~20% in 2024.
•Treasury requested clarification whether premium pay funds were obligated and expended prior to April 1, 2022.

Decisions

•Weekly manifest and 04-30-2025 minutes accepted by roll call

Directions

•Complete semiannual inspection and facility tour; staff to continue tracking legislation and report updates.
•County staff to provide requested documentation to Treasury and continue compliance reporting.
•Staff to share draft EMT policy with County legal counsel for review before enactment.

Mar

04/30/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners met April 30, 2025. Business included a six‑month human resources report showing elevated but improving turnover, approval to hire a chaplain for Maplewood at reduced weekly hours, authorization to apply for a state DWI enforcement grant, and selection of Planetaria to redevelop the county website.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked for reporting and clarified county language about 'sanctuary' labels.
•Duties include individual pastoral visits, group Bible study and crisis support for staff and residents.
•EMS turnover improved markedly (about 55% a year ago to roughly 10% reported).
•Key requirements: CMS implementation, content migration, role‑based permissions, third‑party data linking (ImageTrend/NISER).
•Only one bidder responded to the RFP; the new bid offered fewer weekly hours at a higher hourly rate than the prior chaplain.
•Planetaria reference sites judged more integrated and user friendly by several commissioners.
•Retention strategies include classroom pipelines for LNAs, tuition support for LPNs to become RNs, leadership training, and a contract with Visa Healthcare Solutions for onboarding.
•Sheriff presented 2024 crash and enforcement numbers and requested grant authorization.
•Sheriff stated he will not join a 287(g) immigration roundup program while sheriff but will cooperate on criminal investigations targeting known suspects.
•Staff reported 76 hires, 57 terminations and a 12% turnover rate over the six‑month period.
•Staff said the new schedule can meet resident needs with streaming for Sunday services; continuing at 8 hours will require a modest budget increase next cycle.
•Two finalists: Communicators Group (local) and Planetaria (larger, scalable vendor).

Decisions

•Approved hiring of proposed chaplain contractor for Maplewood under 8–10 hours/week.
•Approved Planetaria as vendor to develop county website.
•Grant application authorized; sheriff's policy stance on 287(g) recorded.

Directions

•Authorize grant application and prepare paperwork; sheriff to provide patrol and overtime accounting if award received.
•Continue periodic reporting to commissioners on hiring/turnover trends.
•Maintain and expand recruitment pipelines and leadership development programs.
•Notify the bidder and implement the service schedule within the current year budget.
•Select Planetaria; schedule initial Zoom with department heads; notify bidders of outcome.
•Staff to complete background checks and finalize contract paperwork.

Mar

04/09/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners met April 9, 2025. Key actions included approving a 12-week non-FMLA leave for an employee, lowering private-pay room rates at Maplewood Nursing Home, approving a $2,500 intra-department fund transfer for training-room displays, and entering nonpublic session; the board also discussed recruiting visa nurses, a superintendent retirement and search panel, and requests for 911 and broadband funding.

Discussion Points

•A memo will quantify county impacts of state policy proposals (e.g., nursing‑home cap increases).
•Board discussed staffing target of about 20 RNs to reopen the third floor and recommended staggered onboarding (about five at a time).
•Concerns emphasized housing availability and upfront placement costs (~$14,000 per nurse in first 90 days).
•County will send background materials to Congresswoman Goodlander and pursue meetings regarding 911 and broadband funding.
•Doug submitted retirement effective end of August; staff circulated recruitment materials including scoring matrix and sample ad.
•Panel membership will include commissioners, Ryan Conover, Sean Coughlin, DOC management and possibly a union representative.
•Projector equipment failed and required temporary cabling creating trip hazards.
•Sheriff and staff supported the immediate upgrade to host speakers and training.
•Staff noted difficulty tracking the 911 fund distribution and said the county will press for funds aligned to upgrades.
•Staff reported three RN resumes and an onboarding roadmap from Visa Solutions Healthcare and estimated 3–6 months for initial arrivals.

Decisions

•Approved $2,500 fund transfer.
•Approved private‑pay rate reductions for Maplewood Nursing Home; board expressed support for pursuing visa nurse program.
•Proceed with search process; initial meeting April 24.
•Pursue funding requests and outreach; prepare and distribute fiscal impact materials.

Directions

•Convene search panel April 24; run scored interviews using the matrix and publicize the vacancy with the agreed ad.
•Proceed with purchase and installation under the transferred funds.
•Staff to contact BEA, the governor’s office and congressional staff regarding funding requests and to circulate the budget‑impact memo.
•Staff to continue regular status reports on candidate screening and housing options.
•Staff to implement approved private‑pay rate changes effective May 1.

Mar

03/26/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County Commission met March 26, 2025. Commissioners heard updates on bail-reform impacts to the jail, a semiannual restorative-justice report, nursing and EMS staffing plans, state health-care bills affecting county nursing homes, and approved an EMS training agreement in nonpublic session.

Discussion Points

•County to meet with DHHS deputy commissioner to clarify formula changes and seek protections.
•Entered RSA 91‑A:3 II (c) nonpublic session to discuss a matter that could adversely affect a person’s reputation.
•Five prosecutor referrals since Jan. 1; two victims accepted restorative options (pretrial).
•HB 592 removes some magistrate-level release mechanisms and shifts release decisions to judges for many cases.
•Motion to sign agreement between Next Generation Responder Development Services and Cheshire County EMS was approved in nonpublic session.
•New probable-cause wording and required risk factors (suicide risk, major depressive disorder) may make release harder and increase jail population.
•Pending bills (HB316; Senate proposals) might change private‑pay reimbursement percentages for ambulance services.
•Potential DHHS managed‑care shift for nursing homes could remove ProShare and bed‑tax revenue, estimated at ~$6 million impact.
•Restorative learning dialogues continue in the jail; former participant now co-facilitates.
•School and parenting pilot programs are underway; participation modest but growing.
•Staff will model impacts and report back; no formal action taken at meeting.

Decisions

•Agreement approved; consent agenda accepted.

Directions

•County Administrator to meet with DHHS (Henry Litman) to discuss ProShare formula changes and report back to the commission.
•Heen to provide updates on referrals, participation and outcomes in future reports.
•Staff (Doug) to develop an estimate of expected jail census increase and return to commission with findings.
•Staff to finalize contract paperwork and provide executed copies to commission and records.

Mar

05/28/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

At a short Cheshire County meeting segment, speakers moved through agenda items, a presenter described current payments and requested a substantial increase, and a public commenter asked for supporting documents. Much of the transcript is fragmented and some numeric details are unclear.

Discussion Points

•A participant requested documentation related to a prior session.
•Presenter stated current payment amount and requested an increase to a higher figure.

Mar

04/23/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners met April 23, 2025, approving a $82,589 sole-source contract for trauma-responsive treatment court consulting, accepting multiple small grants for trails and transportation, tabling a traffic-enforcement grant application for more information, and reviewing bids to redevelop the county website.

Discussion Points

•Board discussed maintenance and potential county ownership to facilitate access to federal funding for permanent changes to former rail corridors.
•Commissioners asked about hours, travel and scope; staff estimated roughly 300+ hours including travel and three in‑person site visits.
•Commissioners asked which local agencies are subgrantees; staff listed HCS, Community Volunteer Transportation Company, King Senior Center and Southwest RPC as coordinator.
•Commissioners prioritized ease of use for department editors and a vendor offering at least 12 months of support without hourly charges.
•Commissioners requested a report showing what the grant cost county net of work and paperwork.
•Procurement staff described broad outreach (~100 contacts; ~50 delivered) that returned one bid.
•Program requires documented patrol shifts and reimbursement paperwork; last local use was years ago.
•Sheriff’s office staff were not present; board asked to have them return to explain capacity and timeline.
•Staff flagged wheelchair service demand and encouraged outreach to heavy providers to improve revenue for accessible trips.
•Staff noted a $25,000 budget line for the project and said training and hosting would be included.
•Staff said Dr. Meyer reduced standard fees and the project includes evaluation for potential publication.
•Staff warned the mini‑grant agreement had not yet arrived; work will not begin until agreement and funds are received.
•The grant covers volunteer driver hours and mobility management; staff hold back a small admin amount.
•Three finalists presented with widely varying build prices and timelines.
•Volunteer group described scope of clearing, culvert and bridge work for the 1.6‑mile patch.

Decisions

•Board accepted the American Trails grant conditionally and authorized RTP application submission.
•Board accepted the Section 5310 grant and authorized signature.
•Board authorized sole‑source contract; unanimous vote recorded.
•Board tabled the grant application pending sheriff’s briefing.
•No award; decision deferred for one week pending additional checks.

Directions

•Invite sheriff’s office leadership to next meeting to provide operational details and cost reporting.
•Staff to accept award only after receiving and reviewing the grant agreement.
•Staff to collect vendor references and clarify ongoing monthly maintenance costs; return with a recommendation next meeting.
•Staff to execute agreement and subgrant funds; coordinate with providers and regional mobility manager.
•Staff to finalize contract and return to board if unusual terms appear in the final grant agreement.
•Staff to submit RTP application and return with updates.

Mar

03/19/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners discussed a renegotiated intergovernmental agreement that will raise housing and transport rates (expected to bring roughly $250,000 a year), agreed to sign a petition opposing House Bill 316 on ambulance billing, reviewed a USDA equipment grant for the Maple Winder City Home, and approved placing a lien under RSA 166:20 on a nursing-home resident's property to secure $26,774 owed.

Discussion Points

•Agreement includes a three-year minimum term and should be reviewed more frequently.
•Associations (Fire Chiefs, Municipal Association, Ambulance Association) oppose the bill and requested county support.
•County should sign the online petition opposing HB316; signatures require name/title/email and carry more weight if all commissioners sign.
•Grant was re-scoped from construction to equipment to avoid complex local match and reporting requirements.
•Renegotiated IGA will increase per-diem housing and transport officer reimbursement rates.
•Staff emphasized the lien is recorded administratively and will be released if Medicaid covers the debt retroactively.
•Staff recommended placing a registry-of-deeds lien under RSA 166:20 to secure unpaid nursing-home charges ($26,774).
•USDA grant (originally applied for in 2022) will be spent on equipment and solar panels, $112,000 to be spent before September.

Decisions

•Commission acknowledged the IGA will take effect May 1 and to incorporate expected revenue in budget planning.
•Commission agreed to sign the petition and record the decision in the minutes.
•County will record the lien and monitor Medicaid outcome; lien will be lifted if Medicaid covers the debt.
•Proceed with spending the $112,000 equipment grant and move forward with project completion this summer.

Directions

•Cheryl to prepare and record the lien with the registry of deeds; social worker to coordinate with the family on Medicaid process.
•Staff to circulate the petition link and instructions for online submissions; clerk or designee may assist with submissions.
•Staff to include revenue estimate and ratified dispatch agreement in budget materials.
•Staff to set up an account line and manage procurement for equipment purchases and solar installation.

Mar

04/02/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners held their April 2, 2025 meeting. Key items: a semiannual report from Maplewood Nursing Home highlighting staffing and federal/state regulatory burdens, an extended discussion of whether to alter private-room rates to protect ProShare Medicaid funding, and a unanimous vote to raise county employee tuition reimbursement from $2,700 to $3,000.

Discussion Points

•Chair reported a listing of Cheshire County in a media piece as a 'sanctuary' jurisdiction despite no county resolution; commissioners debated legal options.
•Commissioners explored temporary May 1 reductions, a July 1 permanent change, and alternative reporting approaches.
•Commissioners noted the change was fiscally modest because few employees use the benefit.
•Jail official explained current practice: notify ICE when a detained person also has criminal charges; do not hold people solely on ICE civil detainers due to legal risk.
•Maplewood administration described ongoing administrative burdens from CMS reporting and state rule changes.
•Staff noted EMS contract had $3,000 cap and recommended countywide parity.
•Staff warned a change in ProShare calculation could reduce county reimbursement materially.

Decisions

•No formal rate change approved at the April 2 meeting; matter remains under study.
•No immediate legal action decided; chair already sent a letter to the editor and will escalate coordination if needed.
•Tuition reimbursement increase approved, effective immediately; HR to implement.

Directions

•Chair to contact Hillsborough County counterpart and seek legal advice on media retraction, public messaging, and federal funding risk.
•Human Resources to update policy and notify employees.
•If state data indicates imminent harm, staff may call an emergency meeting to consider rate action.
•Jail to supply further detail on NCIC/warrant checks to inform potential policy or practice clarifications.
•Staff to request detailed ProShare inputs from state contacts (Susan Ryan, Christy Roy) and return with analysis within days.

Mar

05/21/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners met May 21, 2025, and approved several procurement items (propane tank replacement at the wastewater treatment plant and UPS hardware for a control room), a policy to continue double pay for per-diem nursing staff on two minor holidays, and conducted two nonpublic sessions that resulted in a personnel termination and an approved paid procedure for DOC recovery support.

Discussion Points

•Chair reported two votes taken in nonpublic: a termination and authorization for a paid procedure supporting recovery at DOC.
•Commissioners expressed equity concerns about taxing towns to fund a reserve that some towns may not access.
•Commissioners favored pursuing grant applications/administration and hiring grant support rather than imposing new county taxes without broader agreement.
•County expects possibility of additional ARPA documentation requests on other items.
•Estimated project cost $18,815 with $1,100 of unused funds.
•Existing underground tank from the 1980s failed testing due to corrosion; replacing increases reliability and safety.
•Pilot increased per‑diem pickup for the targeted minor holidays and likely reduced the cost of relying on travel staff.
•Potential short interruptions (~10–15 minutes) during cutover; electrician procurement and bypass recommended.
•The incentive is intended to improve staffing continuity and may reduce overall staffing cost.
•Three options presented: county‑applied grants, revolving loan fund, or county capital reserve pool.
•Treasury closed the premium‑pay documentation request after receiving the county's materials.
•Two hardware bids received; Power Solutions quoted lower for hardware, Cornerstone’s higher quote reflects markup.
•Two nonpublic sessions held under RSA 91‑A:3 II(a) (personnel).
•Two vendors will share scopes: Dead River supplies tank and piping; E. Houghton handles excavation and concrete ballast.

Decisions

•Accept bid package and authorize staff to proceed with contracting.
•Accept hardware bid and proceed with contracting and installation procurement.
•Continue the double‑pay incentive and direct staff to formalize it.
•No further action required on this specific premium‑pay inquiry.
•No program adopted; staff directed to conduct feasibility and legal analysis.
•Termination and paid procedure were approved in nonpublic session; details withheld publicly under statute.

Directions

•Contract with both vendors and schedule installation; ensure temporary generator hookup during work.
•DOC to implement administrative follow‑up per county policies.
•Purchase hardware from Power Solutions; obtain separate electrician bids for installation; minimize system downtime.
•Staff to draft formal policy wording and present it for adoption or include in budget amendments if needed.
•Staff to research state statutes (RSAs) and legal authority for county grant administration and to explore grant opportunities the county could pursue on behalf of towns.

Jan

SWRPC Clip

Presentation to Cheshire County officials and staff on a proposed regional "next generation" microtransit pilot and an ask that the county consider sponsoring or funding the effort.

Discussion Points

•County official(s) raised objections about asking small, rural towns to contribute to a largely Keene‑centric system and asked for ridership/burden data for smaller communities.
•Presenters described microtransit mechanics, estimated ridership increases and budget scenarios, and asked the county to consider various sponsor roles.

Decisions

•No formal decision or vote was taken; no commitment to fund or sponsor was recorded.

Directions

•Presenters will brief the county delegation with a similar, possibly shortened presentation and return for further discussion.

Aug

03/12/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County Commissioners met March 12, 2025, approved two employee leave extensions, accepted an amendment to a DHHS Opiate Abatement Program grant, heard presentations from veteran nonprofit RuckUp and Southwest Regional Planning Commission on a proposed micro‑transit pilot, and discussed local EMS mutual‑aid concerns and funding requests for RuckUp.

Discussion Points

•Calls for higher EMT pay and better staffing to avoid lone provider scenarios in ambulances.
•Commissioners asked no substantive questions and voted to approve both requests.
•Commissioners asked procedural questions about signing and motioned to accept.
•Commissioners raised equity concerns for smaller, rural towns; SWRPC proposed phased approach and partner contributions.
•Commissioners weighed using Hemingway Fund (immediate use) vs opioid funds (need delegation approval) and outside‑agency application process for continuing support.
•Commissioner testimony at state hearing where some witnesses appeared unfamiliar with mutual‑aid.
•Concerns that changes in state formulas or policy could shift costs to counties.
•County HR requested two extensions: Maplewood employee (final extension) and sheriff's dispatcher (up to eight weeks).
•Presenter noted this is one of three grants to support treatment; amendment adds funds and extends term.
•RuckUp presented direct service statistics, funding needs, and volunteer model.
•SWRPC presented micro‑transit concept, performance expectations and funding scenarios.

Decisions

•Board agreed in principle to split $20,000 (50/50) between Hemingway Fund and opioid funds subject to delegation approval.
•Both leave extension motions passed unanimously.
•Grant amendment accepted and signed by staff on behalf of county.
•No county sponsorship decision made; further data requested.
•No formal policy change by the county at this meeting; commissioners to pursue advocacy and follow‑up.

Directions

•Continue outreach and education with the county delegation and the public.
•Evaluate county staffing and pay options for EMT recruitment/retention.
•Finance to cut a $10,000 Hemingway Fund payment now and staff to request $10,000 from opioid funds with delegation review.
•Human Resources to monitor the Maplewood employee's May 1 appointment and report back if full duty is not achieved.
•Human Resources to track the dispatcher's recovery and expected return date.
•RuckUp to complete any requested documentation for outside‑agency funding if it seeks recurring support.
•Staff to sign the agreement and file paperwork with grants office.
•SWRPC to provide town‑level demand numbers and follow up with delegation and municipal partners before the county considers a budget commitment.

Aug

03/12/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Discussion Points

•Commissioners discussed whether county should use Hemingway Fund (commissioner authority) or opioid-abatement funds (require delegation approval).
•Commissioners voiced concern that many rural towns would not use or benefit from a Keene-focused pilot and questioned whether the county should be sponsor.
•County staff described this as one of three supporting treatment grants tied to Drug Court services.
•Estimated budget scenarios showed Cheshire County may be asked to contribute about 20% (~$71,000) in a modest scenario; larger scenarios require broader municipal and institutional buy-in.
•Maplewood employee has 20 years of service; leg injury not healed to allow restricted-duty return.
•Planners presented microtransit as app- or call-center–based shared rides, citing feasibility studies and potential ridership increases.
•RuckUp described outreach, counseling, AA groups, benefits advocacy and food shelf operations; Page estimated roughly $93,657 distributed in direct assistance last year and cited $1,889,000 in VA/Social Security claims results.
•She argued the root problems are staffing shortages and low pay; she urged improving compensation rather than relying on policy changes to manage shortages.
•Sheriff's dispatcher has childbirth-related complications and needs up to eight weeks to return to full duty.
•Some commissioners expressed desire for more detail about RuckUp partnerships and recipients; RuckUp listed ClearPath, Friends of Veterans, Easterseals and others.
•Staff noted the amendment extends the term to June 30, 2027 and adds $188,375 to support recovery services.
•Stewart testified at a legislative hearing opposing changes that could reduce ambulance staffing and described real-world incidents where multiple responders were necessary.

Decisions

•Board approved accepting and signing the grant amendment.
•Commissioners approved both extensions by recorded vote.
•Immediate $10,000 Hemingway disbursement to be processed; remaining $10,000 to be requested via opioid-abatement funds at delegation.

Directions

•Commissioners to continue discussing EMS staffing with state legislative contacts and to explore options to support recruitment and retention.
•County to process $10,000 short-term disbursement from Hemingway Fund and present a $10,000 opioid-abatement fund request to the delegation.
•Human Resources to monitor and report on Maplewood employee's fitness for duty by May 1.
•Human Resources to track dispatcher recovery and expected return to duty within eight weeks.
•Planners to continue outreach, refine operating and sponsor models, and present to the delegation and municipalities as appropriate.
•RuckUp to complete outside-agency paperwork for longer-term funding if requested.
•Staff to ensure grant reporting compliance with DHHS requirements.
•Staff to sign the amendment via county signature process and implement the funded recovery services.

Mar

02/12/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

County commissioners heard updates from the Mananock Economic Development Corporation, a detailed regional rail-trails briefing including funding gaps and a new marketing "trail challenge," and a comprehensive grants department report that outlined dozens of active awards and frustrations with federal processes.

Discussion Points

•A congressionally directed request for sheriff records-management software (~$300,000) is being drafted; implementation would take multiple years after award.
•County managed 44 grants in 2024 with $21 million total award value and $5M revenue in 2024; 26 grants active entering 2025.
•Engineering estimate to repair four washouts: $1,700,000 vs. original scope $750,000; funding gap unclear.
•Long delays and procedural complexity with USDA grants led to cancellation of an award that would have required large local compliance costs.
•Mananock Veil Trail Challenge proposed as a $30 registration fundraising and tourism-marketing initiative.
•MEDC created a regional housing development fund to supply gap financing for projects; past example: a 57-unit project in Keene.
•MEDC has a childcare renovation program partnered with New Hampshire Child Care Aware to help providers meet licensing and zoning requirements.
•MEDC will pursue EPA remediation funding and a formal announcement is expected in March.
•Two key bridges (Route 101 and Swansea Factory Road) remain as missing links; comprehensive upgrades cited at ~$4,000,000.

Directions

•Commissioners to monitor the water-commission lawsuit that affects hookups and potential housing projects.
•Continue grant-writing for washouts and bridges; inspect trust bridge for pedestrian safety; pursue possible transfers under Senate Bill 274 to shift trails to Bureau of Trails authority.
•MEDC to provide contact information and follow-up materials to county staff.
•Sierra to proceed with planning the May–June grant-writing course if commissioners approve and to circulate details to towns and nonprofits.
•Sierra to pursue outreach to courts to secure required partner commitment letters for Safe Exchange & Visitation grant if the county re-applies.

Mar

02/19/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners met Feb. 19, 2025. Discussion focused on budget strain and reliance on one-time ProShare/ARPA funds, a requested short FMLA extension for a Maplewood employee, an upcoming audit, a $10,000 commitment for a bridge/toll-credit study, and a regional 9-1-1 communications tower funding push.

Discussion Points

•Commission agreed to a $10,000 county partnership payment to move the study forward.
•Commissioners discussed need for multi-year planning and to 'own' recurring costs rather than rely on temporary funds.
•County has relied on one-time ProShare and ARPA funds to offset taxes; current budget reflects increased use of fund balance (nearly $6,000,000).
•County seeks state/federal funds so local communities can apply for grants to complete the project.
•DOT indicated toll credits might be available and could cover engineering or credits for the project.
•Estimated replacement/upgrade cost is $4.8 million; $2.2 million has been raised so far.
•Regional 9-1-1 radio and tower equipment is 15–20 years old and at risk of failure.
•Study will evaluate three phases: bridge replacement, temporary bridge, Partridge Road rebuild.
•Uncertainty from state ProShare reconciliation could reduce future receipts and complicate budgeting for 2026.

Decisions

•County committed $10,000 for the study (study-only commitment, not a construction pledge).

Directions

•County staff to continue outreach to state and federal contacts and pursue grant opportunities.
•County to participate in a regional monitoring group for federal/state funding changes.
•Staff and department heads to continue line-by-line budget preparation.
•Staff to contact DOT and report back with options and estimates.

Mar

02/05/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Cheshire County commissioners voted to direct the county EMS chief to modify an ambulance order: cancel a $431,000 bariatric unit and reallocate funds to buy two Type 3 ambulances (delivery expected November 2025) with up to $10,000 additional funding; commissioners also discussed a sudden bridge closure affecting access to a nursing home and planned follow-up with state officials.

Discussion Points

•Cost figures presented: $431,000 ARPA allocation for bariatric unit; Type 3 units ~ $220,000 each; estimated additional county funding up to $10,000; projected annual savings ~$64,800.
•County chair requested a one‑page summary from the select board and proposed a Zoom with delegation and state officials to press for prioritization.
•Cummings presented data showing current call mix (~65% emergency calls) and that the county had not needed a dedicated bariatric ambulance since operations began.
•Remounting and equipment transfer options were discussed as a way to spread future replacement costs.
•Select board in Westmoreland closed the River Road bridge citing state test results and safety concerns.
•State cost share likely to be 80/20 or similar, which could require a significant local match (estimated ~ $800,000).

Decisions

•Motion approved unanimously by the three commissioners present.
•No formal county action or funding decision taken at the meeting.

Directions

•County staff to schedule a Zoom with state and delegation representatives and to circulate the select board’s status summary.
•Direct the chief to work with Greenwood to modify order to two Type 3 ambulances and cancel the bariatric order; chief authorized to sign documents.

Mar

02/05/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Discussion Points

•Bariatric ambulance (paid for with ARPA funds) has not been needed in operations to date.
•County call mix has shifted to ~65% emergency responses, 35% interfacility transfers.
•County concerned about access to nursing home on far side and seasonal flooding on alternate roads.
•County has engaged with state of New Hampshire on bridge for months; state drawings exist.
•Partners (Great Brook Ambulance, Keene/area fire services) can provide bariatric transports on request at no cost.
•Town select board closed Westland Bridge on River Road due to safety concerns and refusal to plow the bridge.
•Two Type 3 ambulances would improve patient access, provider safety and reduce operating costs.

Decisions

•Approved repurposing of ARPA-funded bariatric ambulance purchase to two Type 3 ambulances; authorized up to $10,000 additional spending; authorized chief to sign amended agreement.
•No formal county action recorded; county will pursue coordination with state and town officials.

Directions

•County chief/administration to finalize amended purchase documents and sign; develop capital plan for remounting and phased replacement.
•County staff to convene a Zoom meeting with the state delegation, Senator Fenton and the governor's office, and to circulate a one-page summary of the town’s assessments and state drawings.

Mar

02/19/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting

Discussion Points

•ARPA and other one-time funds previously provided relief that is no longer reliably available
•Consent agenda items presented for approval
•County has increased use of fund balance in current budget to near $6,000,000
•County received $1,250,000 from governors office; $936,000 from senior means office pending state budget passage
•County will lobby for higher ambulance reimbursement rates and changes to federal billing rules for treated-but-untransported patients
•County will pursue state/federal grant funding and push to access underused statewide funding pools described in the meeting
•FMLA extension requested for Maplewood employee whose FMLA had exhausted Feb. 12; next appointment March 11
•Motion to adjourn recorded after final calendar items
•ProShare allocations and state reconciliation carry uncertainty that could reduce advanced payments
•Regional 9-1-1 radio/tower equipment estimated at $4,800,000; $2,200,000 raised so far
•Rising salary/wage and capital costs (example: sheriffs security system ~$650,000) place pressure on long-term budgets

Decisions

•All three motions approved unanimously by the three commissioners present.

Directions

•County representatives to travel to Washington, D.C., March 1 to meet federal representatives and national associations and pursue committee seats
•County staff and commissioners to continue line-by-line budget reviews and to brief delegation/towns to improve understanding of county fiscal limits
•County staff to pursue grant applications for tower upgrades and explore state funding opportunities
•Department heads to identify most vulnerable programs and potential alternatives ahead of continued budget review

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